the aem doesn't cost 2g's.
its 1100 for most applications, 1300 for the expensive ones.
hondata may seem liek it doesn't come with everything- but frankly, you don't need it.
all you NEED is the s200 series unit (about 295) and boost (since you plan to run boost with it, about 195). that's it.
everything else, your DEALER needs to tune it. if you don't plan to tune it yourself, and frankly, i wouldn't recommend it. other than that, you need to chip your ecu (65 bucks) or get one of their p28s pre-chipped and soldered and cover cut (250 i think)
400-650 bucks or 1100
your choice.
aem's software has gone through at least 5 revisions since i've heard of it. hondata, is on its first revision, with 1 aditional update to its rom editor. hondata came out first.
you make a decision from there. and by revision, i don't mean new features - i mean software updates cuz shit broke or didn't work right.
Frankly, most tuners i know prefer hondata. its faster to tune (read, less hour $$$$ on the dyno), comes with base maps that should be kinda close to yoru setup to get you running (or deal with aem's excuse for a base map... and have to tune your car in your garage before you even leave just to get the fucker started), and have all kinds of useless features that you will never use.
Originally posted by aem's site
We always make available base maps to help you get started. They are what you need to start your car, get a basic idle, make you're A/C work and more.
i REALLY want to know what honda ecu runs a/c .... really, i do.
other than a built in boost controller (which frankly, other external units do a better job of), the aem has NO features the hondata doesn't have. (Fast civ, hondata does not have boost control, as it is NOT part of the factory ecu systeml)
My choice, if it isn't clear by now, is the hondata. I did a lot of research on tis when i was making the choice for my setup. i have no regrets either.
Be that as it may, and all this said- ANY system is only as good as YOUR TUNER can make it. Pick one your tuner knows, or find a tuner who knows what you want to use.