Im curious as to what the real advantages are of an aftermarket (haltek, aem) versus the stock ecu. Id like to make it clear that Im not trying to figure out which one is "better" because obviously that isnt the proper term to use.

I dont mean added features like smart map switching capabilities, such as if high knock or wacked out afr is detected itll suddenly switch to a different map. I mean what are the tuning advantages of an aftermarket ecu vs stock. We now know that the stock ECU is capable of handling some awesome power, as we've recently seen 1053whp on a stock evo 8 ecu.

Is there broader ability to fine tune and better control fuel maps and timing maps with an aftermarket ecu, or is the stock ecu the same as an aftermarket ecu in terms of tunability?

Lets use the MAP car as an example....assuming that the tuner was equally versed in tuning both stock ECU and, lets say, an AEM EMS (so we dont get the "well it depends on what the tuner is comfortable using" argument) since they put down 1053 on stock ecu, would it be proper to say that they'd be able to make even more power on an aftermarket ECU over the stock ECU because the tuneability is broader/more accurate?

 

have there been tests?