Things work better when you have full control, which is why LoveFab, Inc. has introduced the “LoveFab AEM Infinity Drive-by-Wire, Plug-and-Play Engine Management System” for the 1995-2005 Acura NSX.
LoveFab has been turbocharging the NSX for more than a decade, but we’ve never been satisfied with the engine-management systems available for the 1995-2005 Drive-by-Wire (DBW) NSX. Yes, the systems technically functioned (sort of) but they were far from optimized, without having proper idle or throttle control. Frequent stalling was commonplace, which was annoying, to say the least.
More importantly, critical engine safety features/intervention were basically non-existent, putting owners at greater risk of catastrophic engine damage that could otherwise have been prevented. What do we mean?
With the available electronic management systems on the market, a drive-by-wire NSX engine could be tuned to run within specific parameters. However, if those were breached due to driver error, drastic climate change, or parts failure, there was little available to electronically protect the engine from almost certain doom; the kind of doom that could cost tens of thousands to repair, not to mention the aggravation and downtime.
But, that’s about to change.
The new LoveFab Drive-by-Wire AEM Infinity system was designed through a no-compromise approach to tuning the 1995-2005 NSX, adapting the AEM Infinity as the base engine management hardware.
For the astounding technical specifications of the units themselves, check here: http://www.aemelectronics.com/?q=products/programmable-engine-management-systems/infinity-ecu
In a nutshell, the Infinity is the most advanced ECU available for the aftermarket NSX tuning community. Our conversion process was multi-faceted, and took months to finalize.
Here's what we did: Engine management reform
1) The first order of business was to gain throttle and idle control so as to combat the stalling issues. The factory NSX throttle body is not controllable via any modern tunable ECU, so our approach to this problem was to remove it, and use another well-known and reliable piece. Enter the GM 76-mm electronic throttle body.
The “76” is used by literally millions of vehicles spanning the last decade. It’s readily available and quite large (the factory unit is 63 mm). The response rate of this unit is fantastic as well, which makes for a snappy engine.
http://youtu.be/sJQevHR3fcQ?list=UUpnCW-3Zd0xdbVyhoj_LMRg
2) The second task was to adapt the throttle body so that it could be easily bolted to the factory intake manifold. To do this, we developed a multi-dimensional adapter plate that’s CNC machined from aluminum.
Our plate replaces the factory rubberized steel spacer and attaches via recessed bolt holes. The GM 76-mm throttle body is then simply bolted to the adapter plate. It’s a painless exercise.
The inlet port is tapered, which adapts the 76-mm throttle body down to the factory 63 mm intake in a smooth transition. Customers who wish to remove and port their intake manifolds can easily increase the diameter of the inlet as well as the adapter plate. Naturally aspirated and turbo applications will benefit here: just don’t go too far. A hidden feature of this piece is its no-flex design. In 2008, we pushed our shop NSX as far as it would go; topping out at 32 psi of boost. One issue preventing us from going higher was that the factory rubberized steel spacer was “flexing” around its attachment points, resulting in a massive boost leak, and ultimately thwarting our efforts of a true 1,000 whp run on a Mustang dyno.
3) The third issue of adapting the Infinity to the NSX is the wiring. This is often the most difficult process of building any vehicle and very few people have the neither patience nor time needed to rewire an entire management system and all its sensors. So, we devised a clever solution for this, which means the wiring-harness adapter installs in less than an hour, with full plug-and-play capabilities thanks to clearly labeled leads. These include the “standard” oil pressure, fuel pressure, boost control (wiring connections to the solenoid required), and the GM throttle-body electrical connector. The goal of this system is a true plug-and-play installation, with world-class engine monitoring and safety facilities in place.
4) As of January 5th, 2014 ALL SYSTEMS WILL SHIP with User Adjustable Traction control!!!
An NSX world-first! We have successfully configured completely tunable and user-adjustable traction control, all with simple with plug and play installation. Utilizing AEM Infinity's extensive traction control strategy in conjunction with a user-adjustable control knob, this the driver to set the traction control engagement point, which is extremely valuable depending on condition. Please note that only the Infinity8/10 and the Infinity812's have four wheel speed inputs, the Infinity6 only has two. This may be important to you, depending on your intended use for the traction control system.
