Can I Easily Switch ECU's for Chipping Car?
 

I am interested in chipping my car but do not want to have warranty issues. I am thinking of buying a used ECU for $750 from LA Porsche Dismantelers and having that ECU chipped. That way when I bring my car in for service I'll simply make the swap.

Are ECU's interchangeable?

Is there a learning curve for the ECU?

Are they specific per model year? (I would assume so)

Is this a good/bad idea?

Any comments?

Thanks,
Adam

Adam no need to do that... Just have your local GIAC dealer (if you want) install the 2X program so you can switch between "stock" and "performance" mode. Or just send the ECU to us, EVO or IA and we can bench it...

Adam.Your dealer will not be able to detect that the car has been flashed.I think evo is the same as ours,and are 100% dealer friendly.

Neil

I talked to my dealer about this as they are a EVO installer. Dealer said that chipping the car totally voids the warranty and thet even the GIAC is detectable. Is he feeding me b.s.?

Adam

If you have the Handheld Switcher and put it into stock mode when you go to the dealer they won't know;)

As far as "voiding" your warranty there's a grey area. Most dealers close to us don't care about it. They also have to prove that whatever problem occurs that they do not want to warranty was caused by the "chip". So if your fuel pump dies or your cup holders break... well you get the idea;)

Yes, this is all starting to make sense.

Thanks,
Adam

Even in chipped mode they should not be able to tell.The dealer in the ATL cound`nt find anything useing the PST

Ehhhh just noticed your sig for the 1/4mile. 11.3 eh:)? How come this stupid-Brit with a girlie Tiptronic is the only idiot in the 10s then:)?

Neil:

Just curious, wouldn't they be able to tell simply by taking the car for a test ride? Don't the turbo's kick in sonner etc.? That is what I am worried about. My dealer here in Chicago seems pretty strict on aftermaerket parts, etc.

Can your program be unloaded by a handheld device? That is whay I was thinking of buying an extra ECU.

Thanks,
Adam

Hey sharky you have 750hp hilarious hilarious

Adam-

I also want to add that yes, you can have 2 computers.

GIAC and their dealer network can copy the immobilizer info stored on your original computer and clone the second computer. Once this is done you can swap between the 2 computers as often as you like.

However, the 2 position flash with stock and modifed is really the way to go.

Hope this helps your decision.

Mike

Not anymore man... Todd's car at the shoot out, well I got everything it has except for one thing (I got some extra sauce from Anders)....

Man everyone it taking bets on my tranny tho:(

The handheld device means that in 15 seconds you go from being at 1 bar down to being in stock mode. Otherwise if the dealer were to take it for a spin and "see" the boost gauge, they'd be like "ummm... ".

Be advised that even if they cannot detect a new program, if there is a major warranty item they will check the ECU itself to see if it has been removed from the vehicle. If it has been out it may affect whether they cover the claim. They know most of the ECU upgrades to date have been ECU out modified. With the new flash technology this elininates this problem hopefully.

That's exactly right. The ECU itself stayes CLOSED so we do not have to open/solder and so on anymore. It's left alone;)