Just wondered if anyone out there knows what will be involved in fitting a second hand Prodrive ECU to my MY99? Does it need any extra work apart from replacing the existing one?

Thanks

Tim

 

Where did you get it from Tim ?
I don't fancy paying 2K for the PPP

 

I haven't got it yet. I was just wondering what was involved before I tried to hunt one down as I don't want to pay the full price myself.

Tim

 

The fitting of it should be relatively simple if itc omes in the ecu case, but if you just get the board like I did you may want to let a dealer fit it.
Your keys will also need to be re-programmed too.

Stef.

 

Stef

Was it a simple task for your dealers to do?

Tim

 

Halo Tim,

A half year ago I mounted the PPP myself. I own a MY99 GT and fitting of the ECU was (and is still) very simple. Be sure that the battery is disconnected before you start working. Simple change the ECU, connect the battery again and you are finished.
In my case it wasn't necessary to re-program the ECU for the keys. I really don't know where this story is coming from?

Kind regards,

Gert-Jan

 

GTJ,

You probably don't have the same alarm system we have here. I know that when my MY99 went to Prodrive to be done I had to supply both plipper thingies so they could reset them.

Cheers

Simon

 

I had my PPP ECU fitted to an MY98 and in the UK the keys have to be reprogrammed due to the factory security systems which is for the immobilizer, the keys are matched to the ECU. The car will turn over but not start so you have to go to a garage with the correct equipment to do the job which is usually Subaru or someone like Scoobysport.

Darren.

 

Cheers Guys

I think I might start the search for one of these ECU's if it so simple to change over. It will give my engine the grunt it is missing.

Thanks

Tim

 

Simon,

You could be right!
The GT does not have a standard alarm system in the Netherlands. Maybe that's it.

Gert-Jan

 

Simon,

At the other hand, the PPP ECU isn't different from the ones sold in the UK.
Could there be a difference in the key, loom and connections to the ECU?
What does the CAT-alarm detect? Is it a separate system? If so then there shouldn't be a problem. If not ...??


Gert-Jan

 

does anyone know what sort of attitude dealers have on fitting/re-programming 2nd hand Prodrive ECU's to cars under warranty?

how did you get on in the end Tim?

john

 

Hi John,

Some dealers are understanding and will have no issue installing the ECU for you.

I had mine fitted at ScoobySport, but make sure Steve is in when it's done.

A select monitor will programme the keys, but whoever does it will need the security cartridge.

As a side issue, my keys did NOT need re-programming! I have a MY99 UK car, and the PPP ECU was from a MY99 UK PPP car.

The ECU was plugged in, and both keys fired up the car without programming.

Power Engineering seem to agree that this was what would happen.

If I were you, plug it in and give it a go. It's a straight forward job, 6 or 8 10mm nuts, and three connectors are stopping you from getting that grin on your face!!

Andy

 

John

I haven't found one yet...house move took over instead.

Andy, what did you do with yours in the end? If you still have it let me know.

Tim

 

Tim,

To be fair I was offended by some of the offers, so I decided to just enjoy it instead!! Who wouldn't be happy with 280bhp from a UK car??

I was looking at a PossumLink, and may still change in the future. But I'm looking to move house, and I've already paid this years insurance premium!!

Andy

 

Andy, I'm NOT happy with 280BHP from a UK car!

Dan

 

Danny,

LOL!!! Well I'm happy for now!! Where can I get a nitrous kit from??

Now what about a FMIC and bigger turbo???

Andy

 

thanx lads,
just out of interest Andy,are there any visible differences between your standard ECU and Prodrive ECU cases?,as how would someone buying a 2nd hand P/drive ECU know, that it is just that and not just another standard one.
I too had considered the Link and still reckon it to be the best ECU for the money,but when I added the travelling costs,overnight accommodation and time off work,things get expensive,which is why I am looking into P/drive ECU's.

john

 

John,

Looking at it the only difference is the sticker on the top, which is a PINK STI sticker!!

I guess you have to trust the person you're buying it off!!

As for BRD, I'm sure they can fit over the weekend, so no time off work (as long as you are willing to drive down on a Friday night). There are reasonably cheap B&B type places nearby, and if you are heading to the Surrey location, Kingston is on your doorstep for a drink or 3!!! Although that means driving back with a hangover!!

Andy

 

Tim,

I don't believe it's a Japanese ECU. As I knew the previous owner and was getting about 265bhp from it. Trust me, I had to do a little work to fettle 280bhp out of my car! Also I think I have a 'lucky' car, as it has always been a pokey car! It was commented on by two dealers, that it's one of the faster ones.

I did a back to back rolling road session with the two ECU's, and there was about a 7bhp and about 25 lbft increase. I think a bit was lost due to heat soak, as the standard ECU was run first.

That showed about 275bhp with the PPP, RamPod Induction kit, SS backbox, SS downpipe, Magnex centre and the MRT cold air feed pipe. It was holding about 17psi and peaking at 18.5psi.

On a warmer day I got 280bhp, but I was running a HKS EVC4 on top of the above. The EVC is an electronic boost controller. The max boost is set to 1.18bar/17.1psi. The car actually feels stronger and more aggressive since the EVC, even though it's holding a fraction more boost, and not overboosting.

I've lost many of the pops and bangs since adding the EVC, but I believe it's because it's using the fuel more efficently. The fueling was checked at various stages of the modifications, and has always been fine.

I've just installed a KnockLink, and a LambdaLink in about to go in. First run today with the knocklink has showed no knock at all, confirming a run with a select monitor.

As of yesterday I started to run NF octane booster, and although I'm only using the cleaner at the moment, and not the full on booster, the difference is noticeable!

Andy

 

Andy,
Prodrive ECU/pink STI sticker/280bhp-coincidence,or just me ,makes me wonder where Prodrive get them.do you run a knock link/lambda link and if so do they ever show anything worrying on road/track?
I do a fair bit of contracting at this time of year so cannot really commit myself to a weekend away,even allowing for a weekend fit would add £200 approx to the bill,but I will keep this option open if I cannot get one sourced.
I could go for an aftermarket chip but feel that there are too many clouds hanging over them,whereas with P/d ECU's there is built in safety and confidence not to affect the warranty(when fitted by Prodrive)and Link has indicators to tell you when things aint well.

Tim,
sorry for hijacking your thread

 

just made me wonder as we know the imports power drops due to lower fuel grades and then modifications can bring power back up.

john

 

I may be looking at selling my PPP ECU! Decided that with my plans I will have to look at mappable ECU's!

Email me offers, and we'll go from there!

Andy
andrewtang1@aol.com