jcgeorge

That's bold haha! But based on all the positive feedback I've come across on the site, I doubt anyone would take you up on that

Side note, I heard back from a local Lexus dealership (still waiting for Toyota's response):
This is lower than I expected to be honest and I'm assuming Toyota will be even lower, so I'm going to try a new unit ending -41, @AMIRZA786, but thank you again for your offer!

Now, the shop foreman's warning about the different components working together brings me to a question - am I right in assuming this ECU would cause higher wear/tear to the mechanical components over time compared to the OE ECU? So far I've only come across people sharing their positive initial feedback, but no one has shared any failures/maintenance issues that arose (besides power steering not available immediately after the install due to calibration not being done yet), so just wanted to get peoples' thoughts.

redspencer

iTrader: (1)

I believe I installed my -41 unit back in 2013 which makes it 7+ years of daily use and AutoX/track use. No mechanical issues from the upgraded Steering ECU so far.

AMIRZA786

That's better pricing. I would say that they are just being cautious as when you input the part number of the ECU and the VIN of your car, their inventory system says it's incompatible. I don't see how it causes any additional wear. The difference is that is makes the steering "feel" a bit stiffer, and traction control and VSC don't interfere as much. When calibrating, there is really nothing "additional" they need to do to make it work with your car. My ECU came straight out of an ISF and was never re-calibrated, I just plugged it in, and since it was already calibrated it just worked. People have been using this ECU for years, so someone more knowledgeable than me can weigh in like @2013FSport or @redspencer

AMIRZA786

Well, there you go!

AMIRZA786

Just let the shop manager know that there are a large number of 2nd Gen IS owners that had this installed for years. Also let them know that those that bought used ones didn't have to have them re-calibrated. It's kind of like this: buying and installing LCA bushings for an RC-F on an IS350. They fit the car perfectly, and improve the cars handling and stability substantially, yet when you buy them from a Lexus dealer or an online Lexus parts store, you get a message that's it's not compatible and doesn't fit. On top of that, the Lexus dealership will probably not want to install them, although they actually improve the cars performance

jcgeorge

Oh great! I expect you have put your car through the wringer more than most of us, so that's definitely reassuring to hear.

Ps, I literally just last night subscribed to your YT channel, great content!

Yeah, that's the way I'm going to present it, here's hoping everything works out.

Fwiw, my local Toyota just got back to me to say they won't do it... so the Lexus dealership it is!

Jeff Lange

iTrader: (1)

The IS250 RWD, IS350 RWD, and IS F all use the same steering components, including the rack and column. The only difference is the programming in the EPS ECU.

If there were to be increased wear to the components, it would already be happening to IS F's.

But, they like to cover their bases.

Any Toyota/Lexus dealer or anyone with a Techstream can do the EPS calibration. If one dealer won't do it, call another. Don't even need to tell them what you replaced it with or why, just say you replaced the EPS ECU and need to have it calibrated, what would they charge to do that and see what they say.

Jeff

sanatarium

Wow this sounds like a great improvement. I can't stand the spot that is twitchy but also dead at the same time, on straight line highway driving that many Toyotas have. Very weird to me. Glad this fixes that.

2013FSport

iTrader: (2)

If everyone and their brother buys an IS-F EPS unit, Yoda boys gonna think they're failing in the field! Hahaha!
Maybe they'll drop the cost! But don't hold you're breath!

AMIRZA786

Haha they know. There is only a limited amount of 2011 ISF's on the road, and the most sought after EPS is for the 2011 ISF. I was talking to a Lexus Parts manager looking to see if they had an upgraded part specifically for an F-Sport accessory, than I asked him if the same RC-F part would work on my car. He told me to check on clublexus LOL "cause these guys have tried everything". I almost burst out laughing

Yamehoo

@AMIRZA786 You might want to add the ISF steering damper to go with the ECU. It makes a difference.

AMIRZA786

Oh man, I don't want to take my steering wheel apart!

Yamehoo

No, you dont take them apart, it is very easy, just 2 tabs, 4 screw and a couple of connectors and you are done. 15 min max.

AMIRZA786

I'll think about maybe after I get from Southern Cal next week. It's cheap enough, the Lexus dealership near me has it online for $25

jcgeorge

Good point. I had told only the first Lexus dealer that it was an IS F ECU, but you're right - if I'm doing the swap myself, they don't even need to know that. I'll make sure to follow this in the future.

It's interesting how different dealers have different policies. The first Lexus dealer agrees to it if I release them from all liability; the second one said they won't calibrate unless the part is provided and installed by them, which doesn't make sense but I didn't argue. The First Toyota dealer said pretty much the only Techstream related work they can do on a Lexus is TPMS programming and suggested I ask a Lexus dealer, which again didn't make sense; now waiting to hear from the second Toyota dealer who has been my primary source of parts so far.
​​​​​​
Thanks also for the note on the same components, Jeff, good to know!​

Nice! The cheapest I found that part near me is $54 CAD, what a price difference for some dead weight! But I have it on order; hoping to install at the same time as the ECU since the battery would be disconnected already.

Also, sorry for hijacking your thread dude!