Why your Modified NSX engine is potentially at-risk without the LoveFab DBW AEM Infinity Engine management system
Several NSXs have come through our shop with blown engines that resulted from SIMPLE parts failing, and/or user error. If just ONE of these parts fails, such as a fuel-pressure regulator, the engine could run lean, and if the customer wasn’t glued to their wideband gauge, the engine would blow up. You’re now out thousands of dollars with the chance of it happening again still hanging over your head.
Another example is a simple intercooler water pump, which could fail, causing elevated intake air temperatures, and possibly a blown engine, all without any warning or any way for the engine-management system to “know” and to take correction action to save your engine.
Oil-pump failure is another relatively common NSX issue that without scrupulous gauge monitoring could result in writing off the entire engine.
Finally, there is the driver. Moreover, driver error; or just human error. We’ve given strict instruction to our customers for more than a decade to FULLY warm up their vehicles before pushing the engine. However; this doesn’t always happen in the real world.
These are all issues of the past because with the new Infinity-based system we have devised fail-safes for ALL of these common and sometimes unavoidable issues.
Here's how the LoveFab DBW AEM Infinity Engine management system saves your engine
1) Fuel pressure:
The LoveFab Infinity system comes standard with a 100-psi fuel-pressure sensor. This constantly relays a real-time fuel-pressure reading to the Infinity, which is then used to directly influence the VE calculation. If there is a fluctuation of fuel pressure due to voltage issues, a slowly clogging fuel filter, a failed fuel pressure regulator, or a failing fuel pump (for example), the Infinity will automatically adjust the “tune” to compensate. If the pressure drops out of its programmed range, the Infinity is put into protection mode until the condition improves, the “Check Engine” light is tripped until the condition improves, and you’ll likely have saved your engine.
2) Lean protection: The bottom line here is if the engine goes leaner than commanded under certain load (boost) conditions, the Infinity is put into protection mode until the condition improves. The “Check Engine” light is tripped until the condition improves, and you’ll likely have saved your engine.
3) Coolant-temperature protection: If the engine is not fully warmed up, we are able to limit the rpm to prevent damage. Conversely, if the engine overheats, the same applies.
4) Oil-pressure protection: The LoveFab Infinity system comes standard with a 150-psi oil-pressure sensor. If the Infinity detects a drop in oil pressure outside of the programmed range, we are able to limit the rpm to help protect the engine from further damage.
5) Boost control: This is more of a performance feature than a safety measure, but it all plays hand in hand. With multiple fully configurable boost control tables, we are able to do a plethora of things, all feeding off of one another. To touch on the safety theme, we can limit boost based on coolant, and air-intake temperatures. We are able to command a lower boost level based on useable power through the tires in the lower gears. Another neat trick is being able to run the boost control through an AEM 12-position knob so that the driver can adjust boost levels on the fly. This is setup through another table, which interacts with all of the rest of the tables. The boost control features are incredible throughout the Infinity line.
6) E85: With the addition of an E85 sensor, flex fuel is easily programmable, as it’s hard-wired into the Infinity software. Plug-and-play options available.
7) Traction control: Under development now, this is a must in our view as previous systems had no traction control; or worse, were spotty in functionality, which is both a safety and performance issue on any NSX of any power level.
So, how does it drive?
As of this writing in December, Michigan weather is of course rather inclement and we are limited with our driving experiences. However, we recently took a LoveFab Drive-by-Wire AEM Infinity-equipped 2005 NSX, which also has our LF1200STS package (3.45-liter stroker engine and LF800TS turbo system), for its maiden drive. The first thing we noticed was the SEAMLESS power.
The car previously had the AEM FIC piggyback system installed, which has a very small tuning window. Although it serves the purpose on a turbocharged stock engine, it was immediately apparent that the stroker motor wanted more of everything down low. More air, more timing, and VTEC entry rev point lowered. With the new LoveFab Infinity setup, we’re able to properly tune the timing curves as well as the VTEC engagement point.
