| VTEC
Engine Management
The Honda VTEC
like most modern engines, uses a management system. This can be
chipped (a replacement chip substituted for the one in the ECU)
to change the point at which the VTEC comes in, the power output
and the torque curve. Sounds magical? Well, the disadvantage is
increased fuel usage and possibly shortened engine life.
The Honda ECU is
a bulky unit with a complex loom. It's supposed to be difficult
to wire this loom to a Mini but not impossible. The Watson's Specialist
Cars kit offers a DTA management system to solve this problem. Jeff
can supply his own mapping to be downloaded to the DTA ECU which
brings the VTEC in lower and provides a more usable spread of power
and torque. For more information about DTA see this link.
The system provides 3D engine mapping which means it monitors the
throttle position as well. The DTA system is well-proven in racing
and seems to offer great value for money compared with other similar
systems.
I still reckon
the DTA is an expensive option considering that you'll usually get
the Honda ECU thrown in with a 2nd hand engine when you buy it.
I've no experience of plumbing the Honda loom to the Mini but I
intend to try it before I go with the DTA. I had heard though, one
bloke who'd attempted it said he'd rather have used the DTA due
to the time and effort.
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