OK Dynomike, I am going to play devil's advocate and ask some tough questions here. Of you, because you seem to be the AEM expert here... I am not trying to give you a hard time and appreciate the things you do.
1) The points you have made about detonation. I read here and someone at Comptech told me were early problems that have since been solved. Do you feel this is not the case?
2) I agree that proper A/F and ignition is of paramount importance on an engine. So much so that I am very wary of anyone messing with what the factory did after a lot of engineering. Not that I don't think it can be done, but I have a hard time trusting someone handling this critical part in the aftermarket. I had a lot of HKS Fcons and stuff and they to me, were never that good. Never as good as factory. AEM may be a whole world better, but I wonder how good it really can be. Can it take into account all the criteria that a factory ECU does? Is it as intelligent as the factory ECU?
3) The guys at Comptech are really experienced, right? Why do they not offer engine management of their own? If this system is not fully effecient, why not fix it with another stage II upgrade?
4) this car is designed to handle around 250 RWHP reliably for a long time. What happens to the stress levels at 400? Thats quite a bit more. I agree with proper management the engine is breathing better. Its healthier... but certainly the internals are more stressed, no?
5) What happens when losing all this sensor information? Isn't it critical to know when a sensor is acting up in the motor? What if a TPS is marginal for example? One thing that worries me is that I have a 2005 car and I will never be able to walk into a dealer and say "check engine light", have them check the code, and fix what is wrong under warranty.
6) Last, I worry about the reliability of the AEM EMS itself. Honda has been around a while and knows a thing or two about making something reliable. Will the AEM hold up to all the abuse, all the voltage fluctuations that can occur?
7) If I told you I am not out for all out power, but more a well tuned motor, would you still recommend the injector/fuel pump/pulley upgrade?