Rep Power: 187

okay guys. im wanting to do an ex head swap with vtec

only problem is the DIY on here of how to do it says to use a VAFC2 from apexi...but i cant find it anywhere. I know that thread is like 7 years old so does apexi have a newer product or different model fuel management computer that controls vtec that will work on our cars? (2004 dx)

also while my head is off during the swap what other upgrades could i do to it that will give noticeable power gains? also i hopefully will be going turbo within a year or so if that changes any upgrades i should do while having the head off

now anyone know where to get a good deal on an ex head with LOW miles?

thanks

 
Rep Power: 284

Triz has a head for sale, it's in good shape with low miles, shoot him a pm.

Upgrade to arp headstuds while the head is off, it won't give power gains but it helps to prepare your engine for boost.

If you plan on boosting, buy k-pro now because that's the engine management you'll need. Aside from that, I think Apexi Neo is the updated version of VAFCII, contact dezod and they should be able to confirm if you are planning on ordering it.

 
Rep Power: 187

awesome thanks. if i get the hondata will i even need the neo? or does kpro just control boost?

 
Rep Power: 284

K-pro is a full stand alone ECU, it'll handle anything you throw at it, including head swaps.

For future reference, the DIY forums are strictly for instructional threads, questions should be asked in the other forums. I moved your thread to advanced performance.

 
Rep Power: 187

hmm okay...so basically all i do is send them my computer and they install hondata on it then send it back?...is there any other ems options or is kpro the only option for our cars?

 
Rep Power: 187

what about the greddy emanage ultimate?
http://www.dezod.com/pd_greddy_emana...euniversal.cfm
will that one work for boost and vtec?

 
Rep Power: 284

AEM EMS would be the other option, but most people prefer Hondata K-pro. Hit up google, there has been countless discussions on various Honda forums discussing which is better. Generally people seem to prefer AEM EMS on full race cars, but K-pro for daily drivers.

You don't use the D17 ecu, it needs to be one of the following.

2002-2004 RSX Base 5 speed (PND -A0 ECU)
2002-2004 RSX Type S 6 speed (PRB-A0 - ECU)
2002-2004 CRV 5 speed (PPA-A0 ECU)
2002-2005 Japanese DC5 Integra Type R (PRC ECU)
2003-2005 Japanese Civic Type R (PRD ECU)
2002-2005 Civic Si (PNF ECU)

 
Rep Power: 284

It'll work alright, but not great, k-pro is the best investment you can make if your going turbo. The reason, the d17 ecu is capable of learning and will constantly be adjusting trying to work around the parameters set by a piggy back ems, basically fighting itself. You'll have higher power gains and a much more reliable engine with a full stand alone for this reason.

 
Rep Power: 187

okay im convinced...kpro it is.

what about the camshaft? do you think any reasonable power gains (enough to justify the price) from this will be worth it?
http://www.dezod.com/pd_crower_stage.cfm

 
Rep Power: 284

I love cam upgrades, seriously.

For $300 a stage 1 will make 25whp on an otherwise stock engine.
For $600 (no including the required engine management) you can make up to 75whp on a stage 3 cam with boost or 40whp on a stage 2.

 
Rep Power: 187

awesome. ive heard nothing but good reviews about those crower cams so i will probly get the stage 2 and the valve train upgrade. how difficult are they to install? honestly the only performance mods ive done is exhaust work...but i got a friend who is honda tech certified (as i soon will be starting the honda program here too).

 
Rep Power: 284

Triz made a video of a head disassembly, it's not something someone who's relatively experienced can't handle.

 
Rep Power: 187

awesome
where can i find this video?

so now my new shopping list after i get my body work done

1 ex head+ gasket
2 arp head studs
3 crower stage 2 cam +valve train upgrade
4 hondata
5 turbo parts

i swear id be rich if it wasnt for this site lol
but thanks mindbomber

 
Rep Power: 284

Triz has a valve train for sale too btw..
Before he began parting out he was preparing for a pretty epic build.

https://www.civicforums.com/forums/1...val-video.html

 
Rep Power: 187

does he have the stage 2 cam also?

 
Rep Power: 284

Nope, he doesn't.

Check the stage 1 cam thread, there's a link to a store clearing out cams for $299.