Hey guys, i'm from SO. CA.. I recently bought a new 2002 GS 300. I been reading alot about the steering ECU, but i'm still confused and dunno what does it do to da car for perfomance. Will you guys please explain the concept idea. Also if i decided to get that upgrade, where can i buy one and where can i get it install and how much, without voiding my factory warranty.


thanks in advance..

 

The L-Tuned Steering ECU replaces the stock one and there's different opinions on what it does, some saying it can only affect steering 'effort', but to many it makes the steering feel tighter, with less 'play'. I haven't heard of anyone who put it in and felt it was a waste of money.

Install is trivial, even for a klutz like me... see great article at:
http://www.super-lexus.com/howto/ltuneecu.html

Buy one through Steve Ganz (SUPRATRD on here), gonzo4u@earthlink.net, and 1-800-908-6968 ext 2381.

 

"I haven't heard of anyone who put it in and
felt it was a waste of money."

I have a '99 gs4 installed L-tuned springs and shocks and TRD f&r sways, a few days later installed ecu, for $120 I thought the "improvement" was too marginal to justify the cost.

Perhaps if I hadn't upgraded suspension first, I would have noticed a marked improvement. ymmv

 

I think the improvement in Steering depend on the how stock is the car. I have the steering ECU done as second upgrade. First was the muffler..

 

Interesting. Well, I'm sure you'd have no trouble getting most of that back if you sell the ECU.

 

NT

 

Does the ECU work better for stock vehicles or cars with aftermarket suspensions? Curious if I should get it or not, I have 19's and am getting coilovers.

 

I think it works better if you have suspension upgrades. Or put another way, if you have suspension upgrades, you need the ECU upgrade even more. Sloppy steering with capable handling is not a great combo.

 

Lexus GS3
My experience: I had the steering ecu installed right before a trip and before I upgraded the suspension – in other words, just the ecu. There was a definite improvement in the steering feel - in my opinion. It’s cheap and (apparently, according to bit) is easy to install. I paid $120 for mine and I think it’s definitely worth the bucks.
BTW, so is the L-Tuned suspension – for me, just the right combination of ride and handling. The combination of ecu and suspension feels "right" for me - I like both.
Another commercial: I'm also pleased with the SRT intake and L-Tuned exhaust.
Generally pretty pleased with the performance of the GS in all aspects - damn fine car.

 

garnet - I agree with you on all points!!!!

 

Does it actually reduce the amount of turns of your steering wheel? ie started with 3.5 full turns. After 2.8 turns.

 

We installed this steering ecu on a fellow members car this past weekend and the ecu seem to take out the slack when turning the wheel. Overall we were happy with the results.

 

like a more responsive feel? Anyone selling one?

 

Enginyr - I think PAUL1234 is selling his for $80...

 

Thanks Manaray....We can we see your latest list of Affordable non-knockoff rims. I anxiously await!!