VVTi Control with AEM EMS-4 Question(s)

[KTS]

I recently installed an AEM EMS-4 Standalone ECU into my JDM Vitz RS with a 1NZFE manual transmission.

I have the AEM EMS-4 wired parallel to the car's ecm.
The EMS-4 is being used to control fuel and ignition. The injector and coil wires are cut off to the car's ecu. All OEM sensors that the aem would like to see (i.e coolant, knock, cam, crank, throttle) are spliced into the EMS.
I removed the stock O2 sensor and replaced it with an AEM EUGO kit.
I also installed a map sensor and an Intake air temp sensor as the MAF sensor is going to be removed eventually but is still currently connected.

While on the dyno there was no difference to the power/torque curves with the OCV (which I assume is the solenoid that controls the VVTi) either connected or disconnected.
The EMS-4 is able to control VVTi. The OCV has two wires; ground and 12V. the ground wire was cut and is connected to the EMS-4 (GPIO connection) while the 12V wire remains. This also has no effect.

When the 12V wire is cut and then connected to the battery the engine has a lot of detonation/knock.

The OCV was removed and tested as described in the vehicle's manual.

Has anyone had success tuning the VVTi using AEM S1, S2 or EMS-4 products and would like to share any info as to how they had success.

A friend of mine how is a very respected tuner is responsible for the tuning.