Swapped '01 ecu with '02 - My thoughts
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Swapped '01 ecu with '02 - My thoughts
I started a thread a few weeks ago about this (upgrading from '00-'01 ecu to '02-03 ecu). I purchased an '02 ecu from piachiii (Valentino) who was great by the way.
The reason I upgraded had NOTHING to do with high-end power, but the normal everyday driveability at low-medium RPMs and bogging at low-RPMs. By other reviews, I was trying to decide about switching to the '02-'03 ecu because of it's revised and less conservative fual-air mixtures (the '02-03 is more lean)
I got the swap done Saturday, and have put maybe 150 miles on the car since then.
My reaction? WOW - what a difference.
- low-medium RPMs the car feels maybe 15% stronger. At some RPMs (maybe 2500-4000, maybe as much as 20% more torque). As you accelerate, it just picks up quicker and with more gusto. VERY VERY nice.
- High RPMS? Who knows - maybe no difference - didn't really expect or even hope for any.
- I'm noticing that I'm shifting at lower RPMs than before, without feeling like I need more RPMs. THis gives a broader power-band between shifts.
Was it worth it? ABSOLUTELY. The car feels MUCH different than before. I'm usually skeptical about changes, so I was REALLY worried about it. If it wasn't a big difference I would have been p**ssed and dissappointed.
If you have an '00 or '01, AND you think that you're "missing something" at the low-medium end of the RPM range and want a bit more, Swap to an '02-03 ECU. Is it worth buying new (<$700)? Maybe. Is it worth buying used (<$400)? YES (my opinion).
I am extatic.
Caveats?
- I haven't run it with hot temps. In cooler temps (below 65F) it's certainly a big improvement. When it gets really warm here I'll possibly add more data to this review.
- I haven't done a HP/TQ graph back to back. I'm thinking of getting a GTECH-RR and if I do I may swap them and do back-to-back runs to give everyone real data. These are seat-of-the-pants comments based on my car and my reaction.
- I had to have Honda key the new ECU to my old key, which required them to know the VIN of the new ECU (THIS IS IMPORTANT - Piachiii wrote the vin on the new ecu which helped a lot - thanks!).
Overall reaction? It's just an easier car to drive now. More fun. More power. More more MORE!!!!!! WOOHOOO!
Hope this is helpful for those considering the switch.
The reason I upgraded had NOTHING to do with high-end power, but the normal everyday driveability at low-medium RPMs and bogging at low-RPMs. By other reviews, I was trying to decide about switching to the '02-'03 ecu because of it's revised and less conservative fual-air mixtures (the '02-03 is more lean)
I got the swap done Saturday, and have put maybe 150 miles on the car since then.
My reaction? WOW - what a difference.
- low-medium RPMs the car feels maybe 15% stronger. At some RPMs (maybe 2500-4000, maybe as much as 20% more torque). As you accelerate, it just picks up quicker and with more gusto. VERY VERY nice.
- High RPMS? Who knows - maybe no difference - didn't really expect or even hope for any.
- I'm noticing that I'm shifting at lower RPMs than before, without feeling like I need more RPMs. THis gives a broader power-band between shifts.
Was it worth it? ABSOLUTELY. The car feels MUCH different than before. I'm usually skeptical about changes, so I was REALLY worried about it. If it wasn't a big difference I would have been p**ssed and dissappointed.
If you have an '00 or '01, AND you think that you're "missing something" at the low-medium end of the RPM range and want a bit more, Swap to an '02-03 ECU. Is it worth buying new (<$700)? Maybe. Is it worth buying used (<$400)? YES (my opinion).
I am extatic.
Caveats?
- I haven't run it with hot temps. In cooler temps (below 65F) it's certainly a big improvement. When it gets really warm here I'll possibly add more data to this review.
- I haven't done a HP/TQ graph back to back. I'm thinking of getting a GTECH-RR and if I do I may swap them and do back-to-back runs to give everyone real data. These are seat-of-the-pants comments based on my car and my reaction.
- I had to have Honda key the new ECU to my old key, which required them to know the VIN of the new ECU (THIS IS IMPORTANT - Piachiii wrote the vin on the new ecu which helped a lot - thanks!).
Overall reaction? It's just an easier car to drive now. More fun. More power. More more MORE!!!!!! WOOHOOO!
Hope this is helpful for those considering the switch.
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My understanding is that '00='01 and '02='03, so you got the same benefit by going to an '03.
All I can say is that if you have an '00 or '01 and want more, this is a REALLY easy way to get more out of your s2k.
I wish I'd done this a year ago.
All I can say is that if you have an '00 or '01 and want more, this is a REALLY easy way to get more out of your s2k.
I wish I'd done this a year ago.
#7
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where would a good place to buy a newer version of the ecu for my00?
I have 50,000 miles should I do it?
it looks worth it from the replies, and can it be a DIY for a novice mechanic?
I have 50,000 miles should I do it?
it looks worth it from the replies, and can it be a DIY for a novice mechanic?
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does not require any kind of mechanical experience . You can find them for about 200 or so. You can check this site out also http://car-part.com/index.htm search for 2002 or 2003 engine computer
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A couple of suggestions if you're doing it:
- if you can get the key from the new ECU, you can add your old keys without having to go to the honda dealer (so I'm told).
- Make SURE you get the vin # for the ECU you're buying, otherwise the honda dealer may not be able to key it to your old key (my dealer said he needed the VIN # to do the keying).
It's a 15 minute swap. It's the keying that takes time.
- if you can get the key from the new ECU, you can add your old keys without having to go to the honda dealer (so I'm told).
- Make SURE you get the vin # for the ECU you're buying, otherwise the honda dealer may not be able to key it to your old key (my dealer said he needed the VIN # to do the keying).
It's a 15 minute swap. It's the keying that takes time.