I am happy with the mods I have done but I just want more out of it. The need for more power will always be there but the founds for it won't. Hahaha. Im waiting to get another car for my daily so then I can save and put more into her.
On a side note I was reading that the VAFC doesn't allow for control on how Vtec turns on. Such as throttle position. That would be a concern for me since I need to some what save on fuel. Is this true for all them?

 

Let me clarify, the vafc controls vtec engagement purely by rpm, so that's correct it does not control it through TPS as OEM ECU does. This is the other compromise with the unit. What typically is done, is a slightly higher engagement point such as 4.5-5k rpm, this way you get the bulk of the mid range power potential at WOT but vtec isn't coming on during higher speed freeway cruising or casual higher rev shifting wasting fuel as you say. All vfac1-2 and Neo work this way, Emanage and any full ems works off TPS along with it.

The thing that makes the vafc great is that anyone with a wideband to monitor afr can learn to tune this device on the street in a reasonably quick time, its versatile in that quick changes can be made at the unit interface, no lap tops required or data logging. The control functions are limited but in return ease of use and risk of detrimentally screwing something up in the tune extremely low. Its a good place for the novice to learn basic tuning as well.

But Emanage gives you so much more control over your tune, much like a stand alone, but then your getting into an entirely different tuning arena and support to accommodate, and like I said for your mods, something to consider when your only talking a net of about 20% more power ability over a vafc, and that's if you get a great tune. if you actually had more engine modifications ie: exhaust, larger TB etc so that your actually needing to add fuel rather then lean out to make power, then a more advanced system with timing control would yield more results and could better justify the cost. As it is now, you could spend $1200 on a AEM EMS and another $400-500 on a good tune, and you might see no gains in peak power compared to a vafc with your current bolt ons and maybe 5whp/trq in the mid range along with TPS vtec engagement. Is that worth $1500 to you? Emanage is $550ish and another $300-400 for a tune IF you can find a tuner and would yield very similar results as a full EMS.

***One more thing I will add about the vafc option and the possible need to add fuel now or at some point in the future. A aftermarket Adjustable FPR can successfully be used as ive discovered on this kind of set up, this allows you to turn up the fuel pressure increasing the WOT/open loop portion of the tune, wile the Closed loop/idle and partial throttle adjust the short and long term fuel trims based on the higher pressure so that the car runs like stock, its a very affordable ($125) and effective alternative to increasing fuel delivery if needed.

 

So my best option for now would be to get a VAFC with a wide band O2 sensor to start learning tuning well also getting some more power out of the car. Then later on down the road when I have the money and time to do more to it go get a Emanage or EMS.

 

Yep, unless you can find a good deal on a used Emanage unit and Emanage tuner who also can verify/change the necessary jumpers and wiring harness modification to make it work properly.

As for the vafc set up, based off what your wideband reflects, pick up a adjustable fpr if it appears you need to add fuel anywhere in the rpm range(more then 13.5afr) If you do, the most likely area would be between the stock vtec engagement and your new lowered point. If your going to be on the leaner side of the tune, its safer to be there in the lower/mid rpm range vs the top end. A general and typical safe afr for a bolt on NA street car is 13 flat across the board. If your hard on the car/track it etc, its best to be a bit richer the last 1000-1500 rpms (12 to 12.5afr) which the S2000 fuel curve actually already mimics from the factory. It keeps combustion temps lower. Your main objective in running the vafc is to get that extra 1000-1500 lower vtec engagement. Any other power you may make in the upper rpm range will depend on the year s2k and your afr.

 

Does the year of the car matter due to the engine change when it comes to getting the more power I assume. Also what would be the best and easiest vafc to get, hook up and tune with? What wide band should I go with and what fpr if I need one?

 

VFAC is for 00-05. Get flashpro for 06+. Innovate makes some popular widebands, you can get one with a gauge or without.

 

Yes there are differences because of the fuel requirements of a F20 compared to F22 as well as the factory ecu fuel curve changes between years. The 00-01 see the most benefit from a vafc because the fuel curve of the ecu on those years runs overly rich. In 02-03 they leaned out the fuel a bit to more ideal, however some benefits are still shown with additional leaning. The 04-05 F22 consumes more fuel then an F20 naturally per same rpm, and the afr runs the leanest on these years so typically after just a TP and intake more fuel needs to be added and this is where the Adjustable fpr comes in I mentioned before.

I always used the vafc2, it has more correction points over the original and the layout is easy to navigate and they are the most plentiful on the used market.

I use both the FPR and Wideband from AEM. Ive always been satisfied with the AEM UGEO Wideband set up, its worked reliability and consistent/accurate for many years.

 

Alright cool. Thanks for all the info I am sure once I get all this stuff I will have many more questions to ask.