To Chip Or Not To Chip....the Ecu

[CeeReX]

I have a OBD1 Zc(DOHC) swap in my 93 Dx hatch mated to a z6 tranny.I have been using the 1.5 Dx Ecu with it for almost 1yr now and it has been working just fine.
I wanna know,should i get the matching Ecu(p29,ifi could find it) for the swap or chip my current Ecu? Is it worth swapping/chipping and Will it make that much of a difference,noticable or not?Specifically what would chipping it to Zc specs do that the current Ecu is not doing or doing well enough?

[CeeReX]

Anyone with some knowledge or input?

[Calesta]

Using the proper ECU would allow you to run the correct fuel maps for the DOHC ZC engine. However- if smog laws in your state require you to run US spec emissions control equipment, a JDM ECU may not be legal in your car.

Another thing- even if you get the matching JDM ECU, you might not be running the ideal fuel maps for power. I would recommend that you add an SAFC or Hondata system, then have your car tuned on a dyno for maximum power. That does cost a bit more money though.

[CeeReX]

Originally posted by Calesta@Jun 28 2004, 11:53 AM

Another thing- even if you get the matching JDM ECU, you might not be running the ideal fuel maps for power.* I would recommend that you add an SAFC or Hondata system, then have your car tuned on a dyno for maximum power.* That does cost a bit more money though.

Emissions is not a problem,so without the above it is not worth it?

[illicon2003]

It really depends on your setup. A mugen/spoon chipped ECU isn't going to give you much more than advanced ignition timing and poor gas mileage from what I've heard. Unless you have a powerful setup(more than just bolt ons), you probobly won't gain much by a chip. That's just my opinion, I could be wrong.

[Calesta]

If emissions isn't a problem, I would just chip your current ECU to the DOHC ZC program. All you have to do is add a socket and cut (or add, don't remember) a resistor, then plug in the new chip. I'm sure you could find a DOHC ZC program out there somewhere to burn to a chip.