I'm trying to tune for mild FI in my D16Z6 with the stock P28 chip. If I'm understanding correctly, Crome no longer works, eCtune is nonexistent, and Megasquirt is like trying to shove cube into a circular hole. None of these platforms seem to even be an option at this time. So that leaves AEM, Hondata, and Neptune? So my only options are to buy a standalone unit and have it tuned by a pro ($1000+)? Chipping the stock ECU seems to be the most cost effective way to tune, and I'm looking at the Moates Demon socketing kit- but this means that I still need to purchase a Neptune RTP and then have it tuned professionally? Are there no longer DIY options? Obviously, I could just snag an S300 or another standalone unit and have that tuned, but I am on a serious budget.

Could I run an S100 unit and have that tuned since that goes in the OEM ECU? These are really more hardware/ hardware&software compatibility questions. It seems like the more basic (read: cheap) tuning platforms have no support at all.

My main question is: what is the most cost effective way to tune my boosted D16Z6?

I've read up on this for hours and yet I'm still so confused. Help?

Thanks for your time.

 

Here's a question for you: how long do you want your boosted engine to last?

 

It's my daily, so... Indefinitely?

 

Go with the Hondata S100 and a good basic tune done by a Pro in your area. It will be worth the $$

TRUST ME ... just one leaned out cylinder under boost and youre buying a NEW engine. lol ask me how I know this..

Good Luck!
Cheers

 

I'd skip even the S100 w/ the Boost option used, and get the S300 V3. They stated that is the last of the B-series that they will support now. Those still work with the OEM OBD1 ECU, so, It's a good thing its still around.
I'm rather glad the the Uberdata and Crome Pro days are coming to an end. There are endless problems and more tuning professionals are turning their heads away from it.
I'm not saying one has to have a huge amount of money to do this, but if you're on a budget to a point where even having it professionally tuned has become a hassle and you're expecting daily driven duties for it, perhaps turbocharging is the wrong path for you.

Man up, get the real stuff, and pay the piper to get it done right. "Buy Once, Cry Once". Years from now you'll laugh as your car is still running strong from a proper tune.

 

^ Is there even a shop left that will touch an s100?

Either of the obd1 systems (NepTune rtp or S300) are still as diy as they've ever been. If you're trying to use the term "diy" to imply "cheap" then I'm not sure what to tell you. You can cobble a setup together with an ostrich and a burner and all that crap or have a board that is just there whenever you want to plug in and make a change. You'll quickly make back the cost difference in time and headaches saved.

The current bunch of softwares are great and non-buggy. I've always preferred NepTune to Hondata for a lot of reasons, but my favor has started to tip toward Hondata as the NepTune software has fallen behind a bit on features and has some quirks that I just don't feel like dealing with anymore (inability to copy/paste tables to excel is a big gripe). The newer s300 boards have some cool extra features and add-one that make them a bit more future proof too.

Beyond that, learn the theory, learn the software, rent dyno time and tune away. That's about as diy as it gets.

 

The S300 is the ecu I would get if I was on a tight budget. I wouldn't bother with Neptune, Crome, etc. I'm not sure why Megasquirt never quite caught on with Hondas as I feel they are actually better than Hondata. I played with a Megasquirt PNP unit on an older BMW 325 and I was quite surprised at its features and relatively low cost. OP do yourself a favor and at the very least get an S300.

 

s300v3 done deal.... I might have a s300v2 for sale here soon