'02+ Maxima ECU Cracked!!!
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 1,687
From: Charlotte, NC
Well, I've got over 200 miles on the new ECU. The spare ECU I ordered was defective, so I'm sending it back this week. I may use my last dyno as my "before" dyno and just not have a spare ECU on hand. I'm still thinking about this one.
As far as the ECU upgrade, here are my thoughts, feelings, and things that I've noticed:
1) Throttle response is MUCH MUCH quicker
2) HP gains are definitely noticable
3) The ECU still functions similar to the stock ECU when there is a problem with the car (i.e. if you blow a MAF, you enter limp mode )
4) The gas milage is better by 1-3 MPG
5) The car is smoother... You don't even feel like you are going 80 MPH because the engine is very finely tuned
6) The car is quieter... Quieter as in "the engine sounds like it's running at it's peak and we don't hear any knocking/retarding/etc"
There are more, but I forget them all. I drove my Z the whole week the car was down. After getting back into the Max, it feels as strong as the Z does. I'm not implying (nor saying) that it can take the Z, but the power curves are very similar.
I'm still waiting on the dyno shop to have some time open. Possibly on the 20th. More to follow later....
Questions are welcomed.
As far as the ECU upgrade, here are my thoughts, feelings, and things that I've noticed:
1) Throttle response is MUCH MUCH quicker
2) HP gains are definitely noticable
3) The ECU still functions similar to the stock ECU when there is a problem with the car (i.e. if you blow a MAF, you enter limp mode )
4) The gas milage is better by 1-3 MPG
5) The car is smoother... You don't even feel like you are going 80 MPH because the engine is very finely tuned
6) The car is quieter... Quieter as in "the engine sounds like it's running at it's peak and we don't hear any knocking/retarding/etc"
There are more, but I forget them all. I drove my Z the whole week the car was down. After getting back into the Max, it feels as strong as the Z does. I'm not implying (nor saying) that it can take the Z, but the power curves are very similar.
I'm still waiting on the dyno shop to have some time open. Possibly on the 20th. More to follow later....
Questions are welcomed.
It's chrome alright...
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,999
Originally Posted by GreekMaxima
i wanna get it but one week without my car... 
I dont have seconcd car 
I dont have seconcd car 
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 3,283
From: East Hartford, CT
Originally Posted by 2k2wannabe
3 days... next-day it thurs, they work on it friday and NDA back with saturday delivery, you should have the car running by sunday morning and you only have to catch a ride to work for 2 days.
It's chrome alright...
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,999
Originally Posted by GreekMaxima
the installation it is easy? I live in CT so the ship to CA is about a week... I have to ship my chip and i have to wait to send me back...
NEXT DAY AIR
PRIORITY PACKAGE
Send it overnight and it'll get there... the next day. They do their thing and overnight it back... not even 3 full days!
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 3,283
From: East Hartford, CT
Originally Posted by 2k2wannabe
OVERNIGHT
NEXT DAY AIR
PRIORITY PACKAGE
Send it overnight and it'll get there... the next day. They do their thing and overnight it back... not even 3 full days!
NEXT DAY AIR
PRIORITY PACKAGE
Send it overnight and it'll get there... the next day. They do their thing and overnight it back... not even 3 full days!
the installation its easy?
I sent mine out Wed morning and got it back Fri at 3PM. I live in NYC also. I havent had a chance to really test my car since we got a foot of snow here in NYC. So I cant say whether it was worth it or not.
Does anyone have an direction to how to take out the ECU or where it's located? On the older Nissan models, it's under the front passger seat. The answer might be on some pages of this long threads...I have dial-up connecting and it takes forever to load each page. So, please someone direct me to the page that has this information, if exist. Thanks
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 3,283
From: East Hartford, CT
Originally Posted by VMaximus02
Does anyone have an direction to how to take out the ECU or where it's located? On the older Nissan models, it's under the front passger seat. The answer might be on some pages of this long threads...I have dial-up connecting and it takes forever to load each page. So, please someone direct me to the page that has this information, if exist. Thanks
Originally Posted by studman
1) Disconnect the battery
2) Remove the plastic trim on the side of the ECU on both the passenger's and driver's side of the ECU.
