GSman

iTrader: (2)

Hi,

Does anyone know if the L-tuned Steering ECU is different from the stock ECU on a new GS430? I am being told by the Lexus dealer that there is virtually no difference for the 430, but noticeably different for the 300. I found it odd that the dealer was trying to persuade me to not get the L-tuned ECU installed in my 430. I think it's great if they are correct but I would like a second opinion. Can anyone confirm or deny what the dealer is telling me?

Thanks,

bitkahuna

iTrader: (20)

I believe that is a crock.

RealMarty

I've driven GSs with both the stock and L-Tuned ecu, and bit has one in his GS. Many here have done the ecu upgrade because of how much you get for so little $$.

Your dealer is full of crap (why don't they just say they don't know instead of making up *****?).

There is a marked difference. The ecu, along with the L-Tuned springs and shocks, are the first mods I've got planned for my upcoming GS430.

hsls

GSman,

When I ordered my GS430 I found out about the
L-Tuned Mods and was very interested. The dealer told me that the Steering ECU was not available for the GS430, but it was for the 300/400. I called L-Tuned and asked if this was true and this is what they told me:

"The Steering ECU that is installed at the factory for the 430 is the modified ECU."

I asked the question of "So all of the people buying the ECU for the 430 are wasting their money?" Their reply was "Yes."

Just to let you know I have the full L-Tuned package minus the Steering ECU.

hsls

RealMarty

DAMN! I hate it when this happens. I'm absolutely wrong and hsls has it right. I was comparing my GS 400 with other 400s that had an upgraded ecu. And when I test drove an L-Tuned GS 430 the saleman I spoke to then was full of it when he told me I'd have to upgrade the ecu just like on the 400s.

I just got off the phone with L-Tuned and they confirmed that the program in the GS 430 is the same program as the L-Tuned steering ecu. It's not the same part number but it is the same software. So buying an L-tuned steering ecu for a GS 430 is redundant.

Just saved myself some $$.

Knguyen OLD

Maybe it is just me, but when I installed the ECU in my 2001 GS430 - I did notice a difference on the highway. I didn't get the floaty wheel feel. I had to uninstall it once because I turned around and got an upgrade GS430 with ML/NAV(due in 2 days) - and when I drove off with the GS430 back to the dealership, I noticed a difference again.

Once again I said it may be me, but I usually know my cars very well right off the bat.

If I am totally off when i get the new one, I will sell my ECU if anyone wants one.

Khanh.

Hey Marty - don't let it happen again when you are wrong. We are supposed to be right all the time in here. Peoples cars are on the line..

Take care all

bitkahuna

iTrader: (20)

You saying you got a 2001 GS430 and you're already trading it in for ANOTHER 2001 GS430? If so, the dealer must love you!

ChuH

I too notice a difference when I install the L-Tuned ECU on my 2001 GS430. I do not think the stock ECU and the L-Tuned are using the same software codes. There is definitely a tightening sensation. Missing is my constant need to correct my steering input.

It is hard to say because I upgraded from the stock 17" setup to L-Tuned springs/shocks/ECU and 18"x8.5" (S03 245/40R18) & 18"x9.5" (S03 275/35R18) all at the same time.

Chu...

Benny

knguyen,
you already swapped it out? what did you upgrade to besides nav?

SUPRATRD

This is turning out to be an interesting situation

I've been on the phone this morning with TRD/L-Tuned and they have confirmed that the '01 GS430 has a similar ECU and it's not necessary. It's not the same exact specs but close.

However after discussing this with them I looked up the part in the catalog, SAME NUMBER for 98,99,00,01. How can this be? I called back and the debate continues

Did Toyota/Lexus change out all the stock on the replacement ECU's?? If you order one for a 98 through a dealer( not L-Tuned) will we get the '01 ECU?? This doesn't make sense.

I will get an answer soon and update on the final outcome

chowder

can't wait to see how this pans out.

SCWells72

I hate to be a "me, too" guy, but I noticed a BIG difference on my 2001 GS430 after installing the steering ECU. The dead spot was just....gone. The parts may be "similar," but I'd be surprised. When I first read this I thought perhaps I'd wasted my $$$, but thinking about it, I just have to remember the difference the first time I drove the car with the new ECU.

On the other hand, it's great to see Lexus' interest in putting the L-Tuned equipment on the car stock...

Intellexual

Thanks for investigating this for us Steve...

Hmm, this IS a weird situation.

The general consensus seems to be that the '01 GS430's ECU is an improvement over that of 98-00 GS400s, but that the L-Tuned ECU is an improvement still. The weird thing is that the part #'s don't seem to correlate with this...

Also, whats the deal with '01 GS300s? Do they have the updated ECU as well?

The thing I'm worried about is this: I want to order the L-Tuned Steering ECU, but if I place an order from Steve or from my dealer, how do I know I'm not getting the '01 ECU packaged as the L-Tuned now? I want the original L-Tuned ECU because it seems to have more of an improvement but I'm worried Lexus may start packaging the 01 ECU as an L-Tuned product...

Knguyen OLD

Benny (brad) - I just upgraded the Nav and ML - yeah the dealers do love me, but they gave me a great deal on both cars. I am not disappointed, think this one will be a keeper, for now. 2004? new body stlye. hmm - if they can improve on this current GS, I will have to think about upgrade again

In regards to the ECU - for the GS430 - I mentioned that I a tighter feel on the highway and some people who has posted has also experienced the same thing. I am glad I wasn't loosing my sense of the road.

I have a '01 GS300 for a loaner until tomorrow(truck got delayed in my delivery for my GS430) and the steering in that thing is even tighter than my GS430 with the L-tuned ECU. I know they have 16" wheels on them, but it should not be that much diff. from the 17" or should it? Maybe I will take out that ECU and keep it for my GS430. heheh

Steve called and told me about the weird thing about the L-tuned ECU. I hope they can figure it out and give a solid answer. It doesn't add up.

As Steve said, it will be interesting. Besides what is a $125.00 for a $45-55K car?