Aftermarket pnp ECUs for vvti engines (97-00)
07-23-15, 12:24 AM
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Aftermarket pnp ECUs for vvti engines (97-00)
I did some research on the topic while looking for such an ECU for my project so I thought I could share some results, as the info turned out to be hard to find
Tom's , Blits, Mine's and maybe some other Japanese companies are well known for making "upgraded" versions of Toyota ECUs. These are only intended for JDM models, but they usually fit USDM and European models as well.
Older ECU models (non-vvti) had been successfully cracked (reprogramming method found), while that's not the case with newer computers. The only way to alter their function is to undo the processors and replace them with custom add-on boards, containing some other processor and memory for firmware storage.
It was not uncommon requirement that such an ECU must be sent for modification, few companies had them in stock. The security feature made things even more complicated, as most of the aftermarket PNP computers had it.
Recently I had an opportunity to buy Tom's ECU for 2000 Celsior in mint condition at very sweet price. It turned out to be 2nd hand unit, without key included, so I had to address the security issue. I took some pictures just in case someone gets interested in what's inside
https://photos.google.com/u/0/album/...4F5qfBM3M9UNkD
Test drive revealed that the unit offers slight but noticeable improvement in engine and transmission operation.
I did NOT test the other brands (Mine's Blitz etc etc), neither did I test USDM and European ECUs (LS400, GS400), so I can't guarantee that this particular unit gives any advantage over them. However I tried every Celsior ECU possible (89661-50450, -50520, -50521, -50522) and Tom's unit is clearly better.
Overall, if you come across such unit at under $300 (and you know how to bypass the security system), it's definitely worth buying. Otherwise, don't bother. It's not a magical thing that would instantly turn your engine into supercharged LS3 or something.
Tom's , Blits, Mine's and maybe some other Japanese companies are well known for making "upgraded" versions of Toyota ECUs. These are only intended for JDM models, but they usually fit USDM and European models as well.
Older ECU models (non-vvti) had been successfully cracked (reprogramming method found), while that's not the case with newer computers. The only way to alter their function is to undo the processors and replace them with custom add-on boards, containing some other processor and memory for firmware storage.
It was not uncommon requirement that such an ECU must be sent for modification, few companies had them in stock. The security feature made things even more complicated, as most of the aftermarket PNP computers had it.
Recently I had an opportunity to buy Tom's ECU for 2000 Celsior in mint condition at very sweet price. It turned out to be 2nd hand unit, without key included, so I had to address the security issue. I took some pictures just in case someone gets interested in what's inside
https://photos.google.com/u/0/album/...4F5qfBM3M9UNkD
Test drive revealed that the unit offers slight but noticeable improvement in engine and transmission operation.
I did NOT test the other brands (Mine's Blitz etc etc), neither did I test USDM and European ECUs (LS400, GS400), so I can't guarantee that this particular unit gives any advantage over them. However I tried every Celsior ECU possible (89661-50450, -50520, -50521, -50522) and Tom's unit is clearly better.
Overall, if you come across such unit at under $300 (and you know how to bypass the security system), it's definitely worth buying. Otherwise, don't bother. It's not a magical thing that would instantly turn your engine into supercharged LS3 or something.
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