The upside of being able to tune the throttle body was instantly apparent. For one, the car never stalled once. In fact, neither of the two DBW NSXs we’ve so far equipped with our custom Infinity system has ever stalled. The other immediately apparent result of throttle-body tuning is INSTANT response. It’s difficult to put into words what the car feels like, except that it no longer feels like turbo V6, but rather a big-inchV8 with instant power and virtually no turbo lag.
http://youtu.be/_UCLO5ETsTc
In combination with the stroked LoveFab turbo NSX powerplant, the larger throttle body combined with the ability to “tune” it has literally blown our minds. In fact, some might find the throttle actuation a little “too snappy” as the change is quite drastic from the throttle response of the factory engine. This is easily scaled back, however, based on the driver’s needs. That’s the benefit of the aptly named “Infinity” system as we can virtually do what we want with it.
What kind of power increase does it provide?
At the moment, we are not able to get enough traction on the dyno to actually realize a maximum power level . . .
http://youtu.be/Dj00s2Qdg7E?list=UUpnCW-3Zd0xdbVyhoj_LMRg
However, prior to the LoveFab Infinity, this car had plenty of grip. Now, with the LoveFab DBW AEM Infinity, more power is made throughout the whole rev range and the result is wheelspin on the dyno. We have stickier tires on the way for all of the Infinity cars (including the 760-plus whp 1991 NSX that’s being converted to Infinity as of this writing) which will allow us to really gauge the power increase. Results will be posted as soon as we are able to cleanly run the tests.
How much does it cost?
LoveFab offers three levels, including a “base” system, which we feel protects the most critical aspects of the engine against mechanical failure and driver error, at a reasonable cost and installation comfort level. These systems are capable of MUCH more, but the installation is a little more difficult. In either case, these all need to be tuned by an EXPERIENCED AEM Infinity tuner, as each car is unique and requires its own setup.
1) LoveFab Drive-by-Wire (DBW) AEM Infinity 6 System
$3,499.99*, includes the following:
https://www.lovefab.com/Store/Product-Detail/ProductID/110/aem-infinity6
AEM Infinity 6
Wiring adapter harness
GM throttle body
Silicon adapter
Throttle-body adapter plate
(1) AEM 3.5 Bar MAP sensor
(1) AEM 100-psi fuel-pressure sensor
(1) AEM 150-psi oil-pressure sensor
(1) AEM UEGO sensor
(1) AEM UEGO adapter harness
* This system comes equipped one wideband sensor, which is great for single-turbo cars. Customers wanting two O2 sensors (both banks being monitored) can order the Infinity 8/10 or 8/12, or opt for an additional wideband-signal-wiring input which can be ordered and added to your Infinity adapter harness. Obviously, you’ll need wire the 0-5V output from your existing wideband into this flying lead.
2) LoveFab DBW AEM Infinity 8/10 System
$4,499.99, includes the following:
AEM Infinity 8/10
Wiring adapter harness
GM throttle body
Silicon adapter
Throttle body adapter plate
(1) AEM 3.5 Bar MAP sensor
(1) AEM 100-psi fuel-pressure sensor
(1) AEM 150-psi oil-pressure sensor
(2) AEM UEGO sensor
(2) AEM UEGO adapter harness
3) LoveFab DBW AEM Infinity 8/12 System
$4,999.99, includes the following:
AEM Infinity 8/12
Wiring adapter harness
GM throttle body
Silicon adapter
Throttle body adapter plate
(1) AEM 3.5 Bar MAP sensor
(1) AEM 100psi fuel pressure sensor
(1) AEM 150psi oil pressure sensor
(2) AEM UEGO sensor
(2) AEM UEGO adapter harness
When do I get the system after I order?
All systems ship within two-three weeks of ordering (payment must be made in full). Harnesses are made to order.
As with anything LoveFab produces and sells for the NSX, custom options are available, so please ask if you don’t see what you need.
Can LoveFab install an tune it?
Oh, yes, indeed. We are available for installation and tuning at your location (daily rate applies) and we can also install and tune in our shop.
We will be posting our Infinity updates in this thread from here on out, which includes our traction-control endeavors. Ask any questions via my email below, or in this thread. Thanks!