3) Disconnect the electrical connector from the ECU. You have to press in on the white tab while lifting the black handle to get it connector to release from the ECU. Continue to rotate the black handle until it locks into place on the other side of the white connector cover. You'll see what I mean when you do it.
4) Using an 8mm open-ended wrench and/or an 8mm small socket and ratchet, remove 1 screw from each corner of the ECU. 2 are accessible from the driver's side. 2 are accessible from the passenger's side.
5) Slide the ECU out on the passenger's side.
6) Reinstallation is the same process reversed.
Yes.
Update:
Well, the MAF that was sent to me is also defective. I'm awaiting a UPS RED delivery of a 2003 MAF that is guaranteed to work. So I'll visit the dealer tomorrow (or Saturday) to get the second ECU programmed. I'll continue to update people as I go.
Be advised of this: When the ECU returns from TS, BEFORE starting the car, you need to reset the ECU. My ECU had 22 codes stored in it. Once the ECU is reset, it will clear all the stored codes and erase any learned settings. It will then take 100 miles to learn your new settings, so immediate feelings will be enhanced over time.
2) Remove the plastic trim on the side of the ECU on both the passenger's and driver's side of the ECU.
3) Disconnect the electrical connector from the ECU. You have to press in on the white tab while lifting the black handle to get it connector to release from the ECU. Continue to rotate the black handle until it locks into place on the other side of the white connector cover. You'll see what I mean when you do it.
4) Using an 8mm open-ended wrench and/or an 8mm small socket and ratchet, remove 1 screw from each corner of the ECU. 2 are accessible from the driver's side. 2 are accessible from the passenger's side.
5) Slide the ECU out on the passenger's side.
6) Reinstallation is the same process reversed.
Yes.
Update:
Well, the MAF that was sent to me is also defective. I'm awaiting a UPS RED delivery of a 2003 MAF that is guaranteed to work. So I'll visit the dealer tomorrow (or Saturday) to get the second ECU programmed. I'll continue to update people as I go.
Be advised of this: When the ECU returns from TS, BEFORE starting the car, you need to reset the ECU. My ECU had 22 codes stored in it. Once the ECU is reset, it will clear all the stored codes and erase any learned settings. It will then take 100 miles to learn your new settings, so immediate feelings will be enhanced over time.
Directions for ECU removal and install.
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 1,687
From: Charlotte, NC
krmaxima: I don't have to drive it hard. It drives itself hard for me. As for hitting the RPM limiter... I haven't yet. I went to 7300 RPMs today, but still didn't hit a limiter or fuel cut. I'm planning to video tape it in the next day or so, when I get my camera back.
I think I read a few pages back that when you get the TS upgrade you'll need to take the car and have the ECU reflashed for any TSB's done. Is that correct? I had the "hesitation TSB" done in August and will have a hard time going back to have it redone. Thanks!
Yes, any TSB reflashes/updates performed on your ECU will be lost.
Also, if you get any reflashes/updates AFTER the TS flash, you'll most likely lose the TS flash.
Also, if you get any reflashes/updates AFTER the TS flash, you'll most likely lose the TS flash.
Originally Posted by kcowden
I think I read a few pages back that when you get the TS upgrade you'll need to take the car and have the ECU reflashed for any TSB's done. Is that correct? I had the "hesitation TSB" done in August and will have a hard time going back to have it redone. Thanks!
Originally Posted by IceY2K1
Yes, any TSB reflashes/updates performed on your ECU will be lost.
Also, if you get any reflashes/updates AFTER the TS flash, you'll most likely lose the TS flash.
Also, if you get any reflashes/updates AFTER the TS flash, you'll most likely lose the TS flash.
What? I thought that wasn't possible! If it is, then looks like I'll never take my car to a dealer again...
No...that's why you get TWO ECUs. Best $150 I ever spent.
Anyways, I *HOPE* I'm wrong, but everything I've heard/read about reflashing the ECU agrees. Everytime you get a TSB flash, your ECU software has a different part number. So, that means it's been changed. Unless it's sector programmable(which I doubt) and the maps/limiters are in a different sector then what's programmed by the dealer....MAYBE. However, I highly doubt that.
