PowerCommander for 2003 Vulcan Nomad

[Blueraven]

Hello everyone. I have installed a PC for my 2003 nomad. It won't idle when first started but afterwards runs great. I have put in the MAP for the type MC that I have. Are there some suggestion you can make to change the map or is there a map out there that others have used that work great. The only aftermarket on the bike is the V and H pipes. Your help would be appreciated.

[CongaJon]

I notice that you haven't gotten any help with this one. I sure wish I had more to offer!

Have you tried playing around with the fuel in the 1000 to 1200 rpm (idle) range? It's easy enough to make changes on the fly and if you don't like the results just don't save the changes. Connect your laptop, ignite the beast, "get map", bump the fuel values up a little in the idle range, "send map" and see if it improves. As the PC doesn't account for temperature, you'll have to find a balance that works for start-up AND normal operating temps. If you do, save the map and make a copy somewhere else! I don't suppose you have the map from your old unit? I know that was a long time ago and given your profession I'm quite certain you would have tried it if you still had it. Gotta ask, though!

I've been screwing with mine because I have some roughness at around 2k, which is, sadly, 3rd gear around town. I think I'm going to pony up the 3 bills for a dyno tune, figuring if it helps it will be an improvement for the life of the bike (or me, whichever comes first)! Hell, a slight increase in fuel efficiency will pay for the tuning over that length of time.

Good luck to you, and go Leafs go!

Jon

[waldowales]

My 2003 Nomad had a PC on it when I got it. It runs like a champ, my only complaint is the fuel economy. It did 32 mpg on the last tank. It's running the recommended map for full V & H exhaust, stock intake. The map is M202-002.djm. I plan to lower the mid range setting to see if it still runs well and gets a bit better mileage. I'd like to trade experiences with you, maybe one of us will hit the magic formula.

[Blueraven]

If anyone has some maps from having their PC3USB tuned and would like to share, please message me. I have a stock bike except for V and H pipes.

[Calldavid]

On my 03 Nomad, the PO had done all the mods including PC3. Ran good, had to have KCR replaced.. Long story short decided to have it Dyno'ed after work done. What a difference, picked up 5 hp. No lag at launch and mpg went back up.

[Rok]

Originally Posted by Blueraven

Hello everyone. I have installed a PC for my 2003 nomad. It won't idle when first started but afterwards runs great. I have put in the MAP for the type MC that I have. Are there some suggestion you can make to change the map or is there a map out there that others have used that work great. The only aftermarket on the bike is the V and H pipes. Your help would be appreciated.

Hi Ryhs,
If you have the right map for your setup, there are a couple things you can do, all of which involve connecting a laptop to your PC3.
If you bought the controller from Fuel Moto, call them; they generate their own maps, based on specific bikes. My Classic 1500 ran like a scalded dog using their map. I tend to screw with stuff but I cannot improve on their map. Even if you didn't get it from them, call their tech support and see if they'll help.
Next: Activate the accelerator pump utility and try inserting 30 as a baseline @ 30 throttle position. It purpose is to act as squirters (accelerator pump ckt.) on a carb and improve throttle response. It works, too.
Also: If you look at the top header of the screen with your laptop connectedto PC3, there's a place where you can add or subtract up to 5% of the fuel at each cylinder, called cylinder trim IIRC. Let a plug check be your guide here. If it's running lean, add fuel. If it's rich, subtract. Eventually some people add a bit more fuel on #2 because it runs a little warmer than #1 and the added fuel helps to cool it somewhat. Personally I never did this but kept the fuel trim the same on each cylinder
If all else fails, get into your map file and load a zero map for comparison. As it implies, you'll be running strictly off the OEM ECU, neither adding or subtracting fuel anyplace.
The ultimate long term solution for PC3 if you're not happy with how canned maps work is to find a Dynojet service facility with enhanced hardware/software. They'll custom tailor a map just for your bike, based on A/F ratio throughout the RPM range.
Finally, while you've got the laptop connected look at your map, specifically with the throttle @ 5% or less and the RPMS up to around 1500. You don't want alot of fuel added here. Remember, our engines idle at around 1000 RPMs. if you're adding fuel, especially alot of it at just over 1500 RPMs and pull the "choke" knob out, you may be making the hard-starting scenario even worse.
Hope some of this makes sense. I went through this crap a long time ago on my 1500 Drifter after adding a Thunder airbox and building my own exhaust, but that's another story.
Please let us know how you make out.
ROK

[Rok]

Originally Posted by waldowales

My 2003 Nomad had a PC on it when I got it. It runs like a champ, my only complaint is the fuel economy. It did 32 mpg on the last tank. It's running the recommended map for full V & H exhaust, stock intake. The map is M202-002.djm. I plan to lower the mid range setting to see if it still runs well and gets a bit better mileage. I'd like to trade experiences with you, maybe one of us will hit the magic formula.

