IS-F / Sport Steering ECU
01-16-17, 09:50 PM
#256
Not to mention a $200+ dollar price difference!
Aside from steering feel, does the ECU provide any physical handling improvements like those conferred by sway bars and struts/springs? I've never had a chance to drive a BMW so it's hard for me to imagine how the feel of the steering wheel movements translates into perceived performance.
Aside from steering feel, does the ECU provide any physical handling improvements like those conferred by sway bars and struts/springs? I've never had a chance to drive a BMW so it's hard for me to imagine how the feel of the steering wheel movements translates into perceived performance.
Last edited by Zmon; 01-16-17 at 09:55 PM.
01-17-17, 06:53 AM
#257
Aside from steering feel, does the ECU provide any physical handling improvements like those conferred by sway bars and struts/springs? I've never had a chance to drive a BMW so it's hard for me to imagine how the feel of the steering wheel movements translates into perceived performance.
As a result, the benefits provided by the Steering ECU upgrade will allow you to achieve a more consistent lap time or to confidently and consistently push the limits of your car as you have a much greater awareness of what your tires are doing at all times.
The numb steering feel, overly sensitive power assist, and lack of feedback of the stock ISx350 Steering ECU will leave you feeling disconnected and guessing on what the car and tires are trying to do during any type of high performance driving.
01-17-17, 10:06 PM
#258
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Would it be worthwhile to buy a used laptop with Techstream loaded to calibrate the ECU? Does it matter what version is loaded? Does it have to be registered in order to be used? What else can Techstream be used for?
01-18-17, 05:36 AM
#260
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Last edited by Bichon; 01-18-17 at 05:40 AM.
01-18-17, 10:13 AM
#261
01-19-17, 11:24 PM
#262
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Techstream software isn't sold outright, rather it is offered on a subscription basis -- more specifically an entitlement that comes with a professional diagnostic level subscription to TIS. See https://techinfo.toyota.com. It works with the Mongoose cables or the cheaper generic mini-VCI cables sold on eBay, Amazon and elsewhere. Be aware that there are two versions of the cable; you'll need the 64 bit version if you want to use it on a laptop with a modern 64 bit OS like Windows 10.
01-20-17, 05:24 AM
#263
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I've seen some beat up old laptops (presumably previously used at mechanic shops) being sold with Windows XP and probably old versions of Techstream loaded. Is there some type of login or subscription verification before it can be used or is it a standalone product as long as a previously registered version is being used?
Last edited by Bichon; 01-20-17 at 05:34 AM.
01-21-17, 10:22 PM
#264
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My 2013 ECU got delivered a couple days ago. Will hopefully pick it up and get it installed and calibrated this coming week. I'm trying to make mental notes of the feel of the steering before I make the change so I can make a comparison.
01-24-17, 07:39 PM
#265
I bought one new from the dealer & had one of the parts guys do the calibration for me. I think it was worth the money, makes the car feel more like a 'normal' non-power steering rack car.
I will say that driving the couple miles to the dealer with no actual P.S. was not fun, lucky that I lived in an area where I could take easy back roads to avoid any traffic.
I will say that driving the couple miles to the dealer with no actual P.S. was not fun, lucky that I lived in an area where I could take easy back roads to avoid any traffic.
01-24-17, 10:56 PM
#266
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I bought one new from the dealer & had one of the parts guys do the calibration for me. I think it was worth the money, makes the car feel more like a 'normal' non-power steering rack car.
I will say that driving the couple miles to the dealer with no actual P.S. was not fun, lucky that I lived in an area where I could take easy back roads to avoid any traffic.
I will say that driving the couple miles to the dealer with no actual P.S. was not fun, lucky that I lived in an area where I could take easy back roads to avoid any traffic.
I don't live that close to the dealership I normally go to, and if they don't want to do the installation/calibration then I would have to drive much farther to the dealership where other forum members have been able to get the job done so I'm not sure I can do without power steering for that amount of time.
01-25-17, 06:32 AM
#267
For reference, my dealership charged me an hour of labor for calibrating the steering ECU.
I also think it might be hit-or-miss regarding whether or not you'll have zero power assist after installing the new IS-F steering ECU. When I made my 10-15 mile journey to the Lexus dealership to get the new steering ECU calibrated, the steering felt like it was already pre-calibrated to the new setup. After the IS-F steering ECU was officially calibrated, I felt no additional changes in steering feel compared to the initial drive to the dealership that morning.
I also think it might be hit-or-miss regarding whether or not you'll have zero power assist after installing the new IS-F steering ECU. When I made my 10-15 mile journey to the Lexus dealership to get the new steering ECU calibrated, the steering felt like it was already pre-calibrated to the new setup. After the IS-F steering ECU was officially calibrated, I felt no additional changes in steering feel compared to the initial drive to the dealership that morning.
01-25-17, 02:49 PM
#268
If you don't mind me asking, about how much did they charge you for the calibration? And how long did it take you to install the ECU yourself?
I don't live that close to the dealership I normally go to, and if they don't want to do the installation/calibration then I would have to drive much farther to the dealership where other forum members have been able to get the job done so I'm not sure I can do without power steering for that amount of time.
I don't live that close to the dealership I normally go to, and if they don't want to do the installation/calibration then I would have to drive much farther to the dealership where other forum members have been able to get the job done so I'm not sure I can do without power steering for that amount of time.
After driving it for the past week, it's definitely an improvement over the stock steering ECU. If you want a heavier feel, this is def the way to go. Flipping the pwr switch tightens it up some more.
Last edited by Zmon; 01-12-18 at 04:14 PM.
