IS-F / Sport Steering ECU
Lead Lap
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 552
Likes: 9
From: il
I'vejust got a ending 42 steering ecu to upgrade for my 08 ISF. I would like to calibrate the new ECU myself . Can you let me know what does the DCTs stand for as you mentioned above ?
Thank you in advance!
Rookie
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 63
Likes: 0
From: California
ISF steering ECU upgrade on IS250/350
I was wondering what IS250/350 owners think of this upgrade because it seems that mostly only ISF owners have done it. From what I have read it gives a firmer feel to the steering wheel above a certain speed, making the steering feel more precise/less vague, and giving the driver more road feedback.
Also, I live in Los Angeles, any recommendations on dealerships that will calibrate it using Techstream? Heard some people have run in places that won't do it. Also read that people have gone to Longo with success. Is there anyone I should ask for over there specifically? Thanks.
Also, I live in Los Angeles, any recommendations on dealerships that will calibrate it using Techstream? Heard some people have run in places that won't do it. Also read that people have gone to Longo with success. Is there anyone I should ask for over there specifically? Thanks.
Lexus tweaked the ECU throughout the years (08-10 part number 89650-53040, 11-12 pn 89650-53041, and 13-14 89650-53042). Not sure what entirely changed through the years, but the most sought after ones are obviously the newest ones (11+) which would benefit older IS-F's. As for us 250/350 owners, many of the people here did it and thought it was one of the best things they've done for their handling. If you buy a used ECU, you most likely won't have to calibrate it (of course your mileage may vary). I just bought a 12 ECU a couple weeks ago, was just plug and play no calibration necessary. New ones will need to be calibrated, which any Toyota or Lexus dealer can do. You can do it yourself if you can obtain Techstream as well. I can't really comment on the 12 ECU yet, I only had a day of testing it before I had to garage it to replace a sensor.
Consider going through this thread for more info.
Also, maybe consider tossing on the IS-F steering damper (info). (damper part number 45713-53020, and you need two screws part number 90159-50199)
Consider going through this thread for more info.
Also, maybe consider tossing on the IS-F steering damper (info). (damper part number 45713-53020, and you need two screws part number 90159-50199)
Last edited by Zmon; Jan 14, 2017 at 06:42 PM.
Rookie
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 63
Likes: 0
From: California
Lexus tweaked the ECU throughout the years (08-10 part number 89650-53040, 11-12 pn 89650-53041, and 13-14 89650-53042). Not sure what entirely changed through the years, but the most sought after ones are obviously the newest ones (11+) which would benefit older IS-F's. As for us 250/350 owners, many of the people here did it and thought it was one of the best things they've done for their handling. If you buy a used ECU, you most likely won't have to calibrate it (of course your mileage may vary). I just bought a 12 ECU a couple weeks ago, was just plug and play no calibration necessary. New ones will need to be calibrated, which any Toyota or Lexus dealer can do. You can do it yourself if you can obtain Techstream as well. I can't really comment on the 12 ECU yet, I only had a day of testing it before I had to garage it to replace a sensor.
Consider going through this thread for more info.
Also, maybe consider tossing on the IS-F steering damper (info). (damper part number 45713-53020, and you need two screws part number 90159-50199)
Consider going through this thread for more info.
Also, maybe consider tossing on the IS-F steering damper (info). (damper part number 45713-53020, and you need two screws part number 90159-50199)
Thanks for the great information. I did read about the three different ECU models available and already have the steering damper. I've read that people have used a new ECU for a little while before going to a dealer for calibration. Hope this is the case because I may try to install it myself in order to avoid additional costs for this upgrade.
In that one day of testing did you notice any significant difference? I really hope to hear more about your experience with the 2012 ECU on your 350 once it's back up and running. By any chance dis you already upgrade the LCA bushings?
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Thanks for the great information. I did read about the three different ECU models available and already have the steering damper. I've read that people have used a new ECU for a little while before going to a dealer for calibration. Hope this is the case because I may try to install it myself in order to avoid additional costs for this upgrade.
In that one day of testing did you notice any significant difference? I really hope to hear more about your experience with the 2012 ECU on your 350 once it's back up and running. By any chance dis you already upgrade the LCA bushings?
In that one day of testing did you notice any significant difference? I really hope to hear more about your experience with the 2012 ECU on your 350 once it's back up and running. By any chance dis you already upgrade the LCA bushings?
Errrrr.... Definitely need more testing to really say anything. I drove it around a few blocks in Chicago at 30mph, so I can't really say too much. Did feel a lot firmer though. As for my suspension, it's stock except for a rear sway, been putting off the other things.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 868
Likes: 6
From: BC
I had the 2012 ISF ECU in my 2006 IS350 and it was an excellent mod! The ECU paired with the steering damper and F Sport rear sway bar completely changes how the car feels and drives. Absolutely worth the money...
Last edited by getafewliv; Jan 23, 2017 at 08:22 AM.
Rookie
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 63
Likes: 0
From: California
pre-calibrated!Has anyone been able to figure out what, if any, changes were made between the 2011-2012 and 2013-2014 ECUs?
Thread Starter
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 5,213
Likes: 750
From: California
Jeff
Rookie
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 63
Likes: 0
From: California
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.
