Just installed the VEC1 today. My back is killing me
The installation took about 4 hours and the instructions were really great. Only thing is figure 6.2 was not clear and some of the instructions on where to route everything was unclear (again a better 6.2 would help).
I found it much easier to install the computer by taking out the driver's seat. Still, be prepared to bend in places that are not intended to be bent!
Of the two methods of getting the wires through the firewall, I decided to remove the PCM and drill a hole behind it. This seemed to be a better solution than cutting a slit in the clutch master cylinder boot (which, honestly, I couldn't really figure out - even with the shop manual. Again, a better picture would help).
Other recommendations:
1) Have a factory manual handy if you need better drawings or instructions on how to remove/install parts.
2) Sean: Instead of having the connectors already at the ends of the wires that pass through the boot or sidewall you should include them loose so they can be installed on the ends of the wires after you pass them through. This way I wouldn't of had to put such a big hole in the side wall.
3) As it says in the instructions: "Read the manual first."
4) Take the driver's seat out. Not sure how it would have been with a factory seat, but the Sparco 2000's in my car made this necessary (the high sides left no room for my stocky self).
5) Have a powerful flashlight
6) Go slow
Anyway, the thing works great! I followed the "quick" start guide (set the knobs to average setting and then tweak). Driving home my neighbor said the car sounded better - she had no idea what I had been working on all morning. She asked if I had just installed a new exhaust.
I'll be at Road Atlanta Feb 22-23 for the Panoz Track Days event. This will give me more opportunity to tweak further.
Thanks again Sean! Another super product.