Cody Loveland
LoveFab, Inc.
LoveFab has been turbocharging the NSX for more than a decade, but we’ve never been satisfied with the engine-management systems available for the 1995-2005 Drive-by-Wire (DBW) NSX. Yes, the systems technically functioned (sort of) but they were far from optimized, without having proper idle or throttle control. Frequent stalling was commonplace, which was annoying, to say the least.
More importantly, critical engine safety features/intervention were basically non-existent, putting owners at greater risk of catastrophic engine damage that could otherwise have been prevented. What do we mean?
With the available electronic management systems on the market, a drive-by-wire NSX engine could be tuned to run within specific parameters. However, if those were breached due to driver error, drastic climate change, or parts failure, there was little available to electronically protect the engine from almost certain doom; the kind of doom that could cost tens of thousands to repair, not to mention the aggravation and downtime.
But, that’s about to change.
The new LoveFab Drive-by-Wire AEM Infinity system was designed through a no-compromise approach to tuning the 1995-2005 NSX, adapting the AEM Infinity as the base engine management hardware.
For the astounding technical specifications of the units themselves, check here: http://www.aemelectronics.com/?q=products/programmable-engine-management-systems/infinity-ecu
In a nutshell, the Infinity is the most advanced ECU available for the aftermarket NSX tuning community. Our conversion process was multi-faceted, and took months to finalize.
Here's what we did: Engine management reform
1) The first order of business was to gain throttle and idle control so as to combat the stalling issues. The factory NSX throttle body is not controllable via any modern tunable ECU, so our approach to this problem was to remove it, and use another well-known and reliable piece. Enter the GM 76-mm electronic throttle body.
The “76” is used by literally millions of vehicles spanning the last decade. It’s readily available and quite large (the factory unit is 63 mm). The response rate of this unit is fantastic as well, which makes for a snappy engine.
http://youtu.be/sJQevHR3fcQ?list=UUpnCW-3Zd0xdbVyhoj_LMRg
2) The second task was to adapt the throttle body so that it could be easily bolted to the factory intake manifold. To do this, we developed a multi-dimensional adapter plate that’s CNC machined from aluminum.
Our plate replaces the factory rubberized steel spacer and attaches via recessed bolt holes. The GM 76-mm throttle body is then simply bolted to the adapter plate. It’s a painless exercise.
The inlet port is tapered, which adapts the 76-mm throttle body down to the factory 63 mm intake in a smooth transition. Customers who wish to remove and port their intake manifolds can easily increase the diameter of the inlet as well as the adapter plate. Naturally aspirated and turbo applications will benefit here: just don’t go too far. A hidden feature of this piece is its no-flex design. In 2008, we pushed our shop NSX as far as it would go; topping out at 32 psi of boost. One issue preventing us from going higher was that the factory rubberized steel spacer was “flexing” around its attachment points, resulting in a massive boost leak, and ultimately thwarting our efforts of a true 1,000 whp run on a Mustang dyno.
3) The third issue of adapting the Infinity to the NSX is the wiring. This is often the most difficult process of building any vehicle and very few people have the neither patience nor time needed to rewire an entire management system and all its sensors. So, we devised a clever solution for this, which means the wiring-harness adapter installs in less than an hour, with full plug-and-play capabilities thanks to clearly labeled leads. These include the “standard” oil pressure, fuel pressure, boost control (wiring connections to the solenoid required), and the GM throttle-body electrical connector. The goal of this system is a true plug-and-play installation, with world-class engine monitoring and safety facilities in place.
4) As of January 5th, 2014 ALL SYSTEMS WILL SHIP with User Adjustable Traction control!!!
An NSX world-first! We have successfully configured completely tunable and user-adjustable traction control, all with simple with plug and play installation. Utilizing AEM Infinity's extensive traction control strategy in conjunction with a user-adjustable control knob, this the driver to set the traction control engagement point, which is extremely valuable depending on condition. Please note that only the Infinity8/10 and the Infinity812's have four wheel speed inputs, the Infinity6 only has two. This may be important to you, depending on your intended use for the traction control system.
