Well, IMO JDM almost anything is a waste of money. Let's say AEM is $1800, plus $500 for install/tuning (conservative, I was quoted $700 on my old S/C'd S2000). You're looking at ~$150 +/- per HP. I'll focus on learning to drive my S2000 better, and if/when I need more HP just buy a faster car w/ the $$$ I invested instead of blowing on low bang for buck mods.

Godzuki, this is an open forum, so I'll express my opinions as I please.

 

Chris S

I understand what your saying maybe right. about being cost
effective.

however I was just asking which ECU ppl thought was better
not if the ECU was a waste of money.

this is a open forum yes, but please read the question.

just thought I would make this little point

 

The AEM EMS will out perform the others simply because it's not pre-programmed. When you pre-program you still need to keep the timing slightly retarded to cater to a wide range of engines and climates and keep the engine from blowing. The AEM lets you cater the tuning to your specific car and let you get the most gains.

Also, the pre-programmed ECU's are made to work best with the all of the manufacturers items. You have a mixed/matched setup which should point you only in the direction of a programable standalone.

 

The down side is, you're totally dependent on who does the tune. Sure you can run it closer to the edge but, say you get a bad tank of gas. Are you sure the tuner's even using the knock sensor? It's optional with the AEM.

You're at someone else's mercy. His skill is all that stands between you and a melted motor. Do you have a tuner you trust to tune the AEM if you get one? I don't so, mine's still sitting here in a box.

You aren't planning on tuning it yourself are you?

With a pre-programmed ECU, at least it works out of the box.

 

If you live in a humid environment (ie. Gulf Coast states like TX), a JDM ECU, esp Mugen, will work very well to improve day-to-day driveability. The increase in mid-range power and keeping the engine running cooler will eliminate heat soak/heat bog. If you live in cooler environments, heat soak does not exist and I agree that an ECU is a waste of money.

Godzuki, I noticed you're in the UK. There are a few dedicated Mugen die-hards in your direction, I would ask their advice. I'm kind of doubtful that the ECU will help much in your cooler climate. Plus it eliminates the immobilizer.

 

here is your answer.......they did an AP2 this last weekend at the Nor'Easter

ECU

 

right the E-manage makes an interesting read but I am not
sure about the different harness....?

On the other hand the AEM unit will cost me
about 420gbp. for setting up, and the guy reackons
I should net about 15-20 pounds of tor. across the board.