This summer I'm going to complete my restoration/build of a 91 Si, still with its D16A1. I've made a few relatively simple modifications to it (bored, high compression pistons, CAI, cam regrind, headers, exhaust). I'm assuming that when I try to start the engine, the computer is going to freak out from all this. What can a do to keep this from happening? What places can flash my ECU? I read up a little on Hondata.com, is there anything there worth looking at? Any advice at all would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

It is impossible to reprogram an Ecu

 

Thanks, but that doesn't help my situation. Can you offer suggestions as opposed to leaving a useless comment?

 

I'll help you.

You dont "reprogram" an ecu, you can get a new basemap, and a tune.

Get an obd1 d16 if you can, as well as an obd1 jumper with any obd1 ecu (you can get a new basemap for it).

Then go on to tuning, etc, for it. A lot of mechanic shops will do it, if you give us your area (i.e. new york) we can probably refer you to some good places to tune it.

Obd1 is easier to tune then obd0, obd2 and obd2b arent that possible to tune.

 

I would love to find a good shop around the West Michigan area, though I suspect there won't be too many places to choose from. I have an obd0 ECU judging by the ports, a PM6-A09. Should I consider purchasing a obd1?

Turns out that the parts car didn't have a Civic ECU in it, it's actually an Integra ECU, a obd0 PR4-A02.

 

I dont know anything in West Michigan, someone else might.

Yes, you should consider it. It's better all around, especially if you consider getting a tune or eventually going turbo.

 

You should consider converting to OBD1.
OBD0 is kind of phased out - it's not GONE but finding people that still tune the OBD0 stuff are getting harder to find.
OBD1 offers better tuning capability, although if you are doing just a mild build and can find somebody to tune OBD0, the by all means stay OBD0 and save some $$$.

Either way, is going to require you get the ECU chipped so you can change the variables (maps) that the ECU program runs.

It's not loading a new/different program (like loading Apple OS instead of Windows) it's just changing up variables hence why it's not "reprogramming".


Looking at your build, you should be able to start up and run ok on the stock computer.
I wouldn't race on it or anything, but it should start up and get you where you need to go.
Your cam and compression are going to need the tune more than anything to milk them for the power they can put out.
Tuning will the fuel delivery and ignition to keep the motor happy and away from detonating.

 

This is extremely helpful, thank you two so much! I'll look around for tuners for both OBD0 and OBD1, and deal with whatever ECU the tuner wants. Thanks again!

 

https://honda-tech.com/forums/engine-management-tuning-124/tuner-directory-2368887/

there's two tuners in michigan listed there. the thread's a few years old so best to make sure they're still in business.