L-tuned ecu question
07-10-01, 12:20 AM
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This evening I replaced my stock ECU in my GS with the L-tuned. When I pulled the original out it had the exact same p/n on it as the L-tuned ECU, does this seem normal?
The local Lexus dealer doesn't have any info on any of the L-tuned products. When I initially attempted to order it he told me it would be a waste of money, the GS was already the best handling car Lexus produced. The parts guy has since turned out to be a really nice guy but has what seems like limited access to L-tuned info. When I placed the order for it I had to go on line to get the p/n for the dealer as they had no listing for it.
Before replacing it I went back thru past treads to see in I could find any info on the ECU's, I couldn't find any that had dealt with this specifically- just is gs430 the same as L-tuned, which still seems unanswered.
I went ahead and replaced the ECU and I took the car out for a test drive. In past treads most stated that the noticed a diff at highway speeds so that were I headed.
I didn't notice any diff from the stock ECU. I even tried several very hard corners at a high rate of speed and a couple of 270 degree onramp to the highway.
Do the p/n on the original and L-tuned differ? I just want to make sure I received the L-tuned part. Any info on this would be greatly appreciated.
The local Lexus dealer doesn't have any info on any of the L-tuned products. When I initially attempted to order it he told me it would be a waste of money, the GS was already the best handling car Lexus produced. The parts guy has since turned out to be a really nice guy but has what seems like limited access to L-tuned info. When I placed the order for it I had to go on line to get the p/n for the dealer as they had no listing for it.
Before replacing it I went back thru past treads to see in I could find any info on the ECU's, I couldn't find any that had dealt with this specifically- just is gs430 the same as L-tuned, which still seems unanswered.
I went ahead and replaced the ECU and I took the car out for a test drive. In past treads most stated that the noticed a diff at highway speeds so that were I headed.
I didn't notice any diff from the stock ECU. I even tried several very hard corners at a high rate of speed and a couple of 270 degree onramp to the highway.
Do the p/n on the original and L-tuned differ? I just want to make sure I received the L-tuned part. Any info on this would be greatly appreciated.
07-10-01, 06:54 AM
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What ever happen to Steve at Carson Lexus. Was he suppose to get back to us whether the ECU on the GS430 is the same as on the L-tune ECU...
I don't understand why people felt the different, but Lexus uses same part number on both Ltune and non-Ltune ECU.
How do they know which one is which to sell to us? how do they keep track their inventory? I would think a company as big as Toyota would ran into this problem already.
Kobiejohn,
do you have a digital camera? Can you take a picture of the component inside the L-tune ECU.
I just want to compare with the stock ECU to see if any component in there is changed? (I can also see if there is a programmable chip in the ECU or not. I want to get the ECU also, but my steering system on the car works great already.
Anh
I don't understand why people felt the different, but Lexus uses same part number on both Ltune and non-Ltune ECU.
How do they know which one is which to sell to us? how do they keep track their inventory? I would think a company as big as Toyota would ran into this problem already.
Kobiejohn,
do you have a digital camera? Can you take a picture of the component inside the L-tune ECU.
I just want to compare with the stock ECU to see if any component in there is changed? (I can also see if there is a programmable chip in the ECU or not. I want to get the ECU also, but my steering system on the car works great already.
Anh
07-10-01, 10:20 AM
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I've exchanged several e-mails and voice messages with Steve about this in the last week.
The answer is that Steve can't get a straight answer from Lexus about the ecu in the GS430...and both the stock GS 430 ecu and L-Tuned ecu appear to have the same part number.
However, kobiejohn, putting an L-Tuned ecu into a 98 GS300 should indeed feel different...and, I would think be a different part number from the one that came with your car. But you may not have gotten the correct L-Tuned part.
My suggestion would be to contact L-Tuned at their 800 number or Steve Ganz at Carson Toyota(Gonzo4u@earthlink.net, 800-908-6968 ext. 2381 or Private Message SUPRATRD) directly and let them help you sort this out.
The answer is that Steve can't get a straight answer from Lexus about the ecu in the GS430...and both the stock GS 430 ecu and L-Tuned ecu appear to have the same part number.
However, kobiejohn, putting an L-Tuned ecu into a 98 GS300 should indeed feel different...and, I would think be a different part number from the one that came with your car. But you may not have gotten the correct L-Tuned part.
My suggestion would be to contact L-Tuned at their 800 number or Steve Ganz at Carson Toyota(Gonzo4u@earthlink.net, 800-908-6968 ext. 2381 or Private Message SUPRATRD) directly and let them help you sort this out.
07-10-01, 05:37 PM
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When I swapped out the ECU myself, I think the part #'s of the stock and L-Tuned ones were the same.
I definitely noticed a difference.
kobiejohn, I didn't see what model of car you have. Also, do you have 16s or 17s? I think that you'd notice it less with 16s.
Putting aside high speed turns, how about low speed maneuvers in a parking lot? I could definitely feel the difference, which to me seemed like quicker ratio, but others have said that's impossible, so it must have just been increased steering effort.
However, I will say I think I noticed more of an impact with the L-Tuned ECU once I got the springs/shocks replaced too.
I definitely noticed a difference.
kobiejohn, I didn't see what model of car you have. Also, do you have 16s or 17s? I think that you'd notice it less with 16s.
Putting aside high speed turns, how about low speed maneuvers in a parking lot? I could definitely feel the difference, which to me seemed like quicker ratio, but others have said that's impossible, so it must have just been increased steering effort.
However, I will say I think I noticed more of an impact with the L-Tuned ECU once I got the springs/shocks replaced too.
07-11-01, 12:01 AM
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THANKS for your help, regarding my car its a GS300, I have not noticed a diff yet in the ecu's. I have 18" with 245/40/18 tires all the way around. I have not modified the suspension yet, will most likely go for eibach lowering springs.
When I ordered the tires I thought this would be the best compromise for ride/handling. I also have a 96 prelude vtec. On it I have 215/35/18 and nuespeed springs, it handles extremely well but when I hit a bump it lets me know I have rubberbands for tires. I did not want the same effect on my GS.
When I was putting the L-tuned ecu in last night I gently pried the end with the plug. From my quick peak inside it appeared to have a port which a chip could be quickly replaced, if anyone is familiar with xovers it looked exactly like a xover chip on a audiocontroll xover.
This evening I took apart the stock ecu and everything is soldered to the board, I will try to take apart the L-tuned ecu to compare hopefully tomorrow and will post my findings and again thanks for you help .
When I ordered the tires I thought this would be the best compromise for ride/handling. I also have a 96 prelude vtec. On it I have 215/35/18 and nuespeed springs, it handles extremely well but when I hit a bump it lets me know I have rubberbands for tires. I did not want the same effect on my GS.
When I was putting the L-tuned ecu in last night I gently pried the end with the plug. From my quick peak inside it appeared to have a port which a chip could be quickly replaced, if anyone is familiar with xovers it looked exactly like a xover chip on a audiocontroll xover.
This evening I took apart the stock ecu and everything is soldered to the board, I will try to take apart the L-tuned ecu to compare hopefully tomorrow and will post my findings and again thanks for you help .
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