Friend who figure-8 races is looking to squeeze out more low-end torque. 0-45mph range. They have to keep their setup's pretty stock so he's been told by others that they chip their ECU's.... It didn't sound right to me with the limited knowledge I had, I don't think you can program that year (too old? OBD*) so I'm turning here for suggestions...

He has it stripped down with a cage. This is full contact figure-8 racing so he needs quick bursts and tight cornering without noticeable after-market or illegal modifications.

I'm pretty sure he has the suspension fully stock too. Not sure about regulations on that. I told him it would help him immensely already.

Any other ideas?

 

You're right about chipping the ecu, that only works on the 90/91 that came with the 2.1. If he can find a used 2.1 that doesn't burn too much oil he could use the 2.1 block with the 2.0 head, that will bump compression and raise power. If he does an obd1 conversion he could then run a chipped ecu. I know using a modified b18b intake cam and a 2.1 exhaust cam raises top end power, not sure what it would do for low end torque. The throttle body from an Acura vigor is a direct bolt on and is a slightly larger TB. I can't think of anything else that would help and look stock. Maybe a light weight flywheel if they don't inspect flywheels.

As for suspension, if he gets some used neuspeeds and tokico blues, pull the labels off and hit them with some flat black spraypaint they should look pretty stock. Just look at which springs he gets cuz obv he wont want to drop the car too much in full contact racing. Also depending on rules it might be worth it to do a 4ws swap. Seems to make a big difference in oval racing, should help the same in figure 8 racing.

 

Thank you for the information, I've passed it to him!