Alternative suppliers of  ECU replacements or augmenters (so called piggy backs)

A piggy back is just a front end that tells lies to the ECU to get it to "do" some something different.
A simple example would be an attenuator to reduce the MAF/Oxy signal , forcing  a leaner burn or to do the opposite for more power (tad richer).
Some are pre-tuned for your exact car, some allow for 6 hours dyno time at their facilitiy.
Pretuned are called PNP or turn key.  Some do a great job at PNP, (plug and play).
Dyno time is very expensive, so consider buying an Adaptive standalone ECU.
You will need a wide band Oxygen sensor , so you can use your car as a living dynometer.

Manufacturers of Aftermarket ECUs   ( each marked in red are Adaptive)

  • Adaptronic
  • AEM
  • Apex'i
  • ATP Electronics
  • Autronic - with Autotune !
  • Bowling & Grippo (Makers of MegaSquirt open source ECU)
  • Electromotive TEC³r and TECgt
  • EMS Aftermarket Engine Management
  • FAAR Industry
  • Haltech Engine Management Systems
  • Hawk
  • Hondata
  • Link ElectroSystems
  • Microtech
  • Motec
  • Performance Electronics, Ltd.
  • Perfect Power
  • Simple Digital Systems
  • Unichip - piggy back
  • Wolf Technology

Most of the above are closed systems costing $1000 to $5000 plus cables , software and special sensors.

Open source engine management systems

  • CarDAQ-plus J2534 pass-thru hardware device


DIY engine management systems

  • VEMS group
  • MegaSquirt or MicroSquirt  and Open source.
If you are technically inclined, the MegaSquirt system is the best.
It cost the least ( as low as $275 ) can can be connected to your cars original sensors and can be connected to the same harness of your original harness !!!  Click HERE for proof .


My favorite Youtube  Demonstrations of EMS.

Here

And Hear.

More.

MS2 PDA

Civic: Nox + MS2

Cold Start tuning.

Simulator:

First starts: