Honda Accord Executive CL9 (2003) Test ECU review
Firstly i have to say a big thanks to UKCL9 for what can only be described as a blisteringly fast turn around on sending out test ECU, Flashing and sending mine back, top bloke, proper car guy and just does exactly what he says hes gonna do with no nonsense. Secondly credit has to be given to Littlebo for the work that he has put into this, coming from a control automation background myself i know what its like to have to reverse engineer someone elses work and make it better, so credit where credit is due.
Ok so this review may be slightly different as its coming from the perspective of one of older members on here, but as a bit of background ive been driving old school Vtec Hondas since before some of you were born im sure lol. The accord i picked up 2.5 years ago, FSH, 69k miles, great condition with just a few age related marks. So ive decided that now that ive had my moneys worth out of the car id give this reflash a try as ive been following the thread on and off.
Fitting
Fitting is extremely simple, 3x philips head screws to remove trim, unclip 4 multiplugs from UCU and 2x 10mm bolts to release ECU. Its quite tight for space so i also removed 2 heater ducting 90 degree bends and 1 multiplug bracket for easier access. Time to do this 1 coffee, if you've done it before youl have it done before kettle is boiled.
First Impressions
After checking all warning lights go out and no faults on ECU i took it a quick run round the village and everything is still lovely and sedate and doing what it always did. I doubt whether my GF would even notice ive been in there with my evil little spanners when she drives it, shes just relieved i got my ECU 'Fixed' :unsure:
Town driving
Fast forward now to about a tank of petrol later, one of the bugbears i had with the car pre remap was that at very low speeds in traffic (low speed, low rpm) was that when changing gear 1-2, 2-3 the car would feel jerky (not always but alot) no matter how gentle you were with the clutch. This has been vastly improved with the new map IMO and its a more relaxed place to be when your stuck in traffic. Its not completely gone but noticeably better (75% if i had to put a figure on it). You do notice the sharper throttle response on pick up, its nice, just makes the car feel a touch lighter and more nimble at slow speeds
Cruising (to work)
I mention cruising mainly because this is what my car was purchased for, 32 mile round trip to work and back on a very quiet B-road at 65-70 on cruise control. Again, no shocks here everything still works and does what it should. If i have to overtake anyone without dropping gears then its totally fine, maybe a tad more responsive than before but still very quiet and refined. With regards to fuel economy i dont have any figures yet but pre-ECU upgrade, i always got 400-415 miles on a tank without fail doing the above journey so it will be interesting if nothing else to see what post-ECU upgrade brings so i will post results in a month or so after a few tanks.
Late for work (sorry vtec)
Ok pre-ECU swap this was the other bugbear that annoyed me with this car coming from old school vtecs, CL9 vtec is so high up the rev range its practically useless IMO. Anyway with the new map for sure the car is certainly transformed, Plant your foot on the throttle in second and tone of the engine changed to a more serious note, i cant honestly say that there is any noticeable vtec engagement it feels seamless to me. Someone else commented that it almost feels electric and i can see what they mean, the revs just keep rising at a steady rate up to the red line, Certainly less manic than my DC2 or my old CRX's, This isn't a criticism, quite the opposite as you soon find out when you look at your speedo ! Anyhoo i wont elaborate as alot of this has been said before in previous posts, it transforms the car, it pulls hard in every gear with no flat spots or tail off as you red line it.
Conclusion
For anyone worried about doing this mod to your car, don't be. I still have my old car that will cruise serenely to work every day in quiet comfort, or the extra grunt is sitting there if you feel the need. My car is otherwise completely stock and combine that with being dirty with wheels that need a refurb or replaced its a bit of a sleeper.
For the old guys like me- remap, keep it stock
For mild tuners- remap, intake, coilovers, maybe exhaust
More advanced - Shorter gears, header plus above makes it worthy of the red badge it never got in my book
Now to the crucial Q is it worth it? As i don't want to start an argument i will say this, 20 years ago i was running about in CRX's and had friends who had paid the same money for superchips remap that gave them well, the same power they had before ! I'm kind of kicking myself i didn't do it 2.5 years ago.
If ive missed anything feel free to ask,
Regards,
Bob