I'm not upto anything sinister, just curious after reading this month's EVO in which there's a remap for a SMART which is undetectable

How is easy is it for a dealer/insurance co to detect a re-map? I would have thought it would be easy, if you knew what you were doing. Maybe with something like a checksum, or other device if you start looking into the code. In fact with IM's views on warranty I would have thought they would be quite hot on this.

Anythoughts

My car's standard BTW

 

Ecutek's can aparently NOT be detected, by any of Subaru's software!

 

Ron,

I've heard this.....but if code has been changed surely that can be spotted easily?

 

i don't think insurance companies / dealers have the hardware or software to bother checking map's on what "looks" like a stock ecu...

 

Re detection, not strictly true.

bob

 

Not. If it's genuinely undetectable, then nothing has been changed!

If data is being changed, then, by definition, the changes over the standard maps will be detectable. The only question is how far any interested party would have to go to discover the changes.

Sure, with the likes of EcuTeK, there's no quick visual/physical way to tell if the ECU has been altered like you'd get with a piggyback module, manual boost controller or other external method, but if the maps are downloaded and checked against a control, then any changes would be readily apparent.

RON - it's not like there's a big red flashing light on a Select Monitor that goes off if a reflashed ECU is detected (although this is a feature that concievably could be added), but my local Subaru dealers have little difficulty spotting a remapped car when they see one. Things like changes in boost target show up pretty clearly, and if they already know there are no external devices causing the change, there aren't too many other explanations.

Wouldn't put too much money on that IIWY!

[Edited by greasemonkey - 1/15/2004 10:41:25 PM]

 

Most remaps on Turbo cars involve raising the boost. If a std UK Turbo was producing 17psi, it'd make you ask some questions.

They could stick a boost gauge on the car very easily or plug in the select monitor and see what boost the car runs.

If they wanted proof, then they would need the software that can read and compare the current map to that of a standard one.

If it was completely undetectable, how would you know the car had actually been remapped; other than the mappers word or a large invoice

Stefan

 

Select monitor will pick up on a new age afaik.

bob

 

This goes back to all my posts re the 801, the Insurance companies WILL try to find out, if you have a big accident; and like other people have pointed out, the technology is out there if they want to use it. They are not daft enough to just look at the outside of the box!

 

Incredible as it may seem, my insurance company still paid out in full for a write off (£7250), even though the exhuast was clearly, clearly, non-standard (4.5" exit Vs twin orig scooby zorst = very very obvious). Don't know why the evidence wasn't used to avoid payment, I think I just got lucky to be honest, but it can happen.

 

Spence - very little performance increase from rear box change. Most of the upgrade is in your head - through your ears LOL

Mick