I do not understand how an aftermarket ECU makes more power and raises the redline. Is there a consequence for doing this kind of mod? Like loss of power on the low end? Or shorter life of the engine? Is there increased gas mileage? I have heard that this mod is safe for the car and won't affect the durability of the car. Is this true?
speaking of ecu's, if there is more power to be made with a chip, then why doesn't Nissan make chips to their fullest potential? It would boost the stats right?

 

I'm no expert on this, so maybe I'm talking out my A**. The replacement ECU's allow you to fine tune your car's performance for racing. They can be programmed to give you more top end, more low end, higher shift points etc. depending on your needs. Fifteen to twenty years ago there was no such thing as a car that could run high 14's at the track, get 20+ miles/gallon AND meet the emissions laws.

Our ECU's are programmed to deliver a balance between performance, acceptable fuel mileage and complying with federal emmissions regulations.

This is about as far as I understand it.


2K GXE
Icelandic Pearl
K&N Drop In.
Courtesy FSTB on the way.

 

the JWT ECU advances the cam/spark timing to allow for more mid and high end power & better throttle response. With the advanced timing, richer fuel maps are installed so that the car does not detonate.

these reprogrammed maps are only at open loop (wide open throttle), so during daily driving the stock programs are used.

Nissan doesn't program them that way because they want to have the car still use 91 octane, not 93 octane. If Honda Accords were programmed more aggressively, they could gain another 10-15 hp but would require 93 octane.

 

So is the ECU upgrade worth it?

 

So how much money do those ECUs cost, and how much hp gain do they put out.
peace

 

It's called The PROgram Piggyback ECU from Racer's Group. If you want more info, do a search on "Program ECU". You can also check out The Racer's Group web site at:

http://www.racersgroup.com/program/theprogram.asp

Cost is $795 plus $400 for installation and mapping (dyno runs).

Gains are excellent -- 20 hp and 22 ft/lbs of torque at 5000 rpm AT THE WHEELS.

 

I can only speak/vouch for the JWTs. I am not familiar with what the other programmers are doing, if anything.

With the JWTs (up to 96 Maximas), you can expect approximately 12-15 hp at the crank, .2 to .3 seconds knocked off in the quarter mile and 2-3 mph gained.

 

Has anybody here actually tried the The PROgram Piggyback ECU from the Racer's Group?

 

4th gen guys, yes. 5th gens, not anybody here to the best of my knowledge.