Rep Power: 0

Hello All;

I've returned to the Honda Civic fold after a 15 plus year absence. I sold my 1981 Civic Sedan in 1989 after 100K miles of pleasurable driving, and just bought a 2005 Civic ES SE Sedan. Wonderful car.

I would be appreciative if somebody could point me in the right direction regarding ECUs. I'm not looking to play "Speed Racer" in my Civic, but I would like to optimize the engine performance, both in terms of gas mileage and acceleration. On my '81 Civic, I had the distributor recurved and the carb rejeted for improved driveability, and I'd like to do something similar with the ECU programming with my current ride. In a nutshell, what I would like to eliminate is the slow rampdown of RPM between shifts, and possibly a small advance in ignition timing for improved efficiency, assuming that ignition timing is retarded for NOx reduction. I understand that there would probably be a slight increase in NOx, but if the combustion process is more efficient, there would probably be a slight decrease in HC and CO due to a more efficient burn. I'm NOT looking to play with the variable valve timing. Being as the ECU programming works on a closed loop system, I'm not sure how easy optimization would be. Also, if what I am looking for is possible, I'd sure like to know the impact on emissions testing in Illinois.

For what little research I have done, I'm not sure if the current ECU is reprogrammable, or if I would be looking at an aftermarket ECU.

If somebody could steer me towards the right equipment, or a tuner in the Chicago area, I would be much obliged.

Thanks in advance,

CivicSedanMan, a 1958 model

 
Rep Power: 304

Hmmmm I dunno I think you might have a 6th gen civic. I know on the 7th gens the ecu's have the ability to learn and if you mess with them they kinda go back to default settings, unless you make a physical mod. Like I know if you add an intake the ecu gets a little messed up b/c of the air change but over time it learns and adapts. So without doing any kinda mods any ecu changes may just go back to defaults. There are modded chips that you can buy which may help you, but as for re-programming the current one you might be outta luck. As for emissions and stuff can't help you there, sorry.

 
Rep Power: 298

They dont actually learn and reset. we have a distributorless ignition so the only thing you really could use for that is the Greddy e-manage which is somewhat complex. If you only want to play with fuel the apexi safcII is simple and alot cheaper, I would suggest this option. In my experience I have found that I could only advance the ignition a max of 2 degrees without starting a tiny bit of detonation. The ignition curve is pretty well tuned from the factory. When my car was stock it ran rich on the top end. Leaning it out made a small but noticable difference in performance and economy. Hondata does not do reflashes on these computers and probably never will. The only other option is a full AEM standalone which is $1500+. (kinda expensive for minor tweaking lol)

 
Rep Power: 0

^^He said he has a 95. Maybe he meant 2005?

 
Rep Power: 0

^^He said he has a 95. Maybe he meant 2005?

Yup, no brains, no headaches.


Senility starts to set in somewhere after age 40.

Sorry for the miscommunication.

CivicSedanMan

 
Rep Power: 298

so it is def a 2005????

 
Rep Power: 0

so it is def a 2005????


Yup.

 
Rep Power: 296

nothing you can really do boss,
Stock ECU is pretty much set to optimum settings. AEM standalone can get you a little power and efficient, but not worth the money for you atleast.

 
Rep Power: 0

Thanks AlienX.

Nice to know that I don't have to do anything. I just checked my mileage on my first tank of gas, and I was at 32.5 MPG. Not to shabby considering that I don't baby it, and it rarely sees south of 70 on the highway.

regards,
CivicSedanMan

 
Rep Power: 324

you will get used to the rpm fall and it will get better with time as things break in. leave it stock and you'll be happy.

 
Rep Power: 0

couldnt agree more.....but. if your still lookin to get a little more power out of the Good old Civic...and your Warrente is up...go with an Apexi Vafc II...i personaly have one .along will alot of other civic owners...when its properly tunned. you'll notice a nice hp. increase or..you can tune it to give you better mpg..