Waldo,
I have a PC3 coming this week from Fuel Moto for my '04 Nomad. Once I d/l the software on my laptop and retrieve the map, we can compare notes. In the meantime, if you can plug into your controller, try dropping the cylinder trim by 5% on both cylinders. Do a plug check after you ride it for awhile to confirm a healthy color on the electrodes.
My setup will be much like yours, except w/Cobra exhaust. I may or may not go with a K&N filter.
Fuel Moto works up their own maps in their own shop. I'll tell you this much: Their map for my '06 Classic was DYNAMITE. It literally makes power from down low until max RPMs. If this new one is anything near that level of performance, I'll be one happy (but broke) camper !

[Blueraven]

Thanks for the info ROK. If you could send me your map(s) so that I can compare with the one that was on their that would be great.

[Blueraven]

Originally Posted by waldowales

My 2003 Nomad had a PC on it when I got it. It runs like a champ, my only complaint is the fuel economy. It did 32 mpg on the last tank. It's running the recommended map for full V & H exhaust, stock intake. The map is M202-002.djm. I plan to lower the mid range setting to see if it still runs well and gets a bit better mileage. I'd like to trade experiences with you, maybe one of us will hit the magic formula.

I put in a map 202-006 and the gas mileage is WAY better. I am getting about 4ltr/100km now. Much better. Tweeking is going to be needed for better performance but I do like to mileage.

[Rok]

Originally Posted by Blueraven

Thanks for the info ROK. If you could send me your map(s) so that I can compare with the one that was on their that would be great.

I have the PC3 but have to load the software onto my computer in order to retrieve it. Hang in there.

[Rok]

OK, after spending the afternoon refreshing the Power Commander software on an archaic laptop, I power up the new PC3 device and find a com error, telling me there's no map in the device that was supposed to be loaded into it before it shipped. I'll deal with Fuel Moto on that tomorrow, after they open.
NOW, everything else aside, I'm posting a custom map FM did for my 06 1500 Classic. I know it works. Resolution in your software can be maximized under sub header "tools" or "power commander tools" on your laptop. One thing you may try and check is to make sure your TPS is calibrated to your device. This can be found in the software tutorial. The map itself is in 250 RPM resolution beginning @ 500 RPM. It looks conservative but totally gave me midrange off the chart...the bike literally makes power until RPM cutoff. If I find the Custom map by Fuel Moto unsatisfactory, I'll be going with this one. Hoping the resolution works right here.. TP increment is (%) 0,2,5,10,20,40, 60,80 & 100.
Sorry it lacks the .djm format but this should be easy to build, tag and save.
0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0
1 1 1 2 2 1 0 0 0
1 3 2 5 4 1 0 0 -3
0 4 3 11 8 3 0 0 -6
0 2 7 12 10 3 1 0 -5
0 0 14 13 13 4 3 1 -4
0 0 11 10 6 0 1 0 -4
0 0 9 8 1 2 2 2 -6
0 0 7 8 2 0 0 1 -2
0 0 5 9 6 3 2 1 0
0 0 2 9 7 5 4 2 0
0 0 0 9 9 7 7 2 1
0 0 0 8 10 7 7 1 1
0 0 0 7 11 7 7 0 1
0 0 0 7 10 6 6 0 1
0 0 0 7 9 5 5 1 -4
0 0 0 3 6 3 3 0 -3
0 0 0 0 4 1 2 -2 -3
0 0 0 0 4 -1 0 -3 -3
0 0 0 0 4 -3 -2 -4 -4
0 0 0 0 2 -1 -1 -2 -4
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 -5

Randy

[Rok]

Nomad 1500 map:
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 13 8 7 9 5 0 0 0
0 27 17 15 18 10 3 2 0
0 16 18 14 18 12 4 2 4
0 6 20 13 18 14 6 2 8
0 3 18 14 19 13 5 3 6
0 0 16 16 20 12 5 5 5
0 0 18 15 19 11 8 6 6
0 0 20 14 18 11 12 7 8
0 0 16 14 16 9 11 4 7
0 0 12 15 14 7 10 1 7
0 0 9 15 12 8 8 0 5
0 0 7 15 11 10 6 -2 4
0 0 3 17 11 9 6 -2 4
0 0 0 20 11 9 6 -2 4
0 0 0 20 11 8 4 0 3
0 0 0 20 12 8 2 1 2
0 0 0 10 12 5 2 1 1
0 0 0 0 12 3 3 2 1
0 0 0 0 6 1 1 1 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Same resolution as above. Not exactly sure how to import/export .djm file. Hope you get some decent results from either one or the other of these.
Let us know.
Rok

[Blueraven]

Thank you. Will give this a try.