I'm planning to ditch my Flashpro OEM ECU setup in favor of a standalone (looking at the AEM Infinity or new Haltech Elite). I will be removing the DBW system. Also, I am planning to remove the OEM gauge cluster and just run an aftermarket dash. The car is used on track, but I need to maintain turn signals, lo/hi beams.

Here's the current plan:

• Custom patch harness, plug the new ECU directly into the stock wiring harness
• The car does not have a/c, so it will be just the standard sensors (cam, crank, ect, iat, vtec signal, etc)
• The OEM o2 sensor will be replaced with an aftermarket wideband.
• TPS will be an aftermarket unit, wired directly to ECU (not through OEM engine harness)
• Wire the fuel level sensor to ECU via analog input
• Dash connected to the aftermarket ECU via CAN bus
• Auxiliary indicator lights will be installed on a custom carbon fiber backing plate (in place of OEM cluster glass) for turn signals, hi-beams, and low fuel light

I have started to glance at some of the wiring schematics, but hoping there are some guys on here with first hand experience on the matter.

With the OEM cluster removed, are there any functions that will be disabled? For example, will the turn signals and hi-beams still be operational?

 

I have this done to my 92 Civic. Obviously a bit different, especially when it would come to chassis/abs/tcs diagnostics tied into the the chassis wiring/pcm.

But none-the-less, my experience, I have AEM V2 on a B series engine, using a AEM sports Strada dash. I have all AEM sensors, including the EUGO wideband and controller. I do have them all wired in separately from the engine harness (only because they were done at different times).

The CAN bus is overly easy, I very much over thought it, it is literally 2 wires for the communication (plus what ever other inputs you want the dash to display I.E. sensors, lambda, ect) I did a few AEM stainless sensors with my harness so I have fuel PSI, oil temp and oil PSI on my display.

With the factory dash unplugged all the headlights will work, the only thing that is a pain in the ass is the fuel tank sending unit/metering. It can only be displayed as an alarm and not an actual level. So you will have to set it up (for example) to warn you when the level gets to 2 gallons of fuel left. Setting that up was the hardest as I had to take it to my engineer friend to figure out, he had to wire up some magic with inline resistor ect.

Only thing I do regret was being able to utilize the factory interface for the blinkers and lights... Thats the only part I would question in your idea, what kinda lights would you
fashion up for the carbon display... and is it really worth the trouble taking the factory dash. If I had to do it over I may have left my factory dash just to have the blinkers/lights and fuel metering functions.

 

I cant say much about what will/wont work after removing the cluster, but with the infinity or haltech elite there is no reason to remove DBW, you can tune it to respond however you like. You would be able to completely remove the OEM DBW controller and wire the pedal and throttle body directly to the ecu.

For the turn signals you'd probably have to wire in a standard flasher if they are controlled by the cluster.

 

Gentlemen, thank you kindly for all the feedback.

At this point, I think I'm just going to keep the OEM dash wired in to save some headache. Was really hoping to get rid of it if possible, to cut down on extra weight and clutter. Will just install the aftermarket dash in front of the OEM unit.

Wadzii, I'm going to install a set of cable actuated ITB's. DBW is the way to go, no doubt, but still cost-prohibitive for ITB applications. The plan right now is to use a cable straight from the oem throttle pedal to the ITB's.

 

I gotcha.. didnt catch the itb part

Let me know if you decide on the aem infinity we can get you what you need

 

It's because I failed to mention the itb part haha

Will do, sir. It's a toss up between the two, but currently I'm leaning towards the Haltech. I still have a couple months to decide though. I will definitely contact you if I end up going with the AEM. You've given me enough free advice on the forums over the years, so I at least owe you that much!

 

Man, you will be so glad you did this... If anything you can fashion just like a black plate to just set in front (on top) of the factory dash... I mean you'll know when a blinker is on, it will still sound.

Also just my $0.02, but Infinity is the way to go... Lots of Honda support and it's made and sold/serviced in the US of A.