Hello, I have the 2.2 non vtec f22 and it’s the auto version I’ve currently converted it from the wagon into a truck/Ute but want to keep working on this and wanted to do a turbo setup but I have the AUTOMATIC not the manual. Is there still any tuning capability for the auto or am I really screwed at this point?

 

Not screwed per se. On the budget side you can tune with any sort of piggyback system, Apexi AFC NEO, or SAFC2, or a Greddy Emanage Blue or Ultimate.

Money being no object you can get a standalone ECU like haltech, AEM etc but we are talking probably almost as much as your entire vehicle is worth to do it right.

The main challenge is calling around to see which tuners have familiarity using these. You can also tune it yourself if you like, but will need a wideband o2 sensor, some patience and a lot of research.

 

You can easily tune it with OEM components and a chipped ECU like any other Honda of that era. The easiest and least expensive route would be to convert to OBD1 and run an OBD1 accord TCU coupled with a chipped automatic P75 ECU from a 94-95 LS Integra. You MUST use an automatic OBD1 P75 and RETAIN THE AUTO CIRCUITRY if you want it to work. You CANNOT use a P06/P28 or ANY civic ECU. The reason for this being the Accords used a split ECU/TCU setup, and so did the Integras. The Integra ECU just happens to be able to communicate with the Accord TCU, allowing your transmission to work. You can use Neptune/Hondata/Crome/whatever with the chipped ECU like anything else. This is likely your best/only real option unless you run an FMU and pray. Piggybacks are junk and you won't find an aftermarket ECU solution that can control the automatic.

I used this method years ago when my Accord was turbo and automatic. It worked great but the transmission will not hold up to much more than 200whp before it starts throwing codes and slipping. There is a fair amount of wiring involved but it's mostly pin swapping. Here is a link to the guide I used. All the wiring information you need is in there.

 

Aradin is right on the money and to be honest i actually completely forgot about that option.

I guess it depends on the tuning goals. I wouldn't say that piggybacks are total rubbish, the newer ones like AFC Neo have so many tuning points that they can do a decent job unless you building a highly modified engine. (16 tuning points low and 16 high) . Sure, not as good as a chipped ECU or a standalone but likely a lot of less technical work and knowledge to get it set up and going, you know?

It really depends on the OPs goals but it is good that you presented another option he can explore. I can get p75 ECUs fairly cheaply now i think.

 

AFC Neo is discontinued AFAIK.

16 tuning points in 500rpm increments with the NEO versus literally hundreds, idle control, many additional features, corrections, etc etc etc etc for similar money with a chipped ECU setup. I know which one I'd pick.

 

Yep the NEO is indeed discontinued, but as with all these things, a healthy used market for them.

Chipped ECU presents way more options and way more versatility but it does require a more knowledgeable tuner for sure.

Either way, any tune is better than no tune if you are doing mods, that is for sure!