Upgrade Ecu Or Not?

[Everlong-S13]

Hey all,

I've done a forum search but didn't really get a definite answer.

Basically, I've got a 98 R34 GTT with base level mods: Pod filter, exhaust, FMIC and boost increase to 12psi (stock turbo).

I'm still running the stock ECU. Is it necessary to upgrade the ECU for such base level mods to get the best performance, or possible to retune the stock one?

I do not plan to upgrade the car any more.

Much appreciated.

[KiwiRS4T]

The definite answer is yes. I guess its running now and RBs generally run quite rich from stock so its probably ok but if you want to be safe stick it on a dyno and get the timing and afrs checked.

But to get optimum performance from what you have you will need some tunability and best bang for buck is Nistune.

[Everlong-S13]

I thought so. Thanks for the reply mate.

Nistunes are upwards of $1000. Is there anything cheaper or is that really the best option?

[34GeeTeeTee]

A lot Of places doing them supplied, installed and tuned for $1000-1200.... Pretty cheap really....

[Hanaldo]

Woah NIStune is expensive over there... Cost me $750 supplied, installed and tuned.

OT, +1 for definite yes mate. A good tune is the absolute best thing you can do.

[Everlong-S13]

Thanks guys appreciate the response.

[mad082]

as above, yes you will gain power, and a bit of economy too, from a tune. it isn't NEEDED though. and yeah, a nistune is the nest bang for your buck ecu you can get for your mods. pretty much any other ecu with as much tunability (or more) will cost you about twice as much.

[tonka_18]

Hey all,

I've done a forum search but didn't really get a definite answer.

Basically, I've got a 98 R34 GTT with base level mods: Pod filter, exhaust, FMIC and boost increase to 12psi (stock turbo).

I'm still running the stock ECU. Is it necessary to upgrade the ECU for such base level mods to get the best performance, or possible to retune the stock one?

I do not plan to upgrade the car any more.

Much appreciated.

Did you find much increase in power and response with these mods compared to standard?

[cherring]

Did you find much increase in power and response with these mods compared to standard?

Without a tune, the increase will be relatively minimal

[jjman]

Woah NIStune is expensive over there... Cost me $750 supplied, installed and tuned.

awesome! where did you get it installed and tuned for $750?

good tune?

Edited August 8, 2012 by jjman

[Hanaldo]

Hyperdrive at the time. Andy is a very good tuner.

[jjman]

cool. good to know.

cheers mate

[mad082]

Without a tune, the increase will be relatively minimal

that's not true. you will get bigger gains from bolt on mods than from a tune alone. you will gain 10 to 20kw from a tune if you have a turbo back exhaust, fmic and the boost raised to about 12psi. you will gain about 30 to 40kw from the bolt on mods.