what is obd1 and what so special about it. i just bought an 97 integra gsr bone stock. is it an obd1?

 

a 97 GSR is OBD2

OBD=on-board diagnostics

OBD1 is special because of the avalability of programs like Crome/Uberdata/Hondata that can be used tune the engine to run at it's best.

 

can i convert my gsr to a obd1? how much will that run me? also is a obd2 any good?

 

OBD2 and OBD1 is liked only by personal opinion. They are both good but just like he said there are more programs you can use on OBD1 ECU's. But if you want to convert, you can go the simple route and just get the conversion harness so you can run OBD1 ECU's and their sort of programs... This will run you 50+ dollars on an average... This would be the easiest way to go...

JDMatters

 

I have heard that OBD2 ECUs will overide alot of your upgrades. Ie if you advance your timing or try to give it more feul it will just compensate for it elsewhere and you will not see gains for long

 

OBD2 ECUs tend to 'learn' better than OBD1 ECUs. Meaning (like you mentioned) they see that the ignition is not stock setting and compensate after a little while.
Also overcoming the check engine light problems when you upgrade certain parts of the car is more difficult with OBD2 ECUs.
Another advantage to OBD1 over OBD2 is the lack of secondary O2 sensor in the exhaust, so running a catalytic converter (off-road of course ) is optional. NOTE: legally you can't run cat-less on the road.
But the largest reason whey people convert down to OBD1 from OBD2 is to be able to tune the engine.

 

your 97 is obd2.

 

96 and new are obd2.your right obd2 wiil compensate for manual upgrades to an extent.obd1 is easier to work.although obd2 does make the engine run more efficient.if you dont plan on doing alot of upgrades stay with obd2 otherwise switch it to obd1.just just my opinion.