So I started to gather parts to do the swap in my 03 TLS to a 6sp. One question I have is about the gauge cluster/ECU/Key.

SO I have a 03 CL manual ECU, I have a 03 CL Gauge cluster for a manual, (neither are from the same car) but I don't have a key from the original ECU donar car. I do, however, have my keys for the TLS that work in the ignition.

My question is when I install all these components what do I have to do to get the car to start? I know you can have a key recoded, so can I use the keys for my current TLS with this setup and just have them recoded for the ECU? Can I do this before I put it all in since the nearest acura dealer is a good distance away?

Also where is the milage stored? In the cluster or in the ECU? If it's in the cluster is it possible to swap the digital display out of my cluster into the new one so the milage is the same? Or can I change the milage in the new ECU to match, what do they do at Acura, I'm assuming this situation must have come up in the past at some point.

Thanks in advance!

for programming the ecu to your car you need the PCM code and the only way you get that is by getting the vin number from the car the ecu was in.
if you drive your car to the dealer and tell them to program the ecu you have with the vin from that ecu. the only thing is you'll have to have 2 keys dedicated to the new ecu and 2 for the old one . thats just incase you lose one b4 your swap.
with the cluster the mileage is stored inside but im not sure if you can take that out and swap it cuz ive never done so.