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IS-F / Sport Steering ECU

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Old Nov 26, 2011 | 09:59 AM
  #1  
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Default IS-F / Sport Steering ECU

Has anyone swapped an 09+ Sport Package power steering ECU into their non-sport car before? I have the steering damper, sport suspension and F-Sport sway bars already. I've ordered the ECU and am going to try it next week sometime, but I was just curious if anyone had done it before.

I have no idea what to expect (there aren't many sport package or F-Sport cars in Canada), so I'm just going out on a limb here, haha.

Jeff

Last edited by Jeff Lange; Nov 26, 2011 at 12:18 PM.
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Old Nov 26, 2011 | 10:54 AM
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interesting. Let us know what you think after the install. Also, how much did this cost?
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Old Nov 26, 2011 | 11:23 AM
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Im looking forward to your DIY! especially If this isn't too hard of an install
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Old Nov 26, 2011 | 11:37 AM
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The main issue with the install is that you need a Techstream to do the initial calibration after installing the ECU, so it's not something you can do without access to a Techstream or Techstream Lite.

Just saying, the install itself will be relatively easy (it's just under the battery), however I'm not sure how DIY friendly it is, since you'll likely need a dealer to do the initial calibration after the install.

Jeff

Last edited by Jeff Lange; Nov 26, 2011 at 11:41 AM.
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Old Nov 26, 2011 | 11:37 AM
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Currently I have the ISF steering damper. Curious to what the ECU will do.

Looking forward to your writeup!
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Old Nov 26, 2011 | 11:49 AM
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I'm interested in this as well! I know when i went with the IS350 I was sacrificing road feedback/handling in comparison to a 335i, but if the sport ECU can help, that would be awesome!

I'm not a non-sport, with sway bars.
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Old Nov 26, 2011 | 02:19 PM
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In for results...though I already have a sports pkg.
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Old Nov 26, 2011 | 02:44 PM
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06-08 IS models used the same ECU whether it had sport package or not, only 09+ have a different ECU with sport package.

The X-Package of course also uses the same ECU as the sport package cars, as it has the sport suspension setup.

I've also contemplated getting the IS F ECU, but I figure it's safer to go with the ISx50 one.



Jeff

Last edited by Jeff Lange; Nov 26, 2011 at 02:53 PM.
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Old Nov 26, 2011 | 03:50 PM
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^Ah, good info. So what's the cost on that specific ecu?
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Old Nov 26, 2011 | 04:44 PM
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well my dreams are crushed haha
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Old Nov 26, 2011 | 06:23 PM
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Without changing any hardwares, how much different a steering ECU can make? I'm curious. In terms of road-feel and steering ratio, these two attributes are contributed heavily by hardware setting.
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Old Nov 26, 2011 | 06:41 PM
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Of course the rack ratio is mechanical and cannot change, but the assist in the IS is entirely electrical and controlled by the computer. It handles how much assist there is and when it gets applied based on vehicle speed, and torque. The steering computer has complete control over how the power steering assist functions. Honestly I don't know how much different the sport package ECU is, but I hope just enough that I like it even more.

Jeff
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Old Nov 27, 2011 | 08:01 PM
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Great explanation. Please let us know the result. Thanks Jeff.
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Old Nov 27, 2011 | 10:53 PM
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Subscribed. If this makes noticeable difference then I'm definitely adding this to my list of mods.
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Old Nov 28, 2011 | 10:17 AM
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I'm in as well. I don't know how much difference it will make though.. A coworker swapped a 2010 IS250 for a IS250 F-sport and says the steering feels the same to him.... but he is a bit odd so...

I know the ISF feels different (heavier/firmer) but it could be the added weight of the V8..

I've got a good idea how to make it adjustable... but haven't had the time to build the test module to try it out...

Very interested to hear the results and the COST info....
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