Anyways, I *HOPE* I'm wrong, but everything I've heard/read about reflashing the ECU agrees. Everytime you get a TSB flash, your ECU software has a different part number. So, that means it's been changed. Unless it's sector programmable(which I doubt) and the maps/limiters are in a different sector then what's programmed by the dealer....MAYBE. However, I highly doubt that.
Originally Posted by Quicksilver
What? I thought that wasn't possible! If it is, then looks like I'll never take my car to a dealer again...
Originally Posted by IceY2K1
No...that's why you get TWO ECUs. Best $150 I ever spent.
Anyways, I *HOPE* I'm wrong, but everything I've heard/read about reflashing the ECU agrees. Everytime you get a TSB flash, your ECU software has a different part number. So, that means it's been changed. Unless it's sector programmable(which I doubt) and the maps/limiters are in a different sector then what's programmed by the dealer....MAYBE. However, I highly doubt that.
Anyways, I *HOPE* I'm wrong, but everything I've heard/read about reflashing the ECU agrees. Everytime you get a TSB flash, your ECU software has a different part number. So, that means it's been changed. Unless it's sector programmable(which I doubt) and the maps/limiters are in a different sector then what's programmed by the dealer....MAYBE. However, I highly doubt that.
I've already got two ECUs...
It still sucks to hear that, though.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 523
I dont think it matters whether you have the TSBs done or not. From what I understand the TSBs are jsut updates or patches to the originally flawed stock software in our ECUs. What TS or whoever did was program optimal software for the ECU. The TS ECU should take care of all of the ECU TSB issues. What I mean is that a car that did not have the ECU TSBs done to it then upgraded to the TS ECU would act the same as a car that had the ECU TSBs done to it then upgraded to the TS ECU.
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 1,687
From: Charlotte, NC
I dont think it matters whether you have the TSBs done or not. From what I understand the TSBs are jsut updates or patches to the originally flawed stock software in our ECUs. What TS or whoever did was program optimal software for the ECU. The TS ECU should take care of all of the ECU TSB issues. What I mean is that a car that did not have the ECU TSBs done to it then upgraded to the TS ECU would act the same as a car that had the ECU TSBs done to it then upgraded to the TS ECU.
As far as needing TSBs afterwards... no TSB has been released yet that the TS image needs to update. Most Nissan updates ARE for a specific section of the ECU, not the entire image. However, I would not allow a dealer to flash my ECU under any circumstances.
Originally Posted by studman
Per Danny at TS, as well as the actual guy who does the flashes, the above is correct. That is one of the reasons my ECU went to them. I had corrupted software that the dealer's TSBs could not update. They wanted me to spend $800 on a new ECU. So for the $500, I sent it out to TS to have it upgraded. They replace the entire image on your ECU with their image, with the exception of the NVIS/NATS key registration information.
As far as needing TSBs afterwards... no TSB has been released yet that the TS image needs to update. Most Nissan updates ARE for a specific section of the ECU, not the entire image. However, I would not allow a dealer to flash my ECU under any circumstances.
As far as needing TSBs afterwards... no TSB has been released yet that the TS image needs to update. Most Nissan updates ARE for a specific section of the ECU, not the entire image. However, I would not allow a dealer to flash my ECU under any circumstances.
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 1,687
From: Charlotte, NC
I had brought my car to the dealer for the TSB on hestitation and they replaced the MAF but told me that they couldn't flashed my ECU? So you're saying that my ECU may be corrupted/got corrupted by the dealer? Are there an signs/symptoms if the ECU software is corrupted?
If you did not have the TS ECU, then you may have the same problem I had. Nissan couldn't fix the ECU. They wanted me to replace it. And I'm out of warranty. And a new ECU was $800. So I opted to have TS do it for me.
Guys, whatever software the ECU contained that went to Techtom in Japan is what YOUR ECU will have after TS flashes it. Basically, they extracted the source code and emailed it to TS. TS then locates the maps(if Techtom didn't already), tweaks them, downloads them to the test ECU and observes the effects on the dyno. Once they've finished the final program, they use the Techtom source code + tweaks and flash THAT into YOUR ECU.
TS does NOT "fix" anything and if the original ECU had no TSB flashes, you won't either.
TS does NOT "fix" anything and if the original ECU had no TSB flashes, you won't either.
I've had NUMEROUS talks(emails) with Danny and that is NOT correct and definitely NOT what Danny has said to me.
