Changing the computer chip for better performance.
 

What benefits do you get? Is it recommended?

If you can do it let us all know how.:banghead:

Thanks wise guy! If there is anybody out there that could help out a new owner, I would appreciate it.

In answer to your question:
No, and see previous answer.

I assume from this question you are looking for a low cost chip swap for more power. Sorry, this car came with the power from day one.

When Honda built the S they didn't take too many short cuts. You don't get the 'most power per liter NA' by doing things by halves.

And the S ECU doesn't have a ZIF chip that you can just pop and replace.

You can replace the whole ECU with a Mugen and this will make your wallet lighter. It also removes some of the safety features of the stock ECU that degrade performance under certain conditions. Won't give you more power, but will mean that power stays high all the way to engine destruction.

Alternatively you can go for an AEM ECU which is fully tunable. But you still won't get much (if any) benefit from it unless you are looking to take advantage of some mods. Even then we are talking 7hp in return for about $5K worth of mods and ECU.

And in an NA car you can get most of the same improvement from a Greddy E-manage or Apex'i V-AFC. But it's still pretty disappointing.

I went the forced induction route. It's the only way to throw a wad of money at an S and get a substantial improvement in power.

Hate to say it, but if you really want a cheap chip based improvement in power you should've bought a car with less power to start with.

Thank you for the informative response!

Umm can I clarify something. Mugen ECU does not remove any safety features. I've been running it for 2 years now. Does it give you more power? Yes in the midrange it has been dynoed to give you more power. Is it expensive? Yes

If you have a MY00 or 01, you can buy an 02 and up ECU for some improvement. I did this, and while I have not dynoed yet, the mid-range has improved.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by turbo_pwr
Umm can I clarify something.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by tenblade2001
If you have a MY00 or 01, you can buy an 02 and up ECU for some improvement.

Honda did make changes to the ECU. They made changes to the fuel mapping. I've noticed a much smoother idle and better throttle response after the upgrade. Also, Honda doesn't even offer the 00-01 ECU anymore (the part number was different for these two ECUs). I got the ECU done at Ganley Honda. PM hardtopguy for a price...I can't remember off hand. I know the install was about 200-250. Its a bitch b/c they have to reprogram the ECU for your car.