Why your Modified NSX engine is potentially at-risk without the LoveFab DBW AEM Infinity Engine management system
Several NSXs have come through our shop with blown engines that resulted from SIMPLE parts failing, and/or user error. If just ONE of these parts fails, such as a fuel-pressure regulator, the engine could run lean, and if the customer wasn’t glued to their wideband gauge, the engine would blow up. You’re now out thousands of dollars with the chance of it happening again still hanging over your head.
Another example is a simple intercooler water pump, which could fail, causing elevated intake air temperatures, and possibly a blown engine, all without any warning or any way for the engine-management system to “know” and to take correction action to save your engine.
Oil-pump failure is another relatively common NSX issue that without scrupulous gauge monitoring could result in writing off the entire engine.
Finally, there is the driver. Moreover, driver error; or just human error. We’ve given strict instruction to our customers for more than a decade to FULLY warm up their vehicles before pushing the engine. However; this doesn’t always happen in the real world.
These are all issues of the past because with the new Infinity-based system we have devised fail-safes for ALL of these common and sometimes unavoidable issues.
Here's how the LoveFab DBW AEM Infinity Engine management system saves your engine
1) Fuel pressure:
The LoveFab Infinity system comes standard with a 100-psi fuel-pressure sensor. This constantly relays a real-time fuel-pressure reading to the Infinity, which is then used to directly influence the VE calculation. If there is a fluctuation of fuel pressure due to voltage issues, a slowly clogging fuel filter, a failed fuel pressure regulator, or a failing fuel pump (for example), the Infinity will automatically adjust the “tune” to compensate. If the pressure drops out of its programmed range, the Infinity is put into protection mode until the condition improves, the “Check Engine” light is tripped until the condition improves, and you’ll likely have saved your engine.
2) Lean protection: The bottom line here is if the engine goes leaner than commanded under certain load (boost) conditions, the Infinity is put into protection mode until the condition improves. The “Check Engine” light is tripped until the condition improves, and you’ll likely have saved your engine.
3) Coolant-temperature protection: If the engine is not fully warmed up, we are able to limit the rpm to prevent damage. Conversely, if the engine overheats, the same applies.
4) Oil-pressure protection: The LoveFab Infinity system comes standard with a 150-psi oil-pressure sensor. If the Infinity detects a drop in oil pressure outside of the programmed range, we are able to limit the rpm to help protect the engine from further damage.
5) Boost control: This is more of a performance feature than a safety measure, but it all plays hand in hand. With multiple fully configurable boost control tables, we are able to do a plethora of things, all feeding off of one another. To touch on the safety theme, we can limit boost based on coolant, and air-intake temperatures. We are able to command a lower boost level based on useable power through the tires in the lower gears. Another neat trick is being able to run the boost control through an AEM 12-position knob so that the driver can adjust boost levels on the fly. This is setup through another table, which interacts with all of the rest of the tables. The boost control features are incredible throughout the Infinity line.
6) E85: With the addition of an E85 sensor, flex fuel is easily programmable, as it’s hard-wired into the Infinity software. Plug-and-play options available.
7) Traction control: Under development now, this is a must in our view as previous systems had no traction control; or worse, were spotty in functionality, which is both a safety and performance issue on any NSX of any power level.
So, how does it drive?
As of this writing in December, Michigan weather is of course rather inclement and we are limited with our driving experiences. However, we recently took a LoveFab Drive-by-Wire AEM Infinity-equipped 2005 NSX, which also has our LF1200STS package (3.45-liter stroker engine and LF800TS turbo system), for its maiden drive. The first thing we noticed was the SEAMLESS power.
The car previously had the AEM FIC piggyback system installed, which has a very small tuning window. Although it serves the purpose on a turbocharged stock engine, it was immediately apparent that the stroker motor wanted more of everything down low. More air, more timing, and VTEC entry rev point lowered. With the new LoveFab Infinity setup, we’re able to properly tune the timing curves as well as the VTEC engagement point.
