This may be a fairly basic question, but when is a good time to upgrade the ECU in your car? I've just started performing mods to my car and I know I need to do it sometime, but at what point does the stock ECU inhibit the full potential of aftermarket add-ons? (ie cams, headders, exhaust, ignition controller...) I tried to search for posts on this, but I couldn't find any that helped.
Right now all I've done is a Stillen Intake. I've got a custom exhaust being built and I plan on headers and cams next. After
that pulleys, clutch, short throw etc. Pretty much everything that can be done but still keeping it N/A. Maybe turbo add on later.
I don't think there is a specific time to upgrade your ECU. My only suggestion is that w/ the mods. you are planning to do I would definitely plan on the upgrade some time soon. Lightly modded cars don't necessarily need the upgraded ECU (not to say the extra hp, rpm cutoff, and max. speed aren't nice). Something to keep in mind is that when you mod. your car it throws the RPM power bands off. For example, a stock sr20de engine has a redline at 7100 rpms which is fine and dandy for a stock engine but when you start throwing I/H/E, pullies, etc. it completely changes the power spectrum. This is why raising the redline can make a pretty large difference. We as Nissan owners are pretty lucky when it comes to ECU upgrades, a lot of cars cost thousands of dollars to reprogram the ECU.
One thing to keep in mind, the JWT ECU is pretty expensive but you can also swap in a 94'-96' G20 ECU and get the higher redline and eliminate the fuel cutoff. Usually you can get a G20 ECU for ~$100, a hell of a lot cheaper but you won't get the extra hp that the JWT gives you.
^^^^whoops, just noticed you own a G20.....my bad^^^^
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