I spent many many hours tuning the mega squirt system on my old turbo neon. Also many runs made with the factory 2 bar in my shadow with "caveman" cold start injectors to get the perfect a/f ratio and ignition advance. So I know how difficult it is to get a tune correct. To get it right the first time is unlikely, and the second time is almost as unlikely, but at the cost to repair the damage, I had to go back to my tried and true caveman ways.
Yeah, that damage came from your smec.
I debated wading into this thread the few times it popped up and thought I'd chime in finally.
When Gus introduced me to the cold start injector method I thought it was impossible and crazy but after using it for some time and running my own car on the dyno several times I'm convinced it is a viable alternative. You think this is caveman? Gus's turbo Mustang had a kit from Art Carr on it and the fuel enrichment was adjusted by turning a brass valve in a fuel line that was plumbed into the carb hat. That's just the way it was from Art Carr and the damn car ran like a scalded dog.
My advice for anyone looking to run a cold start is to get a cal with the overboost shut down so they don't have to fool with diodes, get a good cold start valve with a quality switch (I had a light on the dash to verify operation too) and limit the boost to 20-25 psi if running a stock turbo and intercooler. They car will be pretty safe with pump gas and a riot to drive. I ran 12's with what I mentioned above (I used a diode instead AND 30 psi) and it was perfectly safe.
More than one way to skin a cat.
Working on clearing the decks.