So I am getting ready to put an AEM intake and HKS header and exhaust and I know I will only be looking at very small gains. So, I was looking into doing some tuning to optimize my gains. Which engine management should I choose. I won't be doing the tuning myself so ease of use won't really be a concern. Also, what can I expect out of these upgrades...hopefully good results

 

It all depends on the tuner in your area for the most part.

Just remember most stand alones don't support obd so emissions will not be possible.

Some of the options:

aem ems
hondata k-pro
greddy emanage ultimate

 

That is understandable. Luckily Alabama has no emission standards yet. Well how is the emanage? Cost wise it seems to be the best bang for the buck since it would just need some small changes. But are there any down sides to adding a piggy back or replacing the factory ecu all together

 

if you don't have emissions and can find a tuner who is good with AEM, go with that, though it is "overkill" for n/a mods, at least you'll be ready to go if you go FI in the future

also, you should be able to get an AEM EMS v1 for barely more than an emanage

 

What would be an advantage for getting a new version of an AEM ems verses the v1?

 

honestly, i think the main advantage of getting the old one is the price. Other than that, the AEM EMS version 2 has of course more options that you can fiddle around wit since its a newer one.

 

I think your decision should be based on which one your tuner is comfortable with. EMU may be best bang but if u cant find a "reliable" tuner, it's worthless. If ur just doing bolt-ons, a VAFC may be all u need and is the cheapest. To get the most potential, get the AEM EMS or Kpro. But Kpro is costlier overall due to swapping out parts.

 

^^ How much would it cost all in all if you get the Kpro conversion? I think AEM EMS is the best deal for this. The series 1 would be just right for a slight N/A setup

 

You could save yourself the time to find a tuner and just get this.
http://www.holyrollerdyno.com/Holyroller_D..._Ultimate).html

It is so close to an actual custom tune you might actually make less power if you didn't go to someone that has lots of s2000 experience. I had a custom tune done and I only gained .5 horsepower!

 

Hondata does a good job spelling out the xtra costs. Parts alone is $300-400 and you still need to purchase the kpro itself, $1400-1800.
http://www.hondata.com/s2000kpro.html

Holyroller might be ok to start but you wont be maximizing your intake/exhaust mods without taking it to a tuner. Competent tuner should be able to tune for less than $400, $$ well spent IMO.