As easy as i de-hybridized the MT Insight, i swapped the good IMA battery from the CVT into it. I really need to get it cleaned and ready for inspection as priority #1. The Ecm Enabler was becoming unreliable giving a CEL blink code 69 when i let the car idle for 3 minutes. So all Ecm Enabler work has now been swapped and will proceed in the more reliable cvt daily driver. This will make it easier for me to trouble shoot the Enabler and get it working.
Meanwhile work will continue on light weighting the MT until the enabler is sorted out.
Drive notes on MT when IMA was removed: Even though weight balance was shifted forward, handling wasn't as severely impacted as i thought. With the - ~80lbs difference from the front compared to cvt, it turned in easily enough. The rear has been unloaded of a lot of weight. It doesn't lift the rear much, but I could feel the rear tires have less traction when i drove over grooved pavement. It's certain when completed that lowering the car will be a must. Rattling exhaust also became evident. There are layers on the inside that appear to be sound deadening but look like a soft metal. I was able to peel a portion away easily.
For those people who say driving around with an IMA battery that is never used is not impact-full: imagine always driving around with a giant Saint Bernard, and then suddenly it's gone. You've gotten so used to it you don't realize the dead weight you're carrying! If I can i will eventually remove all IMA components, dropping dead weight is so uplifting. I'm looking at all things nonessential, and it's all got to go!
Note: Dash brake light was due to a faulty brake resevoir switch under the hood. I just unplugged it and it went away.