B16B swap: What next?
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Joined: Feb 2002
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From: Sacramento, CA, USA
Re: B16B swap: What next? (808BMW)
The ECU that came with the motor is the best one to use (at least in stock form). But it will not work in a CRX without some modifications. Specifically, the ECU plugs need to be changed to accommodate the new ECU. Of course, if your mechanic does not want to tackle this, you can always purchase an ECU adaptor from Hasport. I believe they make one to use 1996-1998 JDM ECUs in CRXs. In fact, it might cost less to buy this adaptor than to pay your mechanic to change the plugs (you will, of course, need to consult your mechanic on this).
The other option that some people choose is to use a 1G JDM B16A ECU instead to simplify wiring. Just keep in mind that this ECU is not the best for several reasons. First, it is not mapped correctly for a B16B. Although it is made for a 1.6 liter engine as well, it is probably not going to have the exact fuel maps required for optimal operation of a B16B. MUCH more likely to be off are the timing maps and VTEC switchover point. And you would run slow at the drag strip since the lower rev limiter of the B16A ECU would force earlier shifting. All of this can be dealt with by reprogramming. But this costs money (in addition to the cost of the ECU itself). Also, the 1G B16A ECU requires a different distributer (more $$$$) and that really DUMB twin oxygen sensor setup which will require you to hack any nice header you buy for the motor.
Yet another option that some people choose is to use a 1992-1995 ECU like the P28. These ECUs cost less (but still cost money). And like the CTR ECU, they require wiring modifications to make them fit (of about the same degree of difficulty). But they do not require a different distributer or that stupid twin oxygen sensor setup. On the other hand, they do require reprogramming. But the nice thing about these ECUs is the tunability of them compared to the others.
So here's my opinion. If you want an inexpensive setup that will work well, modify to use the stock CTR ECU that came with the motor. And if you want something easily tunable, go with a 1992-1995 VTEC ECU. But I would avoid the 1988-1991 1G JDM B16A ECU, as it costs alot to use and the setup is less than ideal.
The other option that some people choose is to use a 1G JDM B16A ECU instead to simplify wiring. Just keep in mind that this ECU is not the best for several reasons. First, it is not mapped correctly for a B16B. Although it is made for a 1.6 liter engine as well, it is probably not going to have the exact fuel maps required for optimal operation of a B16B. MUCH more likely to be off are the timing maps and VTEC switchover point. And you would run slow at the drag strip since the lower rev limiter of the B16A ECU would force earlier shifting. All of this can be dealt with by reprogramming. But this costs money (in addition to the cost of the ECU itself). Also, the 1G B16A ECU requires a different distributer (more $$$$) and that really DUMB twin oxygen sensor setup which will require you to hack any nice header you buy for the motor.
Yet another option that some people choose is to use a 1992-1995 ECU like the P28. These ECUs cost less (but still cost money). And like the CTR ECU, they require wiring modifications to make them fit (of about the same degree of difficulty). But they do not require a different distributer or that stupid twin oxygen sensor setup. On the other hand, they do require reprogramming. But the nice thing about these ECUs is the tunability of them compared to the others.
So here's my opinion. If you want an inexpensive setup that will work well, modify to use the stock CTR ECU that came with the motor. And if you want something easily tunable, go with a 1992-1995 VTEC ECU. But I would avoid the 1988-1991 1G JDM B16A ECU, as it costs alot to use and the setup is less than ideal.
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