TS does NOT modify, improve, or change ANYTHING related to the source code or engine control algorithms except the maps and limiters. They simply trace the air/fuel and ignition map location and change them along with the limiters.
TS does NOT modify, improve, or change ANYTHING related to the source code or engine control algorithms except the maps and limiters. They simply trace the air/fuel and ignition map location and change them along with the limiters.
Originally Posted by studman
Per Danny at TS, as well as the actual guy who does the flashes, the above is correct.
Per Danny's email:
TS is only here in the US. We are the distributor for Techom Japan.
Techtom is the company that designs, builds, test romboards, MDM-100
and
download data from ECU. Basically when we get your ECU, we ship it
over to
Japan. They have some custom made hardware that is used to plug into
the
ECU's connector (that's why I needed the diagram). And from there,
they run
a program to extract the data out of it. I'm sure there's more
involved.
I've never seen it done and it takes anywhere from 30 mins to 1 hour
depending on the model of car. The data is then store into a PC and is
debug is ran through it. After it's debug, some guy will sit there
look at
the data and find out where the speed limiter, rev limiter, fuel/timing
maps
... basically anything he can see and writes them all down. The data
is
then zip up and email to us with all the data. ECU back on it's way to
the
US.
When we get the data back, we usually know where the limiters are, but
sometimes those things are provided, so we have to get a test car and
start
testing. We'll run through the program here and eliminate anything
that
CAN'T BE of use ie program, sensors, etc.. all we do is find maps.
We'll
make some change to it and put it back into the car and test it out.
Techtom is the company that designs, builds, test romboards, MDM-100
and
download data from ECU. Basically when we get your ECU, we ship it
over to
Japan. They have some custom made hardware that is used to plug into
the
ECU's connector (that's why I needed the diagram). And from there,
they run
a program to extract the data out of it. I'm sure there's more
involved.
I've never seen it done and it takes anywhere from 30 mins to 1 hour
depending on the model of car. The data is then store into a PC and is
debug is ran through it. After it's debug, some guy will sit there
look at
the data and find out where the speed limiter, rev limiter, fuel/timing
maps
... basically anything he can see and writes them all down. The data
is
then zip up and email to us with all the data. ECU back on it's way to
the
US.
When we get the data back, we usually know where the limiters are, but
sometimes those things are provided, so we have to get a test car and
start
testing. We'll run through the program here and eliminate anything
that
CAN'T BE of use ie program, sensors, etc.. all we do is find maps.
We'll
make some change to it and put it back into the car and test it out.
Dannys' response to my email about TSBs:
My email about TSBs to Danny:
Anytime we get a see a new program it has to go to Techtom. Well, what
we
can do is send your ECU to japan and you run the spare ECU. Since it's
got
all the updates, that will be the best one to use. I can have the
immobolizer reset and you can try it on your car, or send your ECU in
and
I'll do the ECU duplication now. How's that sound? This way you'll
be
running an ECU with the latest updates (after mod) and not have to
worry.
For the igntion advance the dealer is doing. It only advanced base
timing
which effects the whole rpm range of the car. It's like adjusting your
distributor. I think they can only adjust 2-3 degrees. By doing that,
you
gain some low end, but lose top end. What we do in our programing is
we get
to pick and choose WHERE and how much to advance/retard. ie advance 4
degrees from 4000-5500, retard 1 degree from 5600-6000, advance 10
degrees
from 6000-redline. Also fuel mixture plays an important roll. Being
able
to change timing is one thing, but keeping fuel mixture is correct is
another.
Your scanner tells you 30-40 degrees timing is because you're cruising.
It
can run alot of timing and very little fuel to save gas and run as
efficient
as possible (gas mileage). If you go wide open throttle it should be
in the
20s, maybe low low 30s. anything lower than 20 (which normally is for
stock
car) is detune.
Danny.
we
can do is send your ECU to japan and you run the spare ECU. Since it's
got
all the updates, that will be the best one to use. I can have the
immobolizer reset and you can try it on your car, or send your ECU in
and
I'll do the ECU duplication now. How's that sound? This way you'll
be
running an ECU with the latest updates (after mod) and not have to
worry.
