how does the ECU work? do you have to tell it all that you have done? like Lower it, put sways in, strut bars etc? I know it isn't like windows XP and it finds all the stuff itself. (someone might quote me on that one). someone let me know something

 

to me the more mods, the tighter it get on high speed

 

Then I need to mod it UP!!! After reading everything about the issues with our GS and it's suspension and steering, I have really become aware of it's shortcomings, especially at higher speeds on highways. With the new tires, springs and shocks, the car has improved in turns and lane changes and feels more planted to the ground, but I know it can be so much better.

I hate the looseness of the steering when I'm on the highways, and that is what I want to fix next.

 

yup, i felt a difference with the unit on my gs4 (just not sure about 01+), plus it's only 100 bucks, so it's ok i think

 

I searched here a bunch before purchasing this mod from Sewell (Thanks Darrell) but I still wasn't sure if it would help the vague, overboosted steering in my ride. Took a chance and installed it and I noticed an improvement immediately. Especially since I just had shoulder surgery last week and I really noticed the power assist is noticably less. The result is that I don't feel like I'm constantly correcting my steering.

FWIW, my GS is an '01 with build date 07/00.

 

interesting, so we get another data point now

 

I don't know what the steering ECU will help tho, I just bought a GS4 and the steering is the heaviest amount all my Lexuses! Now it is worse since I put a monster tires(255/35/19) in the front!!!
I am sure I don;t need to ecu!

 

I had this mod on my 01 gs300 before and made no difference!...As a result, i would save my $ and no going to mod my gs430..

 

davezaristo and blacksc400 - what are your build dates? I think that is determining factor, not model year.

 

haha it must be you. stock wise my gs400 has the worst steering compared to my is300 and sc430. very loose. now with the ecu, new and tightened steering column, and 245 in the front it's heavy, but that's at low speed. at high way speed i still wish it could be tighter

 

I think the build date for my GS300 was August 00 but it was a 01 model....

 

Mine is 07/00 but is an ' 01model. Could be July 2000 is the cutoff. Afterthat, Lexus probably started using the improved steering ecu.

 

From everything we know it looks like they switched parts during the 2001 model year but some 01's definitely had the old ECU (probably as they depleted the old stock). Unfortunately for 01 owners there's no way to tell by looking at the part. One other way to tell is to drive a car with the L-Tuned one in it and similar suspension/wheels setup and compare. It's not hard to tell if it's different.

When I did the before/after ECU install test with my friend (RealMarty's) 01 GS430 it was obvious he had an old one on before.

 

just curious paul, how did we know that 01+ have new ecu?

 

interesting note....

if it is what we all say is true, why don't we just get a 2001+ ecu from the dealer or order one from carson instead of buying an l-tuned ecu? is there a price difference? does it cost more or cheaper?