Mastering your engine’s performance requires more than just intuition; it demands precise, real-time data and intelligent control. For serious tuners and racers, the AEM Series 2 EMS ecosystem offers a suite of tools to monitor, manage, and maximize power. From individual digital gauges that provide critical insights to sophisticated plug-and-play ECUs that take full command, these components are engineered for accuracy and reliability.
Whether you are tracking air/fuel ratios, monitoring boost levels, or replacing your factory engine computer, having the right instrument is fundamental. This roundup highlights key components that integrate with or complement the AEM Series 2 platform, helping you build a complete and highly capable engine management system for your vehicle.
Our Recommended AEM Engine Management Components
- Flynsu 0-150 PSI Digital Oil Pressure Gauge
- AEM X-Series Gauges Combo Set – Wideband AFR & Boost/Fuel Pressure
- AEM 30-0300 X-Series Wideband UEGO AFR Sensor Controller Gauge
- 30-5541 AEM Universal Flush Mount Panel for CD-7 Dash
- AEM Electronics 30-2310 X-Series OBD2 Wideband Air/Fuel Gauge
- AEM 30-4901 Infinity ECU with 8 Injector & Ignition Driver
- AEM Infinity ECU PnP for Nissan 350Z / Infiniti G35 VQ35DE
- AEM Infinity ECU PnP for Subaru WRX / STI 2002-2005
Flynsu 0-150 PSI Digital Oil Pressure Gauge
Keeping a close watch on your engine’s oil pressure is a fundamental aspect of engine preservation and performance. This Flynsu digital gauge provides a clear and precise readout from 0 to 150 PSI, ensuring you have immediate awareness of your engine’s vital oiling system status. Its compatibility with both carbureted and EFI vehicles makes it a versatile addition to any project or daily driver.
The gauge features a standard 52mm housing for easy installation in most popular gauge pods. The digital LED interface displays pressure in 1 PSI increments for high accuracy, while the 24 green LED lights and auto-dimming function make it easy to read in any lighting condition. With a plug-and-play harness and sensor included, the setup process is simplified for a straightforward installation.
AEM X-Series Gauges Combo Set – Wideband AFR & Boost/Fuel Pressure
For those who need to monitor multiple engine parameters simultaneously, this AEM X-Series combo set is an efficient solution. It packages two critical gauges into one kit: a Wideband Air/Fuel Ratio (AFR) gauge and a 15 PSI Boost/Fuel Pressure gauge. This combination provides the essential data needed for effective tuning and maintaining engine health under boost.
Designed with a compact profile of just 0.825 inches in depth, these 52mm gauges can be mounted in tight spaces where other gauges might not fit. The advanced display on the AFR gauge includes a large center LED and 24 outer LEDs for quick, easy-to-interpret readings. Furthermore, the included analog and CANbus outputs allow for seamless integration with an EMS or data logger, making this kit a smart choice for a professional setup.
AEM 30-0300 X-Series Wideband UEGO AFR Sensor Controller Gauge
Accurate air/fuel ratio monitoring is non-negotiable for performance tuning, and the AEM 30-0300 X-Series Wideband Gauge is built for this exact purpose. It features a modern faceplate with a center display that is 87% larger than previous models, ensuring critical AFR data is highly visible at a glance. This level of clarity is vital when making real-time adjustments.
Beyond its clear display, this gauge utilizes advanced X-Digital wideband technology to read and report values that other controllers may miss. This capability can lead to a more optimized and safer engine tune. For data acquisition and integration, it provides a 0-5v output, an RS232 Serial Port, and an AEMnet (CANbus) output, making it a fully-featured controller for serious enthusiasts and professionals.
30-5541 AEM Universal Flush Mount Panel for CD-7 Carbon Digital Dash
A clean and professional installation is key to any dashboard upgrade, especially when integrating a advanced digital dash like the AEM CD-7. This universal flush mount panel is specifically designed for this purpose, providing a seamless and OEM-like finish. It eliminates the need for custom fabrication, saving time and ensuring a high-quality appearance.
The panel is engineered to fit the CD-7 dash perfectly, allowing it to sit flush with your dashboard’s surface. This not only improves aesthetics but also reduces glare and makes the display easier to read while driving. It is an essential accessory for anyone looking to install a CD-7 dash for a complete and integrated engine management display.
AEM Electronics 30-2310 X-Series OBD2 Wideband Air/Fuel Gauge
This particular AEM wideband gauge offers a unique advantage by integrating OBD2 connectivity. It provides all the standard features of a high-quality wideband controller, including precise air/fuel ratio measurement and a clear digital display. The addition of OBD2 functionality allows it to access and display data from your vehicle’s onboard computer, providing a more comprehensive view of engine operations.
By combining wideband sensor data with OBD2 parameters, this gauge serves as a powerful diagnostic tool. It can help correlate AFR readings with other engine sensors, offering deeper insights for tuning and troubleshooting. This makes it an excellent choice for modern vehicles where understanding the interaction between aftermarket components and the factory ECU is important.
AEM 30-4901 Infinity ECU with 8 Injector & Ignition Driver
For ultimate control over your engine, the AEM Infinity ECU (INF-001) is a standalone engine management system designed for high-performance applications. This unit comes equipped with 8 injector and 8 ignition drivers, providing direct control for most V8 engines or two four-cylinder engines simultaneously. It is the brain behind a fully customized engine setup.
The Infinity ECU offers virtually limitless tuning capabilities, supporting everything from basic street tuning to complex motorsport applications. Its powerful processor can handle advanced strategies like individual cylinder tuning, closed-loop lambda control, and traction control. This ECU is intended for tuners and builders who require a robust and highly configurable solution to maximize their engine’s potential.
