datpimp007

Thanks to a sick black Friday deal from Lou from Mod In Japan ended up getting the Apexi Smart Accel Controller for the Lexus NX200t. First time ever working on my car beyond changing my oil so this was a fun and rewarding DIY. However, I'm sure I messed up somewhere and there will be those who critique my install so I welcome the feedback and opportunity to improve.

Also a shameless plug before I post the DIY. Follow me on IG at dropitlikeitsha so I can increase my follower base and hit that elusive 200 mark. Yes sad I know. But maybe when I hit 200, Lou will decide to sponsor me!!!

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Apexi Smart Accel Controller and Harness (Stella optional):


1. Remove the side panel next to the air vent. I used Trim Removal Tool to avoid scratches.


2. Remove the air vent and disconnect the air vent switch.


3. Remove the panel bolts (1 on top and 2 on bottom).




4. Remove the empty slots and cut a hole large enough to feed through the cable.






5. Unplug throttle cable and plug into harness (it's plug and play so should be pretty straight forward).




6. Feed the cable behind the console and plug in the cables into the controller box (again plug and play so straight forward here too). I used velcro to keep the controller in place.


6. Make sure to properly initialize and you're good to go. I messed up somewhere and the CEL came on. Had to unplug battery for 15 minutes to get rid of CEL.


Hope this helps!

batchelor

What does this do exactly?

d8168055

Does this bypass the OEM throttle mapping? What happens with the OEM drive modes?

corradoMR2

Great DIY! Added in the DIY section of the FAQ sticky post.

The Apexi controller improves your throttle input on top of the OEM mode you're in (Eco, Normal, Sport). It does not bypass the OEM modes, but "sits on top of" them. There are 7 modes from Eco to the top Red boost mode (most responsive).

I have it on my RC F and I typically drive in Purple mode (second most responsive) which launches the car quickly with the slightest throttle input. In Red mode, I'm spinning tires/Trac kicks in.

For ~$200, I feel it's worth it.

NOTE: It will not make your car faster 0-60 mph, but the time you put your foot down to the response of the engine is significantly reduced.

I'm curious to hear back from the OP's impressions of this application in the NX, in particular the launch and overall turbo lag/responsiveness even while driving.

datpimp007

Thanks, @corradoMR2.

So best way I can describe the experience is, makes the car more "fun" to drive. Had the controller on Purple most of the day and then said forget it and just put it on Red and it opens up the car. For a ~$200 mod, it's definitely worth it.

Although, maybe it's just me but I don't think the instructions are all that clear. While driving the switch would blink whenever I stepped on the gas implying that the car is in Boost mode and then return to a constant color when in normal acceleration. But I messed with the settings a bit and now the color just stays constant, which I guess is better because the blinking light at night was annoying.

computerwi

This looks cool... but to honest... not sure how much I trust plugging the throttle cable through an aftermarket unit. Does it have built in fail-safes? Has it been rigorously tested? I'm just thinking of all the things that could possibly go wrong...

Tom59

It makes the helium bypass valve open faster.

LHLXD

Do you know where I hook up the reverse gear switch other than routing it all the way to the back of the backup lights? Or is that optional? It says it might result something dangerous if I don't wire it up.