I just purchased 2 units of the L-Tuned ECU at a decent price. I was searching through some old threads and some CL members were concerned on how to tell they are L-Tuned units and not just OEM units? Is there a serial # on the actual L-Tuned units you can refer to and check whether they are legit? Lastly, how do i install these units on my car? Im a DIY kinda guy...so any help would be much appreciated!

 

Well, that's the problem, you can't even tell the difference visually. When I got mine, even serial numbers on L-tuned and stock one were the same. To be honest, when I installed the one that "supposed to be" L-tuned, I couldn't tell the difference in driving either. So I ended up removing it after a week and selling to another CL member here.

As for the install, I've already mentioned in my previous post about it, instead of following the instructions which suggest to remove the ECU with the metal braket I just snapped out original ECU from the braket and snapped the l-tuned one in to the same braket. This way the whole install takes about 10 minutes.

Good luck.

 

all numbers look the same on the unit, there is no way you can know, you can only trust the sauce where it is from.

you gotta do a search on how to do the install, it's posted before. took me less than 15 mins to do mine, pretty simple

 

Im still at a loss as to what the L-tuned Steering ECU does for you. How does it change the steering control and handling of the car. Does it make the driver feel more in touch with the pavement (BMW)

Thanks
b

 

it tighten up the steering wheel (less play) at higher speed. i noticed the difference n my case

 

The steering ECU controls the variable steering boost, so about the only thing it can do is reduce the amount of assist, creating more "heaviness" to the wheel. It can't take out slop or increase road feel except through reduced boost.

My car has it, and it's still waaaay overboosted. There is a sweet spot around 50-55 MPH when it actually feels nice and meaty, but anywhere outside of that it's back to mush. And I almost never travel at that speed.

-pavel.

 

Some more searching on CL you should find some posts, I wrote a post some time back too.

From memory...On my GS400 I had to move the driver seat all the way back to make room to work. Remove the bottom panel on the drivers side in order to access underneigth the dash; this is the panel from the pedals to just below the steering column. You'll need a flashlight to locate the ECU. There's one connector to remove and a 14mm socket is needed to remove the ECU. Simple as that.

The L-Tuned ECU isn't the end all upgrade to get tight sport steering. Many factors are involved that it can't correct. Such as the wheels, tires, suspension, etc. You're steering is only as good as it's weakest link.

 

where can i get a L-tuned ecu and know i will get a ecu that is different from my stock ecu?

 

www.l-tunedparts.com

they have it, i'd trust them!