VTEC Controller, are they worth it? What do you think?

[ecekid]

Hey all,

I've seen APEXi selling a VTEC controller device that enables the user to set the VTEC at different RPMs. Is it actually worth it for the price? Does it actually really do anything? Help me out here guys.

[Bbasso]

Its worth it if you have other mods like I/E/H, reason being is that those mods change the engine set-up ever so slightly and the VAFC will tune it in IF you get on a dyno and have it done properly. Using your ass will not get all the setting "tuned" right and could hurt your motor.

Over all the VAFC is a worthy mod but if you plan on using the car for HPDEs or AutoXs then some classes might not let you use it.

If you do get it, keep it out of sight it has alot of bling factor and might get your car stolen faster.

[Trey]

Definitely worth it when used on a Dyno to tune.

[Aj]

There are no classes of ITR in SCCA that allow you to run a VAFC.

As far as worth it or not, if you have cam gears and a FPR, you can get like another solid 10-16 whp out of a stock R. So yeah, for the price what we've seen is about a good 6-8whp with nothing else, dollar per hp, not bad at all.

I'd would say that you really should go tune your car after you've pretty much done all you're going to do though, otherwise you may find your self tuning it more frequently then you like.

Later!

[Trey]

There are no classes of ITR in SCCA that allow you to run a VAFC.

As far as worth it or not, if you have cam gears and a FPR, you can get like another solid 10-16 whp out of a stock R. So yeah, for the price what we've seen is about a good 6-8whp with nothing else, dollar per hp, not bad at all.

I'd would say that you really should go tune your car after you've pretty much done all you're going to do though, otherwise you may find your self tuning it more frequently then you like.

Later!

STX and Street Mod allow VAFC

[itr]

why dont they allow it

[TypeRgirl#00073]

NOT worth it !!! just my two cents

[Aj]

I should rephrase my last statement:
There are no classes in SCCA road racing that allow a VAFC for an ITR, unless you run I think P2 which is a catch all class. As far as Auto-X, they let a lot of stuff slide.

NOT worth it !!! just my two cents

Not to argue, but why do think that it's not worth it?????

Later,
Aj

[Trey]

NOT worth it !!! just my two cents

Not to argue, but why do think that it's not worth it?????

I wanna know t00.

I have seen a Civic si make 10 whp after tuning with a VAFC. This was after an AEM, JDM 4-1 and Greddy Evo.

[TypeRgirl#00073]

its just me.. yall do what you want. Integra computers have been finly tuned and perfectly made. Acura and Honda spent YEARS doing this, so use owners would appreciate them! ... When putting on a vtec controler the computer gets messed up. If you dont mind having flashing light ALL the time , go on ahead. The VAFC will throw a check engine light if the fuel settings are above +15%. I personally dont see any use in them, but hay ....what do I know???? PEACE <><

[Trey]

That seems a little lacking in logic. Acura tunes the ECu for safe conditions all the tmre and build in morre than needed safty of fuel supply. Excessive fuel can rob power. Leaning it out will not throw a code and over 15% seems like there might have been other problems.

My car gains 16 whp at VTEC crossover just by lowering the VTEC to 5400. Seems like a VAFC would be worth it just for the smoothing of the curve and midrange even if you didn't make 10 whp up top. Seems like removing the dips and picking up 2-3 whp is a good investment. MUCH MUCH better than the 2-3 whp you get as peak from an AEM.

[Aj]

Yeah, agreed, I would suggest doing your home work before arguing about a subject of which you obviously know very little about.

Sorry if I come across as being an ass, but I think you really need to go hit the books on VAFCs.

Later!

[alex b]

i have ALWAYS seen the v-afc as a good deal, as long as it's tuned properly. controlling the vtec switchover point and fuel curves is a big deal, and an excellent way to make more power. honestly, i could care less if i get a check engine light, because the best way to cure that is some black electrical tape.

[bbqman]

I was following the thread on the controller and for the most part seems acurate and logical.

I know that it needs to be tuned on the dyno to make any sense.

Which brings me to my point, what do you, Aj and Trey, think about the Mugen programed ECU , in a situation where I don't have dyno time or access (right now), the car is virtually stock (so gains are hard to come by) and I do lotsa Stock class Trials and auto-X (I switch ECUs to stock).

So far my findings are that I can be 1.25 - 1.75 secs a lap faster ( all things equal) on a 60 sec course. I attribute this speed to the fact that I have access to my V-tec earlier and my cut-off is stratospheric ( if at all).
This in turn allows me to lap with less shifts and I am in the meat of my power longer.

If this makes sense to you, then why don't people buy preprogramed ECU's suiting their needs, thus avoiding the hassle of dyno tuning. I know it is a lazy way out, but when the car is virtually stock and you need to Real stock for competition, I have a hard time finding the down side.

Comments?

[Trey]

If you are dead set on a preprogrammed ECU I would look inot the Kenji programmed P28 ECU. Much cheaper than a Mugen setup I am sure and he can provide the OBDI wiring harness too since he makes them for Mugen.

[bbqman]

Actually, I have one now, that I am testing. Cost me 500$CAN , with harness for OBD I conversion.

What do you think about the idea of the ECU instead of the controller, in my situation? i believe that I only have advantages.

[Aj]

Well idealy reprogrammed ECUs are the way to go, the problem is, getting a program that is for your exact application, and was tunned specifically for your car can be very expensive, assumung you can even find someone willing and knowledgable, with the software and hardware to do it.

As far as generic programs, with a stock car, they'll probably work fine, but when it comes to more heavily moded cars, there have just been too many variables changed, specific to that application, and the generic computers, no longer take into account the specific mos that have been made. In more simple terms, you can't stick a square peg in a round hole.

Hey Trey, is Kenji still working over in Tampa?????? If so, do you have a number for the shop he's at. I lost touch a long time ago when my friend Jesse stopped working with him. Thanks!!

Later!
Aj

[Trey]

not sure where he lives now. South FL is all I know

kenji211@tampabay.rr.com

Here is his email. Tell him Trey sent you He probably doesn't even knwo who I am LOL.

[bbqman]

Thanks for the feed back.

[Cosworth]

bbqman - Kenji's P28 ECU is worth every $! The difference between stock P73 and Kenji P28 is night-n-day!

I will be dynoing my car in this month and will have the results for you guys.

[Trey]

bbqman - Kenji's P28 ECU is worth every $! The difference between stock P73 and Kenji P28 is night-n-day!

I will be dynoing my car in this month and will have the results for you guys.

Don't forget the stock ECU so we can have a baseline.

[Cosworth]

Don't forget the stock ECU so we can have a baseline.

Don't worry, it's already in the passenger seat. And, I'll be rolling on RE-010s to take out any tire-size variables as well.

[alex b]

anyone tried Fields concealed V-tec/fuel controller??

http://www.inlinefour.com says its been pretty popular over in japan for a few years now. anyone try it yet?

[blee]

anyone know if the mugen ecu will run on 91 octane gas. i'm in so cal and that's all we get.

[B2FiNiTY]

It will run fine.