Back to Back Comparo between STOCK Honda ecu, Hondata Reflash and Pentagon Js Racing Reflash.......... PART 4
DYNO 1
STOCK VS HONDATA
DYNO 2
STOCK VS PENTAGON J’s
DYNO 3
HONDATA VS PENTAGON J’s
Based on the 3 different Dyno Graphs, we could clearly see the differences.
We could basically break it down (based on DYNO graphs only) by saying,
1) Hondata has better Mid range power, from 5000-5400 that is
2) Pentagon J’s graph is a lot smoother/flatter. The 5000-5400 is obviously lesser than Hondata but the rest is slightly higher than Hondata ranging from 0.5whp – 1.5whp.
3) The Stock map is actually quite aggressively tuned from factory as you can see the gains from aftermarket ones although they did tweak the A/F and Timing.
4) The Dyno is done under WOT condition. Hence why I think road driving is important, this is also prolly why there is such a thing called “ROAD TUNING” being introduced by a lot of tuning powerhouse!
5) The DYNO run is done on the same day from 1-3pm (including strapping the car, preparing the car for the run, settings up the DYNO etc.) Meaning, the Air Temp is very similar!
6) Done on the same car. There is No second car.
7) Modifications are simple Bolt Ons. (IHE)
Verdict (my 2c):
I have always believed that DYNO is only a reference. After all, driving feels are of more importance to me because I only drive on the road/track, not on the DYNO. Most important factors are often not shown in a DYNO graphs. I.e. Drivability, part throttle response, fuel consumption, which makes you smile at the end of the day! (It is your car after all, your requirement means everything!)
Driving on different roads, and certain routes you take frequently, the throttle load conditions on these are very much different. In fact, same car, same place, different driving styles are making this variable factors change.
Hondata has stronger 5000-5400 if we compare it with Pentagon J’s. I personally feel that HONDATA COULD DO WITHOUT the window. But this could be there to safe some fuel (my assumptions), or city driving comfort so one could rev till 5700 before the VTEC engaged. (I would not rev past 3500-4000 if I had wanted a relaxing city driving). Given the window options and the mid power band, the Usable power really comes in when the VTEC is engaged and you have to WOT it to engage the VTEC. (The power we see in dyno graphs can only be usable when it is in VTEC zone and it require the driver to WOT it before 5700) In other words, if the driver is not stepping on the gas, the VTEC is then not engaged, the actual power transmitted to the wheels is actually a lot lower than what we see in the Graphs). *** side note, the WOT of hondata from 5000-5400 takes about 1 sec)
On the other hand,
Pentagon J’s has slightly, very little HP gain over Hondata in the low end. They have less mid range power compare to Hondata (Provided the hondata is in VTEC zone). But Pentagon J’s outperformed Hondata in the VTEC ZONE. It is smoother and more willing to rev. Like I mentioned before, you got to rev, rev, and rev to appreciate it. I kinda like this because VTEC engines are known for their high revving capabilities and Pentagon J’s emphasize on this. My understanding is that, Pentagon J’s has prepared a few versions of MAPS to better cater the individual needs. There are “All rounder”, “aggressive” version maps. We need Chris from Pentagon to clarify on this. The map I was testing is the “aggressive”.
Fuel Consumption
Hondata ~ 430-450km/tank (Depending on how heavy my right foot is)
Pentagon J’s ~ 400-420km/tank (I step on it quite a bit for testing purposes, need more time to average it out)
Both these ECU upgrades are very good options for those who wants a stronger mid range power/higher peak and to be able to read the “true speed”. Both of these ECUs drive absolutely fine and nice on the road. We have to find out which would win this COMPARO that force us to analyze every single aspects to be able to find out which has the upper hand.
My Choice
I’ve got no choice because I have them both! *laughs* *kidding*
Both of them are good and it strongly depends on what are your requirements. If I have to make a choice, I will go with the
Pentagon J’s. It is customized to our fuel grade and they have done road tuning and dyno tuning for a week in Malaysia. It is more Localize if you ask me. And, last but no least, It fits my requirements and my driving needs.
same car same dyno same air temp, just plug swap ecu for diff dyno runs
unless u wanna buy mine since i have 2 ecu and only one civic. hehehehe
hope this help the growing 8gcc family!
. Better ask 1st... 
FD2R Max Speed 263km/h @8800rpm by Dynojet
