Power Commander

I've been researching information about the Power Commander and would like to hear first hand opinions both pros and cons. I've read it smooths the transition and eliminates the dead spot when VTEC kicks in. But I'd love to hear more benefits. Educate me on whether you think it's a worthwhile upgrade for our beloved 6th gens.

 

Seems like a popular mod. My bike had one when I got it. I never had it professionally tuned but I tried a few of the maps online. Didn’t really like any of them and ended up loading no map or a ‘zero’ map. After a couple of years I unplugged the thing from the bike and noticed the bike ran much better. Smoother and cooler. So even with no map loaded it would seem it was making changes. All bikes are different with different mods done to them so maybe a PC would benefit someone’s bike. (My bike is stock) Maybe my pc3 is faulty in some way. Maybe it needs to be professionally dyno tuned. All I can say is for me and my bike I like it with out the power commander.

 

The short answer is there may be a case for power commander on pre 2006 vtec models - after that the changes made by Honda pretty much eliminated any benefit.

The heart of this is that Honda originally programmed the ECU to open up the extra vtec valves at a set RPM, but on the pre2006 vtec models, they also programmed the vtec valves to cut off at the same RPM. This was never an issue with riders used to cranking the throttle open, but it did mean that riders attempting to maintain a steady pace by keeping the throttle reasonably steady - could actually experience very choppy behaviour whenever actual RPM was hovering around the vtec threshold as this could lead to the extra valves cutting in and out repeatedly.

For novice riders on the early vtec models this rather light switch "on-off" behaviour could potentially catch them unawares, and was especially problematic if it happened in lower gears whilst attempting to filter gently through standing traffic. It is also rumoured that at a 6th Gen press launch event a journalist experienced just that, after enjoying a rather extended hospitality session, hence the VFR's alarming increase in power and lunge at the horizon became the core of the gripes in his 6th Gen VFR review. The impact of any drinks previously consumed was somehow overlooked.

In reality early 6th Gen owners soon got to know where the vtec threshold happens, as you can both hear and feel it, and quickly adapted their riding to avoid keeping the throttle steady close to the threshold RPM range. Most simply adapted their gear selection and throttle setting to either stay below or above the vtec threshold. Power Commander basically messes with the fueling to mask some of the vtec engagement snatchiness.

However on 2006+ and later vtec models, Honda changed the ECU settings so there was a significant rpm gap between engagement and disengagement poinrs. This meant that once your throttle setting crossed into vtec it would remain in vtec even if your throttle position drifted 200 rpm lower, so unlike the earlier models you definitely needed to intentionally ease off the throttle to drop out of vtec. This engagement process was further refined in both 7th and 8th Gen models where apart from a change in the sound the vtec transition is barely perceptible with the bike delivering gloriously smooth and linear accellaration.

 

Informative reply @skimad4x4, thanks. I have a 2006 model and when that VTEC kicks in it's like a shot of N2O, haha. So I wonder if what you're referring to applies to early 2006 models too. I'm trying to justify the cost of the PC vs benefit. I had been contemplating swapping the header for the Delkevic one and adding the PC at the same time, wondering what it would do to both performance and sound. I understand that by eliminating the catalytic converter I may be losing some bottom end, which I really don't want as I don't care too much about top end performance (100mph+). It's a fun bike and I just want to make it even more enjoyable. ... On another note, from another site I had a reply to look into another module from RapidBike Racing, albeit a bit more pricey. Again, all comments are most appreciated!

 

I don't know about the roll-out in the States but if your indicators have clear lenses then you have a 2006+ model - and that shot of NOS is indeed the smoothed out version. Before opting for my 2007 I also took a much cheaper 2004 for a test ride and noticed the transition was a lot more brutal so my choice was obvious.

Once you ride often, you may find that VTEC boost is addictive and indeed may never want to mess with PC. To be honest I have never seen a need - but it is your bike and your choice what you spend your dollars on.

Also the revised thresholds on the 2006+ models mean you can cruise all day long at 80mph whilst still just sipping fuel with the RPMs just below VTEC, but when you need to get out and past something slow, you just drop a few gears and suddenly the bike is transformed into full monster mode a blip on the throttle and you are out and past the traffic and hanging on as it will launch at the horizon. Sort of the best of both worlds power when you need it and economy when you are not in a rush.

 

Update: I purchased the PC-V a few weeks ago and installed it about 2 weeks ago. I had it pre-mapped for my modifications, K&N air filter and Delkevic cat-back system. Things I have noticed are nothing more than awesome. The V-TEC engagement has moved from 5,400rpm to about 6,400rpm which has made city riding much more enjoyable without having to bounce back-and-forth in the V-TEC area or balancing the gears to keep out of it. The second thing that is quite notable is the snappier throttle response. Quite pleased with the unit so far. Still considering the Delkevic header.