My review of the K24 Reflash ECU
Firstly, I have just joined the forum today so Hello everyone and secondly, this is my first ever post so please bare with me if I go off a little and end up writing a novel.
First and foremost, my car and the mods;
2003 Honda Accord Type S.
188k Miles
Typhoon CAI
Apex Lowering Springs (40mm)
New Shocks (Literally one week old)
19" upgrade CRV Alloys (225/35/19).
HID Kit (4k)
Shell Nitro ONLY
Pre Reflash
So I've had my accord since January 2012 and had the Typhoon CAI installed within the first couple of months, after watching a video on YouTube and falling in love with the sound. This was probably the best investment I made at the time, the car had better throttle response and sounds awesome in Vtech. Touchwood, i've never really had any problems with the car, just general wear and tear and the car was being used on a daily basis, clocking up around 1500 miles a month and never misses a beat (Bought with FHDSH at 150k).
A lot of people said to me, why did you buy a 2.4 petrol when you could have purchased a 2.2 CDTI. IMHO, a half decent diesel was fetching twice as much as the K24 and most likely would have needed servicing more than the petrol, so cost wise it wasn't really worth it.
Anyways, earlier this year I decided to lower the car and throw on some 19" wheels which I won on eBay - BIG MISTAKE. The wheels came off a 300zx twin turbo and although looked beautiful, absolutely destroyed the ride, too wide and catching on every turn. Since then, the car was literally parked up and barely covered 2000 miles and this really upset me because i've seriously enjoyed the car and caught a lot of people out in my K24.
Come August, I decided I should just fix it up, get the little niggly bits sorted and flog it. But wait, there some 19" upgrade wheels off a CRV on eBay, so YES I bought them and straight away noticed a massive difference (the suspension was too bouncy). Why, leaking blooming shocks, so on go a new set and I drive out of the garage and I get that smile back on my face. The car was turning and moving the way I hoped it would, but there was one thing missing.
Post Reflash
So as i'm contemplating selling the car, one thing I always wanted was a reflashed ECU. I'd read on this forum before that it could be done at a cost of £300 plus shipping. So I thought, i've spent this much on the car why not give it a try, worst comes to worst, I wouldn't like it, but hey it's not the end of the world, at least this way I knew i'd tried. If i'd got rid of it and saw someone overtake me in a reflashed K24, I can ***ure you my blood would boil.
I got in contact with Littlebo and UKCL9 who advised on what they would do and reassured me of the effect it would have on the car and how safe it was etc.
Monday 01/09/2014 ECU gets taken out of the car, posted special delivery the following day to UKCL9. ECU was reflashed by Wednesday evening, posted back the following day (again special delivery) and with me on Friday afternoon.
I don't know where to start with this, but all I can say is that the last 72 hours have been unbelievable in my car. The second the ECU went in I took it for a 1 Mile drive (Friday rush hour) and instantly noticed a difference. The car was much much more responsive, the Vtech kicked in earlier sending me back in my seat and redlining circa 7800rpm (73mph in 2nd gear). This was something, obviously;
1) I was not expecting and
2) not ready for.
The last few days have seen the car get driven the most in such a short period of time and I have been beating the hell out of it just so I could get used to car but it's also so damn addictive.
Mileage wise, I can't honestly give a review as to whether the MPG has increased purely because of my driving style but hey, find me someone whose had their ECU remapped and said they noticed an increase in the MPG straight away, you don't because with that extra poke you tend to want to put your foot down pretty much all the time.
The reflash hasn't just pulled the Vtech back or helped it rev that little bit extra, but that car honestly feels so much smoother. It seems to have ironed out the blackspots and from start to finish just feels more torquey (K24 owners will know the lack of low end grunt these cars have).
Given the fact that I have had the car lowered, bigger wheels and a CAI this car really has come alive. Anyone considering getting their ecu reflashed should also consider lowering the car and also upgrading your brakes because it will catch you out on bends seeing as though the Vtech kicks in much earlier.
I felt that the age and mileage of my car wouldn't suit the reflash but I was wrong. I have decided to keep the car a little bit longer and actually use it now. The car hasn't struggled to start, idle incorrectly, misfire or anything since the reflash and no engine warning lights, literally nothing. Straight plug in and play.
I even had my first race on Friday night against a brand new 335d Xdrive. 3 of us in the car going up the motorway and to be honest, i've raced 35d's before and was left for dust and this guy went past me at first like I was standing still but with an earlier Vtech introduction and higher redline it was bumper to bumper at around 12.5mph
(yes that's a decimal point there) and then he started gapping me. In the end, I lost by about 4 car lengths and it was an absolute shock to me because stock ECU there is no way I could have caught it at any speed because that car has about 3x the torque mine does. Even at the traffic lights, he opened the window and just said 'You were up my a**e, that thing is f*****g quick' and that line was worth the £300.
Conclusion
The reflash is one of the best things i've had done to the car. Even if you're not the racing type, it's good to know that you have that little bit extra poke for safer overtaking
£300 may sound like a lot, but you'd probably spend that kind of money on modifying the car in another way and regretting it (trust me, I know). I honestly wish i'd had this modification earlier and would recommend it to anyone considering getting theirs done. If you're local to me in Halifax, West Yorkshire and want to try before you buy, I am more than happy to show you.
Once again, thank you Littlebo and UKCL9 for your service, it is much appreciated and thankyou for reading.