The upside of being able to tune the throttle body was instantly apparent. For one, the car never stalled once. In fact, neither of the two DBW NSXs we’ve so far equipped with our custom Infinity system has ever stalled. The other immediately apparent result of throttle-body tuning is INSTANT response. It’s difficult to put into words what the car feels like, except that it no longer feels like turbo V6, but rather a big-inchV8 with instant power and virtually no turbo lag.
http://youtu.be/_UCLO5ETsTc
In combination with the stroked LoveFab turbo NSX powerplant, the larger throttle body combined with the ability to “tune” it has literally blown our minds. In fact, some might find the throttle actuation a little “too snappy” as the change is quite drastic from the throttle response of the factory engine. This is easily scaled back, however, based on the driver’s needs. That’s the benefit of the aptly named “Infinity” system as we can virtually do what we want with it.
What kind of power increase does it provide?
At the moment, we are not able to get enough traction on the dyno to actually realize a maximum power level . . .
http://youtu.be/Dj00s2Qdg7E?list=UUpnCW-3Zd0xdbVyhoj_LMRg
However, prior to the LoveFab Infinity, this car had plenty of grip. Now, with the LoveFab DBW AEM Infinity, more power is made throughout the whole rev range and the result is wheelspin on the dyno. We have stickier tires on the way for all of the Infinity cars (including the 760-plus whp 1991 NSX that’s being converted to Infinity as of this writing) which will allow us to really gauge the power increase. Results will be posted as soon as we are able to cleanly run the tests.
How much does it cost?
LoveFab offers three levels, including a “base” system, which we feel protects the most critical aspects of the engine against mechanical failure and driver error, at a reasonable cost and installation comfort level. These systems are capable of MUCH more, but the installation is a little more difficult. In either case, these all need to be tuned by an EXPERIENCED AEM Infinity tuner, as each car is unique and requires its own setup.
1) LoveFab Drive-by-Wire (DBW) AEM Infinity 6 System
$3,499.99*, includes the following:
https://www.lovefab.com/Store/Product-Detail/ProductID/110/aem-infinity6
AEM Infinity 6
Wiring adapter harness
GM throttle body
Silicon adapter
Throttle-body adapter plate
(1) AEM 3.5 Bar MAP sensor
(1) AEM 100-psi fuel-pressure sensor
(1) AEM 150-psi oil-pressure sensor
(1) AEM UEGO sensor
(1) AEM UEGO adapter harness
* This system comes equipped one wideband sensor, which is great for single-turbo cars. Customers wanting two O2 sensors (both banks being monitored) can order the Infinity 8/10 or 8/12, or opt for an additional wideband-signal-wiring input which can be ordered and added to your Infinity adapter harness. Obviously, you’ll need wire the 0-5V output from your existing wideband into this flying lead.
2) LoveFab DBW AEM Infinity 8/10 System
$4,499.99, includes the following:
AEM Infinity 8/10
Wiring adapter harness
GM throttle body
Silicon adapter
Throttle body adapter plate
(1) AEM 3.5 Bar MAP sensor
(1) AEM 100-psi fuel-pressure sensor
(1) AEM 150-psi oil-pressure sensor
(2) AEM UEGO sensor
(2) AEM UEGO adapter harness
3) LoveFab DBW AEM Infinity 8/12 System
$4,999.99, includes the following:
AEM Infinity 8/12
Wiring adapter harness
GM throttle body
Silicon adapter
Throttle body adapter plate
(1) AEM 3.5 Bar MAP sensor
(1) AEM 100psi fuel pressure sensor
(1) AEM 150psi oil pressure sensor
(2) AEM UEGO sensor
(2) AEM UEGO adapter harness
When do I get the system after I order?
All systems ship within two-three weeks of ordering (payment must be made in full). Harnesses are made to order.
As with anything LoveFab produces and sells for the NSX, custom options are available, so please ask if you don’t see what you need.
Can LoveFab install an tune it?
Oh, yes, indeed. We are available for installation and tuning at your location (daily rate applies) and we can also install and tune in our shop.
We will be posting our Infinity updates in this thread from here on out, which includes our traction-control endeavors. Ask any questions via my email below, or in this thread. Thanks!
Cody Loveland
LoveFab, Inc.
Last edited:
