Tuning the DC2: What ECU's can be used...?

[Super-DA9]

Hi everyone,
I'm currently buying stuff for a build on my '95 VTiR, so far I have a set of ITB's and a set of hardrace bushings, and next item I'm looking at buying is an ECU of some kind.

I would much prefer a piggyback type over the stand alone for easier installation and utilization of the standard ECU's cold start, etc.

Hondata was my first choice, but I'm in the ACT and no-one tunes hondata here. Next up I was considering a Haltech Interceptor Platinum, but when I emailed haltech they said that it doesn't work with DC2, only DA9 and DC5... Go figure...

Haltech recommended their Platinum Sprint 500, but it's a stand alone and from looking at the "Getting Started" part on the page, it requires that you use an air temp sensor that is supposed to screw into the intake pipe somewhere before the throttle, and I am clueless as to how I would do that on ITB's. (As I have never installed them before)

What other types of piggybacks are out there/what do you recommend that are compatible with DC2 OBD1?

[mnc]

what about neptune?

I wouldnt really be looking into a tune unless you've started doing some minor/mild mods atleast.

Saves you on retuning it everytime you want to mod it etc.

[Super-DA9]

Engine wise, already have a full exhaust system, and once the ITB's are on thats I/H/E done, so time to tune :)

Suspension wise it's on N+ coilovers and I've got the set of hardrace bushes ready to go in, but thats beside the point lol.

I'm scoping my options so I can make a game plan. Neptune huh? interesting, I'll have to see if anyone can tune it in ACT, where can I buy it? I tried googling but nowhere to actually buy it.

thanks!

[Super-DA9]

What do you guys think of "Unichip type C" piggback?

[Super-DA9]

Oh here's a good one too, Greddy E Manage? On the greddy website they have harnesses for OBD1 but it says "DA", but the year listing is 92-95, and "DC2" is 95-99 and listed as OBD2a. You reckon they just stuffed it up with the year models? it should still be fine as long as it's obd1 right?

Also I can't find any reviews on anyone who uses it...?

Anyones input on this and the unichip would be much appreciated!

[stocky]

The only experience I had with Unichip was on a Toyota and it sucked.

Why not use Crome, you have the best ECU to start with and you can DIY tune, check out forum.pgmfi.org

If you need a Wideband or Ostrich, I'm willing to part with my setup if you're keen

[stevo716]

power fc?

[VTec1987]

Hondata is the way to go cuz... come down to sydney and get insight or toda to tune it...

to check if your car is obd2a or obd1, check ur ecu plugs

OBD2A
http://www.ff-squad.com/technet/wiring/obd2a/plugs.jpg

OBD1
http://www.ff-squad.com/technet/wiring/obd1/plugs2.jpg

If you car is 1995, its very likely that its obd2a, you still can tune your car with Obd1 ecu, you just need a obd2a to obd1 conversion harness

I can supply harness and hondata if ur interested, PM ME...

[Super-DA9]

Thanks guys!

Vtec1987: Yeah I really want a hondata but sydney's a fair way to go, I'd prefer to stay closer to home if possible. However I might end up going to sydney if I can't find any better options. I just went outside and checked it, it's OBD1 (the top one of the two). I wonder why Honda had to make two ecu's for the same car *sigh*.

Stevo716: Yeah I was just looking at that, but I remember TODA AU said in a thread (can't remember what it was called) that power fc isn't good to run with ITB's...? Not sure why though?

Stocky: Crome looks interesting but I have a Mac lol. Yeah I'll let you know if I need those parts. :)

[VTec1987]

thats good if it obd1, u dun need to buy a conversion harness... get a hondata s200 and it will be plug and play in ur car

[stevo716]

they changed to obd2 for fuel emissions

[Super-DA9]

ah ok.

at the moment I'm leaning towards the emanage, because ultimate tunes here in ACT are able to tune it, it's a reputable brand and I can pick one up of ebay for a good price :)
after that it'll just be a matter of getting a harness. I will however call ultimate tunes and ask them about the setup before i buy it.

[NSPYRE]

Canberra sucks for anything Honda related period.

Just go Hondata and drive up to TODA, its like wat? 2.75 hours. For the price of e-manage you could probably get a 2nd hand Hondata unit.

In addition, ITB's on a stock engine...? Would you even see gains worth the price????? Wouldn't you rather spend that money on a nice set of cams first..??? Plus tuning for ITB's isnt exactly easy...

EDIT: Just to add as well, changing your gear set and final drive will probably do more than I/H/E and tune combined.

[DC2-PWR]

Hondata + tuned from TODA. I'm in Brisbane and I'm planning to get it tuned by TODA even though its that far away in Sydney.

Those boys are awesome at tuning, the ammount of reviews I've heard about their work from close family/friends members sets you a smile.

Good luck,

[Super-DA9]

Canberra sucks for anything Honda related period.

Just go Hondata and drive up to TODA, its like wat? 2.75 hours. For the price of e-manage you could probably get a 2nd hand Hondata unit.

In addition, ITB's on a stock engine...? Would you even see gains worth the price????? Wouldn't you rather spend that money on a nice set of cams first..??? Plus tuning for ITB's isnt exactly easy...

EDIT: Just to add as well, changing your gear set and final drive will probably do more than I/H/E and tune combined.

Sorry man I probably should of said in my first post that in this build I'm buying stuff for cams is one of the next things on my list, and the ITB's aren't on yet, as they are part of the build. What's your opinion on buddyclub spec 3 cams? I don't wanna go too extreme on the cam profiles so the spec 3's looked like a good option. also can you run cams without a tune? not that I really want to but it would be easier if I could whack everything in/on the motor and then drive it to TODA all put together so they can get straight down to the tuning. This is the main thing putting me off having it tuned in sydney lol.

[Super-DA9]

Also what are the main differences between HONDATA and EMANAGE? apart from the brands of course. I mean they're both piggybacks designed to unlock tunability of fuel/air, ignition and VTEC control + a few extras right?

Also the list for the build is as follows (so far anyway lol)

Hardrace bushings
ITB's
Buddyclub spec 3 cams and whatever valve springs, retainers etc. are required to use with them
Replace valve seals etc. inside the head (probably just a basic overhaul)
Hondata or Emanage (not yet decided) + tune
Subframe brace + front and rear larger swaybars (whiteline?)
Front and rear strut braces (cusco?)

This is just a rough write up here, nothing is fully decided so feel free to edit/add to the list! I wanna research this as much as I can and get opinions before I get started.

:D

[NSPYRE]

Buddy Club Spec III have proven gains, but if you look at the cam profiles its very very similar to OEM Integra Type R cams. They are a good option for street cause they aren't that extreme.

Spec III is pretty much drop in and go, no tune neccesary but of course you will get more out of it when you do tune. My advice is if you go with this cam, upgrade to OEM ITR dual valve springs (expensive after-market ones are not neccesary). If you can be bothered, get new retainers (Stick to the OEM steel ones. I presume this is your daily driver? Titanium ones wear away rather quickly and anyway, you're not going to be revving that high so valve float won't be an issue)

IMO, ITB's are a fair waste of money if you aren't going that extreme... The OEM manifold with a good intake will be more than sufficient. Ask Adrian at TODA, I'm sure he's got a way of tweaking the OEM dual-runner manifold to perform with what you got.

[NSPYRE]

Also what are the main differences between HONDATA and EMANAGE? apart from the brands of course. I mean they're both piggybacks designed to unlock tunability of fuel/air, ignition and VTEC control + a few extras right?



Hondata is pretty much a stand-alone... So essentially you're comparing a stand-alone vs piggy-back. Doesn't take a genius to decide which one :)