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.

 

see IM NOT CRAZY!!!.....lol

 

I did it about a year and a half ago, and hyper X was after me.... I did a write up about it. Welcome to the club

 

You were definitely right.

I can't wait to go to work tomorrow. Well, I could skip the work. But the GO TO part will be fun.

 

I did the same thing about a year ago. Except I put in the '03 model. LOVE IT!!!


Paulie

 

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.

 

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?

 

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

 

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.

 

So all I would need is the VIN# from the car with the MY02/03 ecu and that's it? Would all MY02/03 ecu's be compatible with my MY00?