ECU Modding: Modifying the P30 JDM ECU

[jdm_b16a]

When I installed the JDM B16A into my EH9 back in 2005 I also did some research on modifying the ECU. I was intrigued by the ability to change parameters within the Honda ECU and there was a whole website devoted to doing this, and quite cheaply with commonly available components and lab equipment like EPROM burners. Check it out here.

Here's my original thread if you want to follow the full write-up. You'll have to register to see the details and photos but it is a very good complementary site, well worth joining.

The ECU was a JDM P30.



Inside the box there are two boards - the main-board and a daughter-board mounted over the main-board. This daughter-board can be flipped over to reveal the area of the main-board that is socketed.





This is the finished modification. The on-board ROM has been removed, and a socket put in its place that will accept EPROMS. You can program and burn these using readily available software.



My ECU has a switch that allows switching between the standard ROM (burnt as an EPROM) and modded EPROMS (code is available on the PGMFI website (if I remember correctly). It also has a SERIAL port for datalogging (a bit outdated now but USB ports are available).





Here are the two ports on the outside of the case. It requires a little bit of work with a drill (after removing all the insides).





Here's the SERIAL PORT cable made up for datalogging:



Peter

[yellows2k]

wat types of new programs can be run with the modified board?

[Mugen_R]

crome, hondata and etc

[jdm_b16a]

[DISCLAIMER: Do not try any modifications, especially to your ECU, if you don't have experience. You can damage your ECU irreparably leading you to costly replacement]

As above, you can use a number of freely-available programs, like Crome, to edit .bin files, or you can create your own (not recommended if you don't know what you're doing). You can alter VTEC crossover points,, eliminate the need for a Knock Sensor, adjust fuel maps, rev limiters, stuff like that. You then write the .bin file to an EPROM (with specialised software/hardware and blank EPROMS), stick it into the new EPROM socket, and away you go. This is all explained on the PGMFI website.

The way it was explained to me back then was that Honda made their performance ECUs all with the ability to be modified (for racing) so there is a special area of the main-board set aside to do this. That is the area under the daughter-board. The board has all the components already silk-screened onto it. You can find a list of parts required on the PGMFI site. It's a very easy mod for someone with reasonable soldering experience. The components can be ordered from any JAYCAR/RS, etc website and do not cost much.

Peter