Before the advent of cracked Delphi ECUs, the DTT system was the sole option for Harley Davidson tuning. DTT, however, lacks integration with ion sensing knock systems due to its proprietary DSP hardware residing within the ECU. This hardware requires licensing for access, making integration with modern knock detection improbable and expensive.
Newer Harley models (excluding V-Rods) have reverted to acoustic knock sensors. This shift likely stems from lower hardware costs and simplified R&D tuning. However, it represents a technological regression. Ion sensing offers superior accuracy and resilience against “phantom knock,” a notorious tuning obstacle.
For boost levels below 12-14 psi, the Delphi ECU, with appropriate table scaling, remains a viable option. While resolution is slightly compromised, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks. Crucially, you retain the ability to detect knock, enabling precise timing table adjustments and informed fueling strategies. Aftermarket ECUs often rely on the archaic “plug chop” method – a time-consuming and inefficient process involving analyzing spark plugs after each run. This method is impractical for Harley Davidsons due to the difficult plug accessibility. Tuning with a knock detection system is significantly faster and more accurate.
While DTT caters to those who enjoy hands-on tinkering, the Delphi system offers data-driven insights and superior hardware reliability. Online forums reveal numerous reports of DTT and Thundermax failures, highlighting the Delphi’s robust performance. Therefore, a Harley Davidson To Obdii Converter may not be necessary for many riders. Leveraging the existing Delphi ECU with proper tuning offers a powerful and reliable alternative.