AEM Infinity ECU PnP for Nissan 350Z / Infiniti G35 VQ35DE
This version of the AEM Infinity ECU is a plug-and-play unit specifically designed for the Nissan 350Z and Infiniti G35 equipped with the VQ35DE engine. It replaces the factory ECU without the need for custom wiring harnesses, making it significantly easier to install a full standalone engine management system. This saves considerable time and effort during the installation process.
Despite the simple installation, it retains all the powerful features of the standalone Infinity ECU. You gain complete control over fuel, ignition, and boost, allowing for significant power gains and optimized drivability. This PnP solution is ideal for owners of these popular platforms who want to move beyond the limitations of the stock ECU for racing, drifting, or serious street performance.
AEM Infinity ECU PnP for Subaru WRX / STI 2002-2005
Targeting the iconic Subaru WRX and STI models from 2002 to 2005, this Infinity ECU (INF-502) is a dedicated plug-and-play engine management solution. It is engineered to directly connect to the vehicle’s factory harness, eliminating complex wiring and making a professional-grade standalone ECU accessible for a broader range of enthusiasts.
This ECU unlocks the full potential of the Subaru boxer engine by providing precise control over all aspects of engine operation. It supports advanced features like AVCS control, speed density tuning, and built-in sensors for oil pressure and temperature. For Subaru owners aiming for higher horsepower levels or improved track performance, this PnP ECU provides the necessary control and reliability.
How to Choose the Right AEM Series 2 EMS
So, you’re thinking about stepping up your engine management game with an AEM Series 2 EMS. I get it; it’s a big decision. These aren’t simple plug-and-play chips; they’re serious pieces of hardware for serious power gains. Having spent a lot of time with these units, I can tell you that the “best” one is entirely dependent on your specific project and goals. Let’s break down what you should be looking for before you commit.
First, you need to be honest about your application. Are you building a weekend track weapon, a high-horsepower drag car, or a sophisticated street build? The base model 30-2310 Infinity is an absolute powerhouse for most race applications, offering insane I/O and logging capabilities. But if your project is a modern vehicle that relies heavily on the factory ECU for things like the instrument cluster or security, you might be better served by the 30-330X plug-and-play variants. These are specific to certain vehicle models and are designed to integrate seamlessly, saving you a massive amount of wiring and configuration headache.
Next, consider your own skill level and who will be doing the tuning. The AEM Infinity software is incredibly powerful, but it has a steep learning curve. If you’re not planning on becoming an expert tuner yourself, your choice of tuner is more important than your choice of ECU. Talk to your preferred tuner before you buy. They will have a strong opinion on what hardware they work best with and what features you actually need. Paying for a top-tier ECU with hundreds of I/O options is a waste if you’re only going to use ten percent of its potential.
Finally, think about future-proofing. What are your power goals now, and where might they be in two years? A common mistake is buying an ECU that just meets your current needs. If you plan on adding things like individual cylinder control, a boost controller, nitrous, or flex fuel later, make sure the ECU you choose has enough inputs, outputs, and processing power to handle it. The expandability of the Series 2 line is a huge advantage. Starting with a 30-2310 and adding a CAN-expansion box later for more sensors is a very practical approach. My final piece of advice is to map out your entire engine management plan on paper first—every sensor, every solenoid, every extra feature—and then choose the AEM Series 2 EMS that fits that plan, with a little room to grow.
FAQ
What’s the main difference between the plug-and-play and standalone Infinity ECUs?
The core difference boils down to installation and integration. The plug-and-play units, like the 30-3302 for an EVO X, are designed to use the factory engine harness. This is a massive time-saver and allows you to retain factory features like your dash cluster and A/C. The standalone Infinity ECUs, like the 30-2310, are universal and require a custom engine harness. This gives you ultimate flexibility for a race car or a swap, but it’s a much more involved installation process. Both run the same powerful Infinity software, so the tuning capability is top-notch on either.
Is the AEM Series 2 too complicated for a beginner to tune?
I won’t sugarcoat it: yes, it can be. The Infinity software is a professional-grade tool used by winning race teams worldwide. It has features and depth that a beginner will simply not need or understand right away. If you are new to engine management, this is not where I would recommend you start. However, if you are committed to learning and have a solid foundation of engine tuning principles, the AEM documentation and community support are excellent. For most people, especially beginners, hiring a professional tuner to get the car dialed in is the safest and most effective route.
Can I run my factory drive-by-wire throttle body with a Series 2 EMS?
Absolutely. This is one of the strong suits of the platform. The AEM Series 2 EMS has fully integrated drive-by-wire control. You can configure it to work with your factory throttle body, or you can use an aftermarket unit like a Bosch style. The ECU gives you complete control over the throttle response, including cruise control functions if you’re building a street car. It’s a very robust system that works seamlessly once it’s properly calibrated.
What kind of data logging capabilities does it have?
The data logging is, in a word, phenomenal. The logging speed is incredibly fast, allowing you to capture very transient events like a missfire or a sudden lean condition. You can log hundreds of parameters simultaneously, and with the available memory, you can record very long sessions—perfect for a full track day or a long tuning pull. You can also set up conditional triggers, so the ECU starts logging automatically when it sees boost over a certain PSI or a specific fault code. For diagnosing problems or refining your tune, this level of data is invaluable.
Do I need a special wideband O2 sensor, or can I use the factory one?
You will need a wideband oxygen sensor system. The factory narrowband sensors are not sufficient for the precision tuning the AEM Series 2 EMS is capable of. The good news is that many AEM units come with a built-in wideband controller, and they also sell matching wideband sensor kits. This integrated approach is ideal because it ensures perfect communication between the sensor and the ECU, giving you the most accurate air/fuel ratio data for your fuel calculations and closed-loop control.