At what cost progress?

In 2000, an FM II was either equipped with a Link ECU or a Link piggyback, depending on the model year of the car. The price of the system? $4800. If you wanted a knock sensor, that was an extra $85. Electronic boost control was $129. Datalogging capability (on the 1990-97 cars only) was $90. A ball bearing turbo upgrade was an extra $300, bringing the total to $5404.

Today, an FM II comes with a Hydra Nemesis ECU. It's a more powerful system both in terms of programming capability and power output. There's a longer warranty (lifetime on some parts!) and the system weighs less with better airflow and easier installation. A knock sensor, boost control, wideband oxygen sensor and datalogging are all standard. Two different sizes of ball bearing turbos are available for no charge. The price? $5295.

Now that's progress.

Here's one extra tidbit for you. According to the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics, $5404 in 2000 is equivalent to $6701 in 2008.