For the igntion advance the dealer is doing. It only advanced base
timing
which effects the whole rpm range of the car. It's like adjusting your
distributor. I think they can only adjust 2-3 degrees. By doing that,
you
gain some low end, but lose top end. What we do in our programing is
we get
to pick and choose WHERE and how much to advance/retard. ie advance 4
degrees from 4000-5500, retard 1 degree from 5600-6000, advance 10
degrees
from 6000-redline. Also fuel mixture plays an important roll. Being
able
to change timing is one thing, but keeping fuel mixture is correct is
another.
Your scanner tells you 30-40 degrees timing is because you're cruising.
It
can run alot of timing and very little fuel to save gas and run as
efficient
as possible (gas mileage). If you go wide open throttle it should be
in the
20s, maybe low low 30s. anything lower than 20 (which normally is for
stock
car) is detune.
Danny.
My email about TSBs to Danny:
> Danny,
>
> You should see it around Wednesday due to the Monday
> holiday. I OVER packed the ECU, so it's ready for the
> overseas shipping drop kick test.;-) I'd just mail it
> vs. opening it and having to re-pack it, but whatever
> suits you.
>
> When you say,
> >There are different programs out there, so for
> > everyone that we find different we have to download
> > it. That base data is what we use.
>
> ....that means it goes to Techtom since you can't
> download, right?
>
> Reason I ask is because the dealer performs "patches"
> called TSBs(Technical Service Bulletins) to fix
> problems/quirks in the ECU software. I'm pretty sure
> this modifies the source code, since you end up with a
> NEW part number each time a TSB is performed. That
> means people would lose any TSBs they've had done
> previously, since you'll be flashing the SPARE ECUs'
> source code as a starting point. The SPARE has not
> had any TSBs done as far as I can tell, since it's
> NEVER been to the dealer for warranty work that shows
> on the parts guys computer.
>
> I'm going to assume these TSBs can be done by a dealer
> AFTER your upgrade so people *COULD* have a dealer
> re-perform the TSB, but it's going to be hassle I'd
> prefer to avoid. We may find people are interested in
> getting a flash with all the current TSBs performed.
> My STOCK ECU has the most popular TSB for the manual
> transmission, which is for the on/off throttle
> sensitivity. Also, people are PAYING the dealer to
> advance the base ignition timing, which I believe
> affects ONLY low-rpm, since the ECU compensates as it
> adds advance according to the timing map. According
> to my OBD scanner, by even 1500rpm with my manual
> trans I'm pushing 30-40degrees advance. I think this
> mod only benefits automatics because they just mash
> the gas off the line vs. feathering the gas for a
> clutch, which will outweigh the extra 2-5degrees the
> Consult added(FSM spec. is 15+/-5 degrees, but the
> factory sets them at 15degrees). Anyways, once we get
> the first ECUs up and running, I think we should look
> into getting a base program with ALL the TSBs and see
> what parts of the timing map, the Consult changes for
> the timing advance. If I'm wrong and the Consult
> timing advance affects the whole timing curve(like old
> SER Sentra free mod) for CLOSED-loop operation vs.
> just idle-to-1500rpm, we may find some more power for
> your customers during normal daily driving.
>
>
> Sorry for the long-winded response,
>
> Alex
>
> You should see it around Wednesday due to the Monday
> holiday. I OVER packed the ECU, so it's ready for the
> overseas shipping drop kick test.;-) I'd just mail it
> vs. opening it and having to re-pack it, but whatever
> suits you.
>
> When you say,
> >There are different programs out there, so for
> > everyone that we find different we have to download
> > it. That base data is what we use.
>
> ....that means it goes to Techtom since you can't
> download, right?
>
> Reason I ask is because the dealer performs "patches"
> called TSBs(Technical Service Bulletins) to fix
> problems/quirks in the ECU software. I'm pretty sure
> this modifies the source code, since you end up with a
> NEW part number each time a TSB is performed. That
> means people would lose any TSBs they've had done
> previously, since you'll be flashing the SPARE ECUs'
> source code as a starting point. The SPARE has not
> had any TSBs done as far as I can tell, since it's
> NEVER been to the dealer for warranty work that shows
> on the parts guys computer.
>
> I'm going to assume these TSBs can be done by a dealer
> AFTER your upgrade so people *COULD* have a dealer
> re-perform the TSB, but it's going to be hassle I'd
> prefer to avoid. We may find people are interested in
> getting a flash with all the current TSBs performed.
