ECU question...

[HijackTheLeft]

Ive been trying to find some info on ECUs and have been reading a lot of contradicting stuff... basically, the question I have is: Would an aftermarket ECU give any better horsepower gains than switching to an ECU from an automatic? I know the auto's ECU isn't exactly going to give hp "gains," but it is supposed to help acceleration, right? What sorts of gains can you expect from an aftermarket ECU? It almost seems like theyre not really worth it. Is losing the cruise control the only drawback? As you can probably tell, I'm lost when it comes to this stuff.... thanks in advance for any help.

Chris

[95lstegman]

well, if you have an automatic transmission, you probably have an ECU and a TCU (transmission control unit). the TCU controls the shift logic, while the ECU controls the engine's response to your right foot, among other things. while tuning the ECU will net some power [if your engine is not stock - if it is, there will be pretty tiny gains], the TCU is what makes automatic transmissions suck. i do a fair amount of tuning of factory ECU's of various makes, including Nissans, but i've never popped open a TCU to see if i can change its programming. if you'd like to get a spare from a junkyard and send it to me i'd be happy to check it out and see what i can do.

[HijackTheLeft]

its a 5speed, but I appreciate the offer though. i just heard that switching to an ecu from an automatic will give better acceleration and get rid of the speed limiter. My engine mods are in my sig... nothing spectacular, just a few go-fast bolt ons. Side note: Im actually going to be in the Tampa area visiting family in april.

[95lstegman]

oh, you mean switching from manual to automatic ECU. no, don't do that. nothing good will happen. judging by the programs it will probably make your car noticeably more sluggish, as the automatic is designed for lower redlines and slower throttle response. it will have less ignition advance and such as well. not good.

well, if you're in the area and have a few hours (and some moolah ) to get a good solid street tune, let me know.

[HijackTheLeft]

i should definately have a little of both... BUT i'm flying down, so I'm not gonna have my car with me. how much should I expect to pay for something like that??

[95lstegman]

i know XAT charges $650 for a full tuning of almost any nissan ECU. i know lots of other guys that tune for about $400 in their spare time. you just have to know you can trust your tuner to do good work, that's all. that $250 difference in price gets you a product and service you know you can rely on. just check out the tuner's reputation and make sure his own car runs ultra-smooth.

[HijackTheLeft]

What about aftermarket ecu's?? Any recommendations?

[95lstegman]

What about aftermarket ecu's?? Any recommendations?

only if you're going standalone, and AEM's EMS is king IMO. there are some cheaper alternatives that will get the job done, but if you're outrunning the stock ECU with your wild motor then you have the money for the AEM. the stock ECU is capable of accommodating probably any mods you'll ever think about buying. the only things i can't get it to do is control multiple injector banks, control a nitrous system, have traction control, or something like that. JWT could probably get it to do those things though. i'm more of a tuner; they actually break it down and are knowledgeable in changing the inputs and outputs to suit the needs like that.