Clone PCM Really Needed?

[WhiteFuryDC5]

I daily a G80 M3 carbon M competition but I just couldnt hold back snagging a Boost Blue Type R for MSRP! Well very close to it!

I plan on Going with two step performance and ordering the unlocked PCM with them in their stage 1 tune and I also have a PRL HVI intake and Turbo Inlet pipe. My question is should I get the Clone PCM service? My service tech is really nice and said he doesn't really care if I tune it and do an intake as long as I don't bust anything open or change the turbos or anything like that.

Two step performance said that I could get the INTEGRA TYPE SPCM as it's cheaper and will work, but I don't know if that's even recommended because even though they both work, are they identical?

I'm trying to decide if I should go this route. I was also told that with the stage one tune. From TSP with my HPI intake and turbo inlet pipe I should be around 360 wheel horsepower which is pretty close to 400 crank.

 

[Clark_Kent]

BLUF: This is not necessary. Tune the car, enjoy the car. If one decides to modify a car, they should accept and assume all risk associated with that decision. Transferring the risk to Honda or misleading an unwitting buyer of the car is an accountability dodge.

The primary, and arguably only use case is to defraud or mislead Honda in the event of a powertrain and/or drivetrain failure. It's also misleading to a prospective buyer. But I'm open to an honest discussion if there's a legitimate use case I have overlooked.

 

[menikmati]

I've made a post regarding this in a different thread:

https://www.civicxi.com/forum/threads/correct-ecu-part-number.57096/post-944712

 

[Rhorn]

Im not sure if its worth it. Not into tuning but was told that dealerships will be able to know if you swap the ECU because of the mile logs so it won't do anything to protect you from a warranty denial

 

[Two Step Performance]

While some prefer to go the clone route and have an additional ECU, most customers do not opt for this additional service.

 

[WhiteFuryDC5]

While some prefer to go the clone route and have an additional ECU, most customers do not opt for this additional service.

I was speaking with Cassidy over at TSP. Do you guys also supply the clone donor PCMS or must I go through Honda?

 

[Two Step Performance]

I was speaking with Cassidy over at TSP. Do you guys also supply the clone donor PCMS or must I go through Honda?

We do not supply the ECU. Ordering through Acura is typically the most economical route.

 

[MR_O’s_DE5]

I went the route of having a clone just based off of experience.. anytime you are flashing(tuning) an ecm you always take a chance of something going wrong and it bricking. I would rather have a backup just in case something like this was to happen, cheap/ish insurance.

 

[kobi2002]

Im not sure if its worth it. Not into tuning but was told that dealerships will be able to know if you swap the ECU because of the mile logs so it won't do anything to protect you from a warranty denial

Not true

 

[BigBird]

I did a clone with Derek and Innovative Motorsworks (IMW) and used the TSP tune. I've tried other tunes as well and the cloned Acura ECU, that I provided, has been in my FL5 for ~10k miles and no issues.

Peace of mind and it really wasn't much more to do it.

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