Tell me about chipping ECU's

[austinkli]

O Hai Guise! Let's discuss chipping my ECU.

I am not overly familiar with all of this. What are the advantages of chipping my ECU. Currently I have a P08 running my D15B motor. How does chipping my ECU help me? What can it do?

I'm talking about keeping the motor stock other than an i/h/e.

Don't "lmgtfy" because I don't want google. I want personal opinions and ideas from you guys. And better explanations on how it actually works.

 

[austinkli]

Oh btw, sorry I didn't specify, it's a D15B w/vtec

 

[94civicturbo]

well if you do chip it go with Hondata, this is a list of the features off their website:

Fits inside the ECU
Made in USA
Built on the proven s100/s200 code base
USB connection for speed and compatibility
SManager Windows based software for parameter & table editing, calibration uploading and datalogging.
Real-time updating of ECU
Built in calibrations for common engine combinations
Built in datalogging to a laptop
On board datalogging memory (2 MB memory, 20-60 minutes datalogging)
Adjustment for different sized injectors, with overall fuel trim.
Configurable for any MAP sensor (to at 5 Bar and above)
TPS based table lookup for ITBs
Engine protection from over boost.
Expanded fuel and ignition tables, both in rpm and load, to 60 lbs boost and 11,000 rpm (these are not the upper limits)
Launch control with anti-lag
Full throttle shift
Three multi purpose outputs for nitrous control or similar
Supports lambda tracing from a wideband o2 (PLX wideband recommended)
PWM output for boost control
Dual tables for high/low octane calibrations etc.
Two analog inputs for wideband, EGTs etc.
High and low speed 24 x 20 ignition and fuel tables for correct VTEC tuning
Injector size fuel trim
Fuel trim for starting, throttle tip in and individual cylinder trim
Rev limiter with fuel cut or fuel and ignition cut
Launch control with anti-lag
Full throttle shift
Adjustable VTEC window with load and throttle control
Secondary intake runner control
Adjustable idle speed
MAP sensor type and calibration
Adjustable boost cut with hot and cold settings
Shift light
Closed loop control
Air temperature compensation
Water temperature compensation
Fuel and ignition correction based on gear
A/C shutoff conditions
Closed loop
Three general purpose outputs for nitrous control, quad boost control or similar
On board datalogging trigger conditions

hope that helps you some...

 

[austinkli]

Well aren't you just Mr. Helpful today. But I'm afraid I wasn't real clear on what I was asking. I'm kind of curious as to how it works when you chip it. Does my ECU suddenly know to tell the car to use more fuel? Does it understand that I have an intake on and tell it to take in more air? Stuff like that.

Keep it in lamen's terms for me if you will.

 

[GlassHeadlights]

If the motor is stock there wouldn't be any advantage with tuning.

 

[INJEN78]

dont have to necessarily go with hondata..its really not all its cracked up to be..
you should chip your ecu because p08 doesnt run vtec..
but basically when you chip and ecu it gives you the ability to adjust fuel and timing maps..also vtec engagement point,rev limiter,all that good stuff..

 

[94civicturbo]

well the person that tunes your car will adjust all that stuff to what you have done to the engine, so if you have more plans for it just wait on the chip and if not then go right ahead and get it chipped and tuned lol

 

[disableddan]

If the motor is stock there wouldn't be any advantage with tuning.

Not entirely sure this is true, the factory fuel and spark maps are tuned for reliable economy, not maximum horsepower. With i/h/e and some other goodies you could probably tune a little more power out of it too.
Not that I really know that much about this stuff either
I'm still trying to learn more about the intricacies of chipping and tuning... lots to learn

 

[94civicturbo]

^^^ yeah me too so im trying to be helpful without looking like an idiot...

 

[GlassHeadlights]

dont have to necessarily go with hondata..its really not all its cracked up to be..
you should chip your ecu because p08 doesnt run vtec..
but basically when you chip and ecu it gives you the ability to adjust fuel and timing maps..also vtec engagement point,rev limiter,all that good stuff..

P06 doesn't run VTEC. P08 is the JDM D15B ECU.

 

[INJEN78]

P06 doesn't run VTEC. P08 is the JDM D15B ECU.

damn i had them mixed up...hes correct

 

[austinkli]

dont have to necessarily go with hondata..its really not all its cracked up to be..
you should chip your ecu because p08 doesnt run vtec..
but basically when you chip and ecu it gives you the ability to adjust fuel and timing maps..also vtec engagement point,rev limiter,all that good stuff..

Umm.... Yes it does.

 

[austinkli]

And upon further reading I realize that you guys already established that.

Basically what I'm thinking overall, is to do a full i/h/e on it. A few minor minor things like higher combustion NGK spark plugs, wires, etc, then getting the ecu chipped for the maximum hp out of it rather than the best gas mileage.

this car/motor is never going to be anything special, just a daily drive that I'd like to be just a little peppy.

 

[INJEN78]

lol yea..
well you can def. tune a couple more hp out of a couple boltons and a tune..

 

[chacal06]

So there's is other ways to adjust how much fuel it uses other then chipping it ?

 

[INJEN78]

a vafc or safc..or another piggyback managemant system

 

[jajimenez]

I adjusted everything with a small tuner, you should have no problem.

 

[disableddan]

Somewhat unrelated, but I have an issue of "Grassroots Motorsports" (great mag btw) where they put megasquirt on an old rx7 motor. With only tuning they were able to get an extra 20hp and 25 ft lbs, AND improved fuel economy to boot Not sure if rotaries take to tuning better (or if they just had a shit tune from the factory) but there's definitely room for improvement through tuning, even on a stock engine.

 

[riceracerex]

I just chipped my PM6 Ecu in my Crx. "D16a6". About your question... IMO Chipping is one of the best things you can do to a car and it is very good to learn as long as you read alot and ask lots of questions. INJEN helped me out some when I was first setting mine up.

The Advantages of chipping like INJEN said, is Adjusting Fuel & Ignition timing based on RPM's and Intake Manifold Pressure. It sounds complicated but it's not. You can download basemaps * custom programs to run your car and ecu * I/H/E should help with the InHg (Intake Manifold Pressure) You will have the option to perform a 2-Step (Lauch Control)
Adjust when your Vtec Engages and alot more... I am very happy with my chip and I only have a few mods like I/H/E & Adjustable Cam Gear. You can also Log Information from the Sensors in your car with a DataCable running it to a laptop. This will help you determine if you are running to much gas or not enough. Rich or Lean. A Wideband O2 Sensor helps with this.
If you have any questions about it reply and I will see what I know. I would not ever recommend a Ebay chip though. Tuning it yourself is a great accomplishment and it's also alot of fun. Just make sure you are good at soldering or patient with it and your good to go. Hope this helps, if not you can always go to xenocron.com or pgmfi.org

 

[INJEN78]

exactly^ repped for refering to me and providing good info..