New Computer!?

[frohawker]

so a few weeks ago my check engine light came on. we thought it was the spark plugs because it was the only thing i hadn't changed since we put the rebuilt motor in. i wanted to put NGK plugs but the shop i went to was out so he hooked me up with AC Delco race plugs. well i immediately noticed a huge gain in power. but then my engine light started to come on more and more. i went to another shop to have them check it out. they didn't have the scanner that day to read it (damn obd1 ). they read the trouble code and it said it had something to do with the TPS. well today i finally got to take it in and have them completely check it out...come to find out i need a new computer. they spent 3 1/2 hours checking everything and it all points to needing a new one.

[ExplodingCake]

http://www.cb7tuner.com/vbb/showthre...light=ECU+code

Before replacing the ECU , I suggest pull the codes yourself. Real easy and saves you from the hassle.

[deevergote]

Follow the instructions in the link. You can pull the code yourself easily enough.

If the light flashes when you do what the link says to do, the ECU is not bad. If the light stays solid, it's bad.

ECUs are quite inexpensive at junkyards. The PT3 (F22A1 or F22A4... all LX/DX models, and 90-91 EX models) and the PT6 (F22A6... all SE models, and 92-93 EX models) are the only two ones you have to worry about. Around here, they sell for $20-$40, depending on where you go. They don't commonly go bad, so as long as you get one from a dry car, it'll most likely work.

[frohawker]

http://www.cb7tuner.com/vbb/showthre...light=ECU+code

Before replacing the ECU , I suggest pull the codes yourself. Real easy and saves you from the hassle.

i'm not exactly worried about the shop screwing me....it was my old boss that checked it out for me. and it gives me reason to have to go visit the junkyard. i just don't know which ecu would be best. i have a f22a1 bored out, high compression, and a hot cam, I/H/E.

[deevergote]

If you have all that, a custom tune will be much better... Do you know anyone that can tune an ECU, preferably on a dyno? A P06 from a 92-95 Civic LX/DX would work nicely after being modified and tuned. d112crzy and MRX here on the site sell them pre-modified... you just need them tuned (yes, I know... no selling in the beginner forums... but I know both of them well, I endorse their work, and I own this site... I'm the exception )

However, if you want stock, you want the PT3. The PT6 is made to open the IAB system on the F22A6 intake manifold (unless, of course, you grab a PT6 AND the F22A6 intake mani... not a bad idea...)

[chrischhorn]

dont mean to thread jack but what kind of program do they use for those ecus? and how much are they?

[deevergote]

The most common programs for tuning are ECtune, Crome, and Uberdata (which is no longer updated, but still perfectly good). Uber is free, Crome has a free and a paid version, and I forget if there's a free version of ECtune... My P28 was tuned with Uberdata by MRX when he was up here. You can do anything that you really need with any of the free programs. You also need a datalogger, a chip burner, and a wideband oxygen sensor... the bare basics. There are other tools that are useful as well.

Check out the ECU tuning subforum in the Technical area of this site for more info.

[frohawker]

If you have all that, a custom tune will be much better... Do you know anyone that can tune an ECU, preferably on a dyno? A P06 from a 92-95 Civic LX/DX would work nicely after being modified and tuned. d112crzy and MRX here on the site sell them pre-modified... you just need them tuned (yes, I know... no selling in the beginner forums... but I know both of them well, I endorse their work, and I own this site... I'm the exception )

However, if you want stock, you want the PT3. The PT6 is made to open the IAB system on the F22A6 intake manifold (unless, of course, you grab a PT6 AND the F22A6 intake mani... not a bad idea...)

Unfortunately, I don't know anyone with a dyno. So it seems like i'll be going stock until I can afford to take it to a dyno shop. Which Cb do I get the IM and ECU from? I plan on going to the Junkyard monday as long as the weather is nice. That means I'll finally be able to replace the taillight and put my CAI on.

[deevergote]

I'd get the PT6 and IM from a 92-93 EX or SE. (I explained which cars they were in earlier in this thread... I suppose I have to repeat myself...)

You currently have the PT3. If you don't want to change the intake manifold, that would be the easiest swap. You CAN run the PT6 with what you have now, and considering your other mods, it probably wouldn't make a difference... but the PT6 has the stuff to work the IABs. The PT3 does not. Therefore, the A6 manifold is a good thing.

[frohawker]

Update:

pt6 installed
passenger tail light replaced

Immediately I noticed a gain in power right after changing the ecu. Not only that the tranny shifts smoother than ever before. Taking off the car is a bit sluggish but once it hits 2500-3000 it just roars and takes off. I haven't had the opportunity to fully open it yet but soon I will and put a video up.