> My STOCK ECU has the most popular TSB for the manual
> transmission, which is for the on/off throttle
> sensitivity. Also, people are PAYING the dealer to
> advance the base ignition timing, which I believe
> affects ONLY low-rpm, since the ECU compensates as it
> adds advance according to the timing map. According
> to my OBD scanner, by even 1500rpm with my manual
> trans I'm pushing 30-40degrees advance. I think this
> mod only benefits automatics because they just mash
> the gas off the line vs. feathering the gas for a
> clutch, which will outweigh the extra 2-5degrees the
> Consult added(FSM spec. is 15+/-5 degrees, but the
> factory sets them at 15degrees). Anyways, once we get
> the first ECUs up and running, I think we should look
> into getting a base program with ALL the TSBs and see
> what parts of the timing map, the Consult changes for
> the timing advance. If I'm wrong and the Consult
> timing advance affects the whole timing curve(like old
> SER Sentra free mod) for CLOSED-loop operation vs.
> just idle-to-1500rpm, we may find some more power for
> your customers during normal daily driving.
>
>
> Sorry for the long-winded response,
>
> Alex
Let me try it first when I get the ECU. I'm sure it's the same as the
350z
and G35. The reason I want to send your STOCK ecu to japan is that you
have
all the current updates from Nissan. The spare one (as you mention)
don't
have it. When we get the stock data back (from your STOCK w/ all the
updates) we can flash the SPARE with the updated data (your STOCK ECU)
and
it will be like having 2 IDENTICAL ECU w/ all the updates. Well, let
me
download the SPARE ecu that you are sending here and i'll let you know
how
that goes. I'm positive that we can do it.
Danny.
350z
and G35. The reason I want to send your STOCK ecu to japan is that you
have
all the current updates from Nissan. The spare one (as you mention)
don't
have it. When we get the stock data back (from your STOCK w/ all the
updates) we can flash the SPARE with the updated data (your STOCK ECU)
and
it will be like having 2 IDENTICAL ECU w/ all the updates. Well, let
me
download the SPARE ecu that you are sending here and i'll let you know
how
that goes. I'm positive that we can do it.
Danny.
Any more questions?!?
FYI....I'm not FUKING around here and pulling **** out of my azz. I "work" with ECU software all day long, so I know pretty much what goes on with source code, downloading, duplicating, etc... However, Danny and the guys at TS are FAR MORE EXPERIENCED in these particular ECUs and that's why I ask LOTS of questions.
Danny is AWESOME and TS is AWESOME, so don't think I'm bashing and all this will be worked out.
Danny is AWESOME and TS is AWESOME, so don't think I'm bashing and all this will be worked out.
thanks man! 
Guest
Posts: n/a
So, in plain English: if I have TSB/wahetever other ECU updates from the dealer, and I get the TS upgrade, what will happen? Will I have the dealer made updates erased and nothing added on? Or will I have TS's update override the dealer updates to provide my ECU with the most complete set of TSB's, etc.?
Originally Posted by LithiuMax
So, in plain English: if I have TSB/wahetever other ECU updates from the dealer, and I get the TS upgrade, what will happen?
Will I have the dealer made updates erased and nothing added on?
Or will I have TS's update override the dealer updates to provide my ECU with the most complete set of TSB's, etc.?
Guest
Posts: n/a
Your ECU will contain whatever software including TSBs the ORIGINAL ECU had, ie the one that went to Techtom of Japan.
03BlkSETE 
What he said.
Yes, IF the ECU that went to Japan, ie NOT yours, doesn't have the TSB you have, it will be gone.
What TSB does YOUR ECU have?
What he said.Yes, IF the ECU that went to Japan, ie NOT yours, doesn't have the TSB you have, it will be gone.
What TSB does YOUR ECU have?
Originally Posted by LithiuMax
I am not sure I understand. By original, you mean the ECU that came with my car? Because I have one ECU TSB done, and it is still the ORIGINAL ECU that came with my car. I thought that TS does this in SoCal - is that right? Or do they take my ECU, ship it to Japan, and then send it back to me straight from Japan? If that is the case, then my question stands: will any current TSB's that I have be effected in ANY way with the ECU update from TS?