D15, D16, D17 and Mini-Me swaps
By anya2dgre
#243401 Can i use a p28 ecu on a d15b stage 3 vtec engine if i am running a manual transmission.
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By eg84dr
#243409 yes it will run it but it will not run the 3 stage vtec properly
it will only run normal vtec no 3 stage you will have to get a tune specifically for the 3 stage
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By JUICE
#243650 ^^ cause a stock P28 is meant for a Z6/ZC which does not have 3 stage vtec...



i'd imagine you could get it chipped with a basemap put on it to run your motor correctly. what i'm not sure about is if the second solenoid the 3 stage uses actually has more wiring into the ecu which would need to be added..
By broken
#243832 I am very confused on this topic. I recently went and bought a D15B 3 stage Vtec engine cause the seller said it was a direct replacement for my D16Z6 engine. Mechanically this may be the case. However electrically it is not. The Z6 vtec solenoid is looking for oil pressure to activate. The 3 stage Vtec is not. A P28 will not work this solenoid at all. And Vtec on a seperate switch is retarded cause you can not time VTEC to function as quick as the ECU can.

to add to the gentlemena comment above about the 3 Stage VTEC operation. I am not sure about the wiring either however the 3 stage valve only requires 2 wires. from the readings that i have found around the various honda forums and tech sites the ECU from a 3 stage Vtec controls the 3 stage valves at different RPM's. For example from 0-2500 rpm only 8 valves open 2500-6000 only one VTEC valve opens and all 16 valves are utilized. From 6000-Redline both VTEC valves are utilized and you get full performance from the engine. Problem still lies in that a stock P28 or a chipped P28 will still be looking for oil pressure at the VTEC solenoid to activate it.

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By broken
#243838 So then is the resolve to the electrical portiom of the engines in discussion here, Simply stated you need a harness and ECU from a 3 stage VTEC engine as well in order to make it work in our cars? Unfortunatly for me this is my daily and i have no other way to work other then a cab for now.
By broken
#243842 cool will look into that.