Hello,

I recently purchased a 1997 Del Sol VTEC with a (to my knowledge) stock B16A2 engine, that I have been fixing up. I struggled for a while with trying to get my cheap ELM port scanner to connect to the ECU, but I think this explains my ill luck - a previous owner appears to have replaced the stock ECU (P30-A02) with a JDM ITR ECU (P73-013).

Attachment 418018

I wouldn't have thought this a wise choice, but it seems to be running reasonably well (though rich). My problem is that my TX inspection is coming up, and I'm certain that the car will not pass with this ECU connected, due to the inability to connect with the scanner machine. I've not yet been able to locate a replacement P30-A02 that is available for less than the ~$625 that Honda is asking for.

My question is this:
Are there any semi-suitable alternatives to this ECU which would be more appropriate to my car than the P73-013, and also enable the use of port scanners?

I would be comfortable performing hardware/firmware modifications if necessary, given the current P73 as backup, as well as a push in the right direction, but am currently unsure of the options/requirements.

Thank you

 

'99 - '00 Civic Si ECU (P2T) will be a lot easier to find and is more or less the same thing and will communicate with a scan tool. You will need an OBD2A to OBD2B adapter harness to use it though.

 

Looks like this is exactly what I need, thank you very much. I'll post the result once I've had a chance to give it a try.

Regards