So SRT used to say that a winning combination was the ECU/Intake for the mid-to-high range and the TC for the low range (and the LSD to keep the wheels on the road during launch).

Is that still true? If one were to get both should one opt for the original ECU or the Race ECU to companion the TC? Seems redundant to have the Race ECU and a TC, and I imagine that the Race ECU isn't as pronounced at high RPMs as the original ECU.

I'm still not sure I'm willing to do non-L-Tuned mods, but this thread certainly has me wishing I were!

 

Just to allieviate any confusion, there are soem different scenarios that can be followed to experience the new SRT Race Ecu.

First off, either you would be a former customer of SRT that purchased a SRT High Flow Intake System prior to March of 2002 or you are a potential customer of SRT who has not purchased the intake Systems at all.

If you have previously purchased the HIFIS, then there is a swap program that you can participate in that costs approximately $180.00 US dollars & you WILL receive a particular refund depending on the type of existing Ecu box that you have, but for those details and more insightful Race Ecu Swap Program notes, please check the SRT forum section on CL.

Now, if you are a member of the second group, who have not purchased the Intake System, then all you would need to do is purchase the entire HIFIS that is packaged with the identical Race Ecu being offered & spoken about here. SRT no longer runs specials on the entire HIFIS, so it is currently being sold at MSRP of $695 shipping included.

Whew....if anyone needs special attention, feel welcome to drop me a PM or utilize any of the e-mail addresses listed in my signature.

Holla Back

Thanks.

 

Just a program note, SRT does possess some Lexus Dealerships as SRT dealers, so that may or may not ease any uneasy feeling about the warranty issue.

The high end performance still exists with the new Race Ecu....you now have a more detailed tuning which is exhibited in the low & midrange rpm band. I can't recall directly, but you still pick up a pony or 2 in the upper rpm.

The use of TC will drastically improve your stand still launches, hence the comments of DaveGS4, so I wouldn't eliminate it as a perforamnce modification.

For GS430 owners, we have experienced "impromptu doughnuts" from launch w/ the Race Ecu & TC. The non-forced induction power & torque is tremendous.

 

DrRick - If you get the TC, let me know because I'll be interested to hear where you get it installed.

 

lexlyf, I concur with your thoughts on the high end. While I only took it up to 70 my car still wanted to go every bit as much as before.
Here is my take (layman's perspective): the old ECU seemed to rely on the better breathing with the mated intake but didn't have the fuel to match. Now, it feels like it's got the juice to run and fuel and air are on the same page.
I'm in no way affiliated with SRT but let me tell you, they got this done right.
As lexlyf said, I can only imagine if I had the TC (but the Torquemaster plugs stinkin' groove on this remapped ECU) It would be interesting to see what the effect is with the stock iridiums vs the Torquemasters on my setup.

 

I have a question on this... I purchased my SRT intake in March with the "Race" ECU right after it was introduced.. However, I have found that the car bogs at launch and doesn't feel noticeably faster. The ECU itself said "Race ECU" but i'm wondering if it is because the experience described by other rmembers of the "new Race ECU" seems to be vastly different from mines.. This is in cold (50-65 degrees) weather at sea level with no humidity too... Could mine have been mislabeled or could I have a older version of the race ECU?

 

I'm pretty sure that you have the first version of the Race Ecu. If you desire, you are eligible to participate in the Swap Program for the 2.0 Race Ecu. Check the SRT section for my comments on this.

PM me, or whatever, if there is any more clarification needed.

Thanks.