I am contemplating the purchase of an AEM EMS for my street driven (for all practical purposes, daily driven, except winter), currently unmodified MY2000. I am planning various N/A modifications for the future, with the possibility of F/I in the future should I be convinced, but would like to cover my tuning needs up front.

I just did a good 8 hours of researching here on the forum and still have some basic questions before I make any decisions:

1. Aside from the imobilizer feature and the temp guage (I already have a Modifry ECT Driver), what other factory features will I lose?

2. Ideally, I would like to install the unit and be able to start with base maps as close as possible to factory. I've read about people having problems with early software, and others having no trouble at all. Is the latest software fairly friendly or should I expect to spend a good portion of the first day on the dyno?

3. It is my understanding that I can simply swap my stock PCM back in should I have serious problems (and give it time to re-learn, of course). Am I correct?

4. The only other programmable EMS I've found is the Hondata which I don't find appealing because it requires the swapping of RSX parts in to the car. Are there other solutions out there that I should be looking at (keeping in mind this isn't going to be a full-on track car)?

Much thanks for the help.

 

All emissions related systems. The O2 Sensors connection in the OEM harness are the same in the EMS, however this is where a Wideband output would go. So if you just instal EMS, you loose closed loop tuning unless you buy and install a Wideband.

You really should spent some time tunning the EMS. That is the reason you bought it for. Your first step will be to fine a good tuner. If you don't do that first, you will be frustrated and broke quickly. There should also be a portion of time spent street tuning too.

That depends. With a Wideband installed, it uses the same connection as the stock O2 sensors. You will have to change them when you swap back. But yes, you can swap back fairly quickly. That is what I have done in the past.

The Hondata EMS is a perfect solution. Honda parts and you can tune. Swapping an RSX part or an Aftermartket part, what is the differance? The Honda part will bolt right in. You have to figure out how to mount the AEM ems. It does not bolt right up. The Hondata can also supply ODBIII data if needed.

Personally if I was to do it again, I would install the Hondata ECU. You discounted it because it is a Honda Part from another car. For me that was a selling factor.

Now to my question, why do this now? Money buring a hole in your pocket? Figure about 3K to buy, install and tune. There is very little to gain from this at this point in your car's life (Mods) and no real reason for it.

 

The AEM base maps are very good and should be able to run your stock car with minimal modification. They should still be retuned for your car though. I think that it's actually pretty easy to setup and get to run correctly.

Tim

 

Thank you both for your informative responses.

Yes, an EMS is quite a bit overkill for a stock car, but it will not stay that way, and I'm anal about the proper setup and tuning of my vehicles, so I'm covering all my bases now. This will be my first foray into fully tunable electronics, and I'm ready for a good learning experience.

Additionally, I did not at all intend to insinuate that I'm looking for a "plug-and-play" solution. I fully intend to spend a good amount of time tuning for the car and for each subsequent modification; I've read some discouraging things in the past about peoples frustrations with the unit, and simply did not want to have to start my tuning from scratch.

Stratocaster: the reason I'm not leaning toward the Hondata unit is based on the information here: http://hondata.com/s2000kpro.html
While the Hondata box is less expensive, it requires the swapping of S2000 sensors for RSX parts, bringing it up to similar price with the AEM unit. I do agree, though that it does seem to have some benefits, as it is a Honda part, and retains some features of the factory system. Additionally, according to Hondata (again, the information on the aforementioned page), the unit is not yet fully released.

What I would like to know is how these units compare. Has anyone used both extensively enough to provide a detailed comparison or list of differences/benefits?

 

You anwsered your own question "not yet fully released" and " used both extensively" is not going to exist yet.

I know and understand what needs to be changed for the KPro. The changes are not RSX parts, but 2006 S2000 parts. The only two RSX parts are the ECU (KPro) and O2 Sensor (optional).

On the cost, the AEM is far cheaper. 1200 vers 1700 + parts is a big differance.

I think if tuned right, you will be happy with either one. Good luck