Compthis

iTrader: (1)

I wanted to go for a long drive to give my best honest opinon on the upgrade. I took the car on the highway in sport mode/sport mode off, low speeds and high speeds and what I can tell is the steering is definitely tighter than before. The car's response is more accurate, when I turn the wheel, it feels like it does what it should do based on how much Input I give it.

Now with that said, I want to take the car to the track and see how it feels in high speed cornering. Based on my initial test of the new ECU, I want to say I'm still on the fence about the $500 I just spent, meaning was it absolutely worth it and at this point in time it appears I'm leaning to no and from what I've read in the forums, the people most benefitting from this upgrade are the people who own the lower model IS's buying the used ones from us.

scamsel

wonder how the 2013 steering is compared to the 2012, 2011. i've read its got sharper turn in, but maybe this is due to some suspension changes rather than ECU.

i rode in a 2014, and i swear i noticed it immediately even from the passenger seat, how quick the car pointed in on a right turn compared to mine.

glad you feel a good difference though!

Compthis

iTrader: (1)

So I want to update on the situation. After taking the car out last night, the car feels even more responsive, as if it was learning just like the main ecu does after doing a power mod. I don't know if others have experienced this too but the car feels even more stable and nimble as I continue to drive it. As it stands now, I feel the money was well spent.

PS, this is the 2014 steering ecu that ends in part number "42"

jat0223

iTrader: (1)

Besides upgrading the steering ECU, have any of you guys also upgraded the steering rack to obtain the full 2011+ effect?

lobuxracer

iTrader: (2)

I seriously doubt it will happen soon unless you can get one from a junkyard. They're the same for all RWD 2IS sedans. New is over $1600 from Lexus.

Rossi

iTrader: (4)

I finally pulled a trigger today on a purchase of my new steering ECU.
I ended up choosing the 2011/2012 unit xx-41 over the 2013/2014 unit xx-42.

My decision was finally based on a few factors.

1) Price xx-41 is $474 shipped (Sewell) vs. xx-42 is $696 shipped (ebay). Sewell was $706.

2) xx-41 is in stock, xx-42 is a special order (Sewell)

3) after everything I have read, the 2011-12 cars were significantly improved
over the 2008-10 cars, while 2013-14 cars received just small changes over the 2011-12 ISFs.
I couldn't justify paying 40% more.

I will have it installed as soon as it arrives. I will be posting a honest feedback about the upgrade promptly.

MK4Sup_isF

iTrader: (10)

You will love it, get it programmed at Lexus. Cost me 54 bucks.

Rossi

iTrader: (4)

Which dealer did you take it to please?

MK4Sup_isF

iTrader: (10)

Longo, I thought they couldn't program it at first because my steering felt loose. It was because one of my control arms's bolt was loose. Got that taken care of and everything feels perfect now.

RMA

Great, I may need to order one for my car now. It was going to be this or the LSD which is much more pricier obviously. Does a new alignment need to be done after the install ?

Evil Teo

iTrader: (13)

no alignment need for the ecu.

RMA

Good, thanks !

Rossi

iTrader: (4)

(xx-41) Unit has been installed now for 10 days.

I went to South Coast Lexus as Neport Lexus declined to install an outside part. Not sure which dealer is worse as Sout Coast overcharged me for the install, billing me for 1.5 hours of labor TOTAL $247 crooks
Then when I pick up the car, I get a report that my brakes are about 30% remaining .... nothing wrong with that except the advisor stated the need to replace the rotors EVERY brake job as they are not re-surfaceable and this being a "sports car" it is a must .... ARE YOU KIDDING ME ?!!!

Now about the upgrade.
It did address my biggest complain about my 2010 ISF. I absolutely hated the numbness of the steering. Especially as I spent the most of my time driving my Cayenne GTS with its hydraulic steering which is just sensational. The ISF now is mutch closer to that....FINALLY!!!

Is th Upgrade noticable? YES
Is it really significant? NO
Is it worth it ? YES (if you sell the old unit to offset the cost)

Steering feel:
Numbness is gone. What I noticed the most is the difference between the Regular mode and the Sport mode when you drive. In regular mode, the steering feel is the most improved, noticeably lighter than before, making the car so much more nimble and so much more fun to drive. In the Sports mode, the steering is just slightly more precise than before and as heavy as before (nothing wrong with that, especially when you drive hard as I usually do in the sports mode). Before, both modes felt unnecessarily heavy. BTW, with the car being more nimble now, it is much easier to kick the tail out for a drift with the tarction off now

NOTE: I did not notice any changes over the 10 day period as some other members mentioned a learning process for the steering ECU unit. Same feel from the start for me.

Meraki Autoworks

iTrader: (8)

are you on stock suspension? I'm wondering how much better it could actually get.. We should switch cars for a hour.

mattbeeezy

iTrader: (26)

just upgraded to a "42" steering ECU 2013-2014. Just wanted to add my review, like everyone has stated above the turns are shaper, steering is lighter. definitely an upgrade to do.