ok. I have a 1996 honda civic DX with a 1999 honda civic HX engine swap. I know the v-tec or lean burn dont kick in because of not having the correct oxygen sensor. I plan on turbo charging the car as soon as I get my taxes. I have done alot of reading on this subject and not a real clear answer. Is it possible to tune the oem ecu. with AEM tunable ECM or?? I also plan on putting DSM 450CC injectors. I already have a 2.25 full exhaust. I am not going just throw it together I am actually planning it all out before I do. and was wondering about the ECU setup.

 

Dont even worry about it. This will decimate all, after, you put about....fifteen grand in it or more. If we have to, overnight parts from Japan.

 

For the cost of a good turbo kit for that motor u could build a z6 with more na power or u could get a b swap ... Or swap the head at least for a normal vtec setup

 

Building a z6 for NA power? Horrible advice.

 

Especially considering that we're in the FI section...

OP, check the FAQ sticky. Give it a good, long read. Then read it again. Then eat dinner. Then go drop a deuce while reading it. Then fall asleep reading it. Then wake up and have your wife/girlfriend/parakeet read it to you in the shower while you're getting ready for work. Then listen to it in book-on-tape (preferably in the voice of Morgan Freeman) while you drive to work. Read it again on your lunch break. Flip to side B and continue listening on your drive home. Sit down, read it one last time, and then start thinking about your question.

Now that we have that covered, there's probably more to your VTEC-E not working than just an O2 sensor, considering the swap you're fiddling with. Your chassis is basically as far from the right one as possible for that engine, the proper ECU for your motor can't plug directly into the engine harness. Can you tune that ECU? Theoretically yes, but the amount of raw work involved in tuning an OBD2 ECU (and I mean ACTUALLY tuning, not just some dumb as **** FMU hack bullshit) is pointless. Get an OBD1 ECU. Have whatever tuning hardware your tuner is most comfortable/competent with installed. Get your car running properly on a basemap for that setup, boost it, get it properly tuned, and have fun.

 

I've never ever heard of an oxygen sensor not letting vtec crossover.

 

VTEC-E is a funny system, and IIRC uses a wideband O2 sensor in the HX. No wideband = no econo-mode = no VTEC, or at least, no econo-VTEC.