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Tenblade2001 did the swap to a '02+ ECU.

RazorV3

aem ems is a fully programmable ECU for the s2000. however its expensive.

btw dynos have shown that the 02-03 model makes +5whp more thanthe previous models. this is probably due to the ecu upgrade in 2002. is it worth it? thats your call.

98TypeR#21

Thanks everyone (especially 1fastminivan for your first-hand report).

This is what I was hoping.

Sounds like a bit on the top-end, but more than a little in the middle (sounds like a jingle doesn't it?).

But another question for 1fastminivan: You described the power difference near the vtec switchover point. Can you comment on the lower end of the power-band? (say below 5K?) I'm thinking about overall driveability and off-the-line power.

Thanks in advance!

1fastminivan

Well thats just it, the lower powerband is nice and strong. That is why I said it was "easier" to drive. The power is almost instant and no lag.....compared to the 00-01 ECU. On the 01 ECU that came with my car it was a little more "difficult" to drive compared to mine now with the 02 ECU. Its a little more "torquey" I guess is the way to put it. It is so much easier to drive around then the 00-01 models. Thats actually one of the first things my friend with the 00' model said when he took off in my car. He commented on the nice power at the beginning and making it easier to drive.

As for the Immoblizer issue.......you must take it to a Honda Dealer and have them "reflash, rekey" the keys to your immobilizer in order for your keys to work with the new ECU. I hope this helped

98TypeR#21

Thanks very much - and yes it helped!

3ngin33r1

Damn kids...

You're looking for more power off the line below 5k? Why? You should be launching above 5k...

You're never going to get what you're trying to get. Not with a stock 2.0 motor, not with a stock for stock ECU change, not with a CAI and not with a VAFC.

If you want more power, go FI, get bigger injectors, get an AEM or a piggy back and tune the piss out of it.

Here's a test for you to do with the ECU changes. Put a 02/03 and a 00/01 side by side with similar milleage.

Reset the ECU on both vehicles.

Launch them both at 5k RPM and see what happens. Oh, and make sure both drivers weigh about the same.

My guess is that you're not going to see much of a difference.

I know that there are reports of this ECU being faster than that ECU but I haven't seen one proven at a track yet.

But hell, I could be wrong. I know there were changes to the ECU. What that ammounts to though I have yet to see.

1fastminivan

3ngin33r1,
To be honest, I would have had to agree with you before i did this, but since I have experienced this first hand, it DOES make a difference and is noticable. I guess some will argue this but Im just sharing what I have experienced. I didnt think a simple ECU change would help but it did and its worth it. Now, it isnt all balls fast like a turbo or supercharger upgrade obviously, but its definitely quicker then when I had the 01' model ECU. I dont know if any power is gained or not like claimed of +5whp, but its enought to feel........can we really feel 5whp??? if so.....then I guess that is why it feels faster and is faster then my old setup. If you are looking for more power I agree with 3ngin33r1 and go with some forced induction . my 2 cents from a damn kid

3ngin33r1

Oh, I'm not doubting that you felt more power, but did you reset the ECU on the other car before comparing?

There are reports of resetting an ECU from time to time will create a better feel. There is some memory to these things that a reset will clear out.

98TypeR#21

Well, I'm making the switch. Hopefully I'll receive it in a day or two.

And I'll let people know when I'm done what the results are.

And I've pulled the ECU fuse for the last year, so my ECU resets everytime I start it. I think that will make a fair comparison before and after.

And as far as the comment about launching above 5k, I don't drive like that. I'm not talking about improvements in drag performance, but everyday performance.