I'm considering not purchasing one of the local management systems as per the initial plan, but instead an AEM EMS Series 2, Hondata S300, Neptune or ES Tuning system.

Initially, I had planned on buying a Dicktator standalone management system and a Turbosmart e-boost 2 boost controller, but considering my goal of 600whp, & the decision to go with 1000cc high impedence injectors, my low down driveability will be seriously compromised, more especially in low boost.

Instead, I've decided to go with one of the above mentioned systems. I have been told that they all incorporate boost control through the gears & in some cases traction control. I need a system with features that will cover what the Dicktator & e-boost 2 combined incorporates.

Having no experience whatsoever with these systems, I need some guidance in terms of what will be the best system for my application.

Assuming I purchase one of these, which particular spec do I go with, especially in the case of the AEM, considering my car is a 99 Civic sedan which originally had a b16a Vtec engine, that has now been removed in favor of a b18c GSR sub-assembly with the b16a Vtec head.

 

There all good systems. Its going to be your ppreference. i dont believe you need the AEM for your setup if i remember coorectly 600-700whp. I personally run a hondata s300 and love it but the ectune with a deamon board is excellent as well also the neptune with deamon board. really there all going to give you the same options just setup a little different from managemtne to management

 

i have had just about every system and personally I liked neptune the best.. its ran by a guy who is there for the customer pretty much any time


you should buy whatever your tuner is the most comfortable with though as they will be the key to how good your car runs

 

Considering he's in South Africa, it must be taken into account for viable support in case something goes wrong in the way of hardware and dealer support. Just remember that, guys.

 

that right there would be the reason for neptune if he is the tuner

 

I suppose.

 

Because you don't just go by COST ALONE. You look at the ability of yourself, the tuner, and the hardware/software support availability in your area. In other words, if you need to get replacement parts, a piece of equipment, a data file, SOMETHING... you want to be able to contact your authorized dealer, (There are fakes now being introduced to the public, and S.A. is a prime target, SO BE CAREFUL WHERE YOU BUY) and get the support you need before and AFTER tuning. I could use both, and find justification for either one. But I also like to do it once.

The S300 will do just fine, just make sure you get it from an authorized dealer. But then again AEM EMS has just as much resolution and ability to do more without the need of an OEM ECU.. There is no clear-cut better solution.. Only , what is better for you.

 

with your car being a 99 obd2. The AEM will be the only one that can be used without a obd1 to obd2 conversion harness (around $80) also make sure you know if you are obd2a or 2b. With your shipping issues make sure you get everything in one purchase from one vendor, have the ecu already for whatever software you decide and boost control. I personally bought all my stuff in a bundle deal from a HT vendor which was a refreshed p28 ecu setup for boost control, socketed for me to use Neptune RTP, EBC, Innovative Wideband O2 sensor, and a obd1 to obd2 conversion harness.

 

I'd go with an AEM. Getting support for it should be the easiest and There are plenty thigns online you can read to become familiar tuning it yourself.

 

Lol, thanks for picking up this post. Posting from my blackberry, so.....

There are only two criteria I can base my choice on:
1. Cost. Like I said previously, importing adds up. I have to consider what it could possibly cost to replace the entire system should the need arise, because there will be no parts or backup available locally, for any of these. It will probably be cheaper to buy another system than it would be to ship the system back and forth for repairs.
2. Ease of installation and tuning. No tuner will have any experience with this in my locality.

I have no preferance because I don't have any experince with any of these. If I buy I will from a reputable dealer.

What I do appreciate about the aem is that it is plug and play and will completely replace the stock ecu, unlike the balance of the options. The Hondata S300 will still require the stock ecu and a conversion harness from obd1 to 2?

 

Visit www.j-k-tuning.com

There you can buy a quality jumper harness, chipped ecu with Neptune demon already installed, not only that but he can get you great deals on the map sensor, injectors, boost solenoid and anything else you may need

Neptune ftw, his forums are always up to date, he has a Facebook community that he posts daily in, it's cutting edge technology and it's cheaper!!!

 

Thanks man. I'm going to look now.

 

x2

Also, further info, member HRTuning here on H-T is the man behind Neptune. You can check http://www.hrtuning.com/ for more info.

 

ive been using neptune in my cars since like 07. i love it. program runs very smoothly and the customer service is awesome. i ran into an issue earlier in the year with it, sent HRtuning an email about it with some info and there was a new update with the issue resolved by the next morning. top notch!

hondata works well too, as ive tuned a few friends cars that run s300. the only thing that i really wish neptune has that s300 does is the lean protection feature. sometimes crap happens and if you arent watching the wideband at that moment you could be in some trouble

 

AEM has awesome overseas shipping in case there is an issue in a reasonable timeframe, and everything is in ONE BOX. No harnesses, conversions, "chipping" or anything of that sort. Personally, I like it all in one package with no conversion harness or extra equipment. Plus AEM has replacement shipping that is fast and easy should the need arise. But again, they're all good

 

So HRTuning are the guys to talk to for Neptune?

 

Yessir..

 

To be honest, that's what I'm loving about AEM. My car has had a standalone wired in before and I'm a little concerned about the condition of the harness. The AEM EMS 4 may be the best option.

Its unlikely that it could not be returned to stock though. I'm not sure which series2 I'd need, if I went that route, considering I'm using a b18c with a b16a head in a car that came with a b16a originally, and considering the 99 model, must be an obd 2.

 

If you're a 99 model, then (unless manufacturing has changed for your series in S.A. you're More than likely OBD2A. But google the pin layout of your old ECU so that you can be sure. Compare it with other images to see which year your ECU pin harness is.

 

This is the info I recieved from a local tuner:

"P6G obd2b. U have the "facelift" square ecu. Plug configuration differs from PFL to FL, although both are labelled P6G. I would opt for the plug n play AEM ems, Uego closed loop."

 

Basically a OBD2B from 99-00 (Don't need to know all the other crap..) So use the AEM EMS for OBD2B Civic/Integra.

 

What is PFL and FL? and what does a "facelift" ecu mean.

 

PFL Pre-facelift, FL Facelift, and facelift means when they changed the front end/look of the body... basically depicting a newer model year.

 

Yep, thats it. In SA the FL models are 99-2000. I have a 99.

Mind you, the rear bumper is different as well, along with a few interior changes.