So, I've been reading through all the Offical Header, Exhaust, N/A tuning, and other threads, and it seems like it's mostly a bunch of people bitching at each other.

I'm looking for advice on what to do with my car.

Current Mods:
Fujita CAI

Purchasing:
Header,
Test Pipe,
Exhaust,
EMU(?).

I'm looking for advice on good header/test pipe/exhaust combinations. I'm unsure if I should get an EMU. I currently have a MY02 ECU in my car, but I don't know if I need/should get a VAFC or EMU to help out. I do NOT have access to a dyno though, which I think will cause problems if I get an EMU or even a VAFC (Unless I use just recommended settings for it).

I'm currently looking at:
Header: https://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=707937
A Berk TP if I don't get the one included in that kit.
and maybe a Fijtisubo Legalis R exhaust. (Still not decided on this)

I know I won't make TERRIFIC gains off this set up, but I'd like to atleast get 20+ hp. I think that's fairly reasonable from what I read. I plan on doing exhaust wrap from the header, down to the end of the TP, but not on the exhaust, but I know I want (at least I'm fairly certain) I want a dual exhaust. I know singles tend to make more power, but I like the look of duals.

Any input/recommendations would be helpful. I'm looking to spend about $1500 Max (I plan on getting some used parts).

Thanks in Advance.

 

The problem with add-on tuning parts is that if you keep the original ECU (you call it EMU) the engine will run lean. Running lean means that you don't have the additional power that could be possible and running lean can cause engine damage. Especially to the exhaust valves and the pistons.

So I would say get a programmable ECU (Hondata or AEM) and spend the money for a good tune on a dyno. Use the original Header, leave the cat in the car and get a new exhaust (whatever branch...).

 

That's what I kinda gathered from my research. The problem with the whole dyno situation is, I've been trying to look online for one near by, and the closest one to me is nearly 4 hours away.

I'll keep looking for Dyno shops though.

 

why not get gemu and send it to holy roller dyno for tune?

 

4 hours? You're lucky! I have to drive from Germany to Luxemburg - 10 -12 hours one way....

But it's worth, believe me. A friend of me has a FI Setup and found more of 100HP additional when he visited a professional tuner.

Also 10-30HP for a good N/A tune are possible.

 

I was in the same boat as you few months back. Also couldn't make a decision.
Finally ended up with buying EManage Ultimate pretuned (Chrome Edition) from holyrollerdyno.com. I read a lot of reviews on it and it seems much more helpful than VAFC, even without a dyno tune.
I see you have MY02 and AP1 known to run a little richer that AP2 so you kinda more safe than AP2 guys like me, so VAFC will probably be good enough for your setup (and it's not that pricey as EMU Chrome).
But still, EManage offer much more tunning, and when you have time and do it on dyno you will extract max power from your mods.
Also, VAFC is almost useless for partial throttling tune since most likely you will have to reset your ECU from time to time.

And again, as mentioned above - running without AFR correction can cause serious damage to the engine.

 

I'm confused about the chrome and black editions. Are you just paying for a bunch of maps essentially?

 

EMU Chrome is a pre-tuned device (not tuned on dyno) with fixed maps preloaded. You just have to list your mods and they will upload correct maps. As far as know you can switch between the modes like moderate, aggressive mode.

EMU Black is constantly tune your fuel mixture (on a fly), that is why it's much more expensive, but I guess it's more efficient and accurate since it does correction kinda on a fly.

I ordered Chrome already but discussing now with Giles from holyrollerdyno about getting Black. Unit should be here next week, and I'll install it next weekend. So I can report back about results.

My mods are K&N FIPK, J's racing header, inv.70 TP, t1r 70em dual exhaust.

 

How does the Black determine the right settings?

They should program one with an accelerometer in it, and it makes slight changes each pull, to see what effect it has on the engine. It already (I'm assuming) knows how much fuel it's dumping, so it can be set up to run fuel efficent, or to run for power pulls.

Hmm... Maybe I should trademark this shit first.

Also. Wtf is the gemu you mentioned sending to holy roller?

 

GEMU = Greddy E-Manage Ultimate - this is a "piggy back" management system for some import cars including s2k
holyrollerdyno.com is a company ran by Giles from New Hampshire (his is s2ki member as well) that does pretune for that device and offer few solutions such as Chrome and Black.

If you want to know more about theirs Chrome/Black products contact him via email (you can find it on the web site) or PM him - "gilbertg".