Originally posted by MrFatbooty
The stock ECU has a limited range of compensation for modifications to the motor. Up to a certain point you can run the stock ECU just fine and re-tuning it isn't going to yield much of an increase in power. With the level of work to the motor that you're talking about you will run into some reliability concerns due to the fact that the stock ECU will be outside of its range of adjustment for the mods. Having the Hondata tune will both make you some more power and also keep the car running more smoothly and for longer.
As for your actual plan of attack with the parts, I would suggest going from the outside of the motor in. That means getting a header and exhaust before you start cracking open the motor. Also, skip the pullies. Finally you will want to have the adjustable cam gears tuned in on a dyno.
I don't think I'll be getting exhaust actually. Trying to keep the noise level down. If you don't think the pulleys will help then they will be skipped. Instead I'll probably get a header. I'm still new to the Honda scene so what header would you guys suggest? Won't Hondata tune the pulleys for me when I'm there? Thanks guys. I want to do this right the first time. I've also heard that I may need bigger injectors. Anyone know if this is true? If so, will H23 injectors work?