CK6Speed

iTrader: (1)

Out of all the money I spend on adjustable coilovers, Daizen swaw bars, front chassis brace, 4 out of 6 rear links, rear lower control arm plates, front strut tower brace and what not, the best mod I have done so far has been to disconnect the power steering ECU. Supposedly the GS430 has a retuned ECU similar to the L-Tuned one and makes the steering a little tighter than the GS400, but mine is still very over boosted for my taste. I remembered back when I had my SC400 I learned the trick to disconnect the steering ECU from the LS400 guys, and it worked only so so at that time on my SC400. On my GS430, it works much better. The steering is now tight and has a lot more weight to it. I can still park just using my pointer finger and thumb with one hand so its not too heavy. It is a hair heavier than my BMW 330i, but a hair lighter than my manual steering rack in my 92 NSX.

For me, I'd say it is about 90% perfect. Under highway speeds it is just about perfect for my taste. In low speed parking it perhaps is a hair too heavy, but like I said I can one hand two finger steer at that speed so its not bad at all. Most owners probably will NOT like it though. If you are used to BMW weighted steering or other sports car heavier steering feel than you might like it. Steering wheel road feedback though is not that much improved as this really mostly affects the steering tightness and weight. Over all I'm much happier with the steering weight now. One thing I have noticed a lot more now is I have to replace my steering rack bushings.

Funny thing is I remembered this mod because my wife took my car out the other day and complained of the light steering wheel. She normally drives our 94 Accord. She didn't like how it was too easy to turn the steering wheel. I guess she got used to our old BMW steering wheel feel

Again, most owners probably wont like this mod as they more than likely prefer the Lexus light luxury steering wheel feel, but if anyone wants a much tighter and weightier steering feel its a free mod to try. Its not perfect, but I'd take this feel over the stock feel any day myself.

swat1727

iTrader: (2)

can u do a write up? where is it? and can we go back to oem spec if we dont like it?tx

CK6Speed

iTrader: (1)

No need for a write up. Steering wheel ECU is located to the left of the steering column. You have to remove the lower under dash panel, look up to the left area of the steering column and you'll see a little brown plastic box. That is the ECU. Simply pull the connector out of it. That is is. If you don't like it, plug the connector back in and everything is back to normal.

swat1727

iTrader: (2)

cool thanx for the info. i will sure give that a try 2m.

swat1727

iTrader: (2)

ok, i did it. it's a 5 min mod. here is what i think. if you've already modded your suspension, it's a must. it gives u the bmw steering. but if ur gs is stock, the stiffer suspension makes it a little less luxurious when you try to park, but once you are driving, it's better. on the freeway it's perfect. thanx for the info. (btw your power steering is still functions.)

SlowGS4

iTrader: (5)

this sounds interesting. i might give this a try tomarrow.

[ant]

so what does the ECU actually do? like in what way does it modify the performance of the steering system specifically?

do GS300s have this?

swat1727

iTrader: (2)

yes, i have 01 gs3. it makes the steering very light. without it, the steering is heavier

kit cat

iTrader: (6)

free easy steering related mod! awesome tip!

and I'm surprised your wife complained how light the steering is compared to a Honda...the NSX aside (gosh those things drive like a dream), I always thought Hondas had one of the lightest steering.

MadTyte

my steering wheel is already tight when i bought it. dont know what the previous owner did to it.

ceelo

iTrader: (4)

I'm going to have to give this a try today at lunch . My two biggest pet peeves about the GS so far are the "loose" steering and the drive-by-wire delay which I'm going to take care of with a throttle controller very shortly.

DarKnight

iTrader: (3)

What could be the long-term, if any, negative effects of doing this?

denut-L

iTrader: (11)

Will this throw a cel ?

MPLexus301

iTrader: (3)

I tried this on my lunch break but saw no brown box- only several khaki ones and an orange one.

Can anyone post a picture or give me more specific instructions? Sorry.

And thanks for the heads up Chris

gsCrazy

iTrader: (1)

Does this apply for the gs300?