Saved By Sphinx

ECU Repair · ECU Upgrades

Blown capacitor? Fuel pump won't prime? Just looking for a refresh or the ability to tune?

If you've got time on your hands, send your ECU my way for some prime treatment. Could other shops work faster? Probably. I do this in my free time for the love of the game. Something something not going to fight for your business, but you'll be happy if you do choose my services over the next guy.

Services

Discounts for multiple services at the same time

General repairs

1-2 Days · $50-$100

What I do:

Remove any damaged components,
Clean any burnt areas,
Repair broken traces,
Replace components with donors or new parts if available,
Price based on which parts are damaged - donor/specialty parts will cost more.

Why you need it:

Well, your ECU doesn't work. Maybe it got rained on. Maybe your buddy stuck a fork in a connector. Maybe you switched two connectors in your engine bay. You know the ones. Now your ECU smells fishy and your car won't start.

A handful completed

Capacitor Replacement

1-2 Days · $50

What I do:

Remove all electrolytic capacitors,
Clean any leaked electrolyte,
Repair any significant damage,
Install new capacitors.

Why you need it:

At the time most OBD-I Honda ECUs were manufactured, capacitor chemistry was unreliable. Over time, the electrolyte inside could leak out onto the circuit board. As the ethylene glycol electrolyte dries up, it becomes corrosive. Left for long enough, a leaky capacitor can cause significant damage to the circuit board and even cause catastrophic failure.

Dozens completed

Add Tuning Capability

1-2 Days · $50

What I do:

Add chip socket (or emulator connectors),
Add datalogging connector,
Add supporting components.

Why you need it:

Swapping engines and don't have the stock ECU for the new engine? Maybe you finally bought that ebay turbo kit. Or you just want some popcorn. No matter the reason, this is how you can drive the car with a laptop in the passenger seat.

A handful completed

Add VTEC Capability

1-2 Days · $25

Requires adding tuning capability

What I do:

Add IC14 (VTEC solenoid switch),
Add supporting components.

Why you need it:

VTEC YO!
Really though, this addition allows you to use almost any ECU with almost any engine. Nice when you need to replace your "rare" P30 or P75 with the only thing you can find - a P05 or P06. Requires a tune to use safely, so if the provided ECU does not already have provisions for tuning, I will add the necessary parts. For a fee of course.

A handful completed

Convert auto to manual

1-2 Days · $25

What I do:

Switch option jumpers to tell the main computer chip to run manual maps,
Harvest transmission lock-up solenoid switches to use for adding VTEC.

Why you need it:

An automatic ECU running an manual vehicle can behave erratically near the expected shift points. This conversion will allow for smooth operation through the entire RPM range, and leave throttle response and shifting up to you - just the way it should be.

I'll also convert manual to auto if you really need it ;)

A handful completed