ECU issue or getting screwed over?

DevontElan · Post by **DevontElan** » Tue Feb 08, 2005 4:01 pm

For starters, I have a '96 Accord EX. Not too long ago, I purchased an H22a motor and transmission (LSD). I did the bulk of the installation, except the wiring and a few hose connections. I took the car to a tuning shop to have it finished up. Unfortunately, it seems that I've gotten myself into a bit of a mess and would really appreciate anyone's help.

So here's the deal: My motor is an automatic OBD1 JDM motor (w/VTEC) with LSD tranny. Apparently (from what the tuning shop says), I need a P13 OBD2 JDM automatic ECU. This (to me) doesn't make any sense, considering that my motor (more specifically my distributor and other parts) are OBD1. So, as far as I can tell, a P13 OBD1 JDM automatic ECU would work, but the tuning shop is telling me otherwise (more specifically, that I should invest about $1500 and convert it to a manual transmission). Furthermore, they apparently can't do much of anything until I get them the OBD2 P13, or drop the $1500. Otherwise, they say that I would have to get an OBD2 ECU from a U.S. prelude and rewire it to bypass or integrate the immobilizer with my car (which I have no clue of and would end up costing me around $2000 or so).

My main question is this: is there really a problem/issue with me using an OBD1 ECU in my car? What exactly would be involved in making the OBD1 P13 work in my car? Is there something from Hondata that I can use in order to "fix" this dilema of mine? Am I being screwed over by the tuning shop?

As you can see I'm a bit new at the whole engine swap thing as well as gotten into a bit of a mess. Any/all help with resolving this issue would be greatly appreciated.

Post by **Spunkster** » Tue Feb 08, 2005 4:06 pm

If it's an OBD2 transmission, then you must use an OBD2 ecu as an OBD1 ecu cannot control it.

DevontElan · Post by **DevontElan** » Tue Feb 08, 2005 7:23 pm

That's the weird thing about it... it's an OBD1 motor and transmission (unless somehow by having an LSD, it somehow no longer became an OBD1 tranny). That's why I figured that an OBD1 automatic ECU would work.
I'm lost.

Any suggestions?

RMS · Post by **RMS** » Sun Feb 20, 2005 10:19 pm

i have never heard of an auto honda trans with lsd...but if true i'd like to know.
i also think (not 100% sure) that in '96 no auto was offered with the 'lude.
for certain the '96 ecu does not have an immobilizer...i have one