Swapping a base ECU with a NISMO ECU
 

In the spring when my Z sees the light of day again, I plan to do a few modifications. I’ve already purchased a very slightly used NISMO stock exhaust system, which I plan to install with a B&M short throw shifter and an intake system (most likely a Stillen). I would also like to upgrade the ECU program to the NISMO flash, but I’ve heard Nissan won’t do this, and after-market companies haven’t come out with this flash, and most likely won’t.

Here is my question:

If I could find an owner who has replaced his stock NISMO ECU with an after-market ECU, and was able to purchase his stock NISMO ECU, could I install it in my Z without any issues?

great question! +1.. im curious about this myself.. seems like it would work, the only difference maybe is a slightly different map that squeezes another 18hp and 6ft of torque...

Actually, according to Nissan, the NISMO ECU is only responsible for 9 horsepower. The other additional 9 comes from the upgraded NISMO exhaust system, which I already have.

Search for "UpRev" or even "Cobb AP".
Those would be better ways to go...

im holding out until they crack the vvel AND have the option to return the map to stock so the dealership is none the wiser~

I like that idea. My concern is not voiding the factory warranty. Therefore, an aftermarket ECU or flash isn't something I'm really interested in.

When you say "they", who are you referring to?

I still want to know if the NISMO ECU swap is an option.

uprev, cobb, or anyone is THEY lol Apparently the vvel is a tough nut to crack

Do you have the actual Nismo exhaust or the S-Tune?
Just curious

Both companies, Uprev or Cobb have the ability to return to a stock tune. Uprev can do it where you get multiple maps (performance, stock, valet) and Cobb you just re-upload what tune you want.
So far there is no way Nissan would know, they are not as strict as BMW or Porsche.

You will be waiting a long time. VVEL is right around the corner but making it where the dealer doesn't no the wiser is another story. You are really screwed if you want to hide it from the Nissan tech specialist that come out to verify big warranty claims.

I have the actual NISMO OEM exhaust from a NISMO Z. I saw no point in the S-Tune. The design of it seemed pointless. The OEM NISMO is a true dual exhaust (one muffler, but it has two separate chambers), unlike the S-Tune.

Yeah, I'm concerned about messing with the ECU at all because I don't want to screw up the car or have any issues with the warranty. I figured installing a stock NISMO ECU would avoid both of these issues.

You can't swap back and forth if its anything like the 350Z. I had one of the prototype technosquare flashes in my G35 and also one in my Z. The ECU has a security code that is keyed to the car and the key, kind of an anti theft thing, and that has to be reset by a programmer on the new ECU before it can go in.

Why can't anything ever be simple?

lol simple would be nice.. not sure if its worth risking the warranty, especially if its not a significant amount of power gained...

And how much would a Nismo ECU cost and is it worth it for the 9 hp?

Probably not worth it, the ECU is also setup to run optimal with Nismo equipment. It is cheaper just to get a tune from uprev or Cobb.

I'm sure your right about it being a lot cheaper to go the after-market route.

Correct me if I’m wrong, but I don’t see how an ECU can be set up to run with mostly suspension modifications?

According to my local shop, Cobb just reduced the price of it's handheld tuner significantly. He can sell me one for $450, so aftermarket, at this point, would definitely be cheaper..

Not suspension, but VVEL, exhaust, etc. (all the engine changes).

Yeah, Chances are the Nismo "Tune" is just a minor modification of fuel and timing tables. 9-15hp is the typical gain you see on a N/A motor with changes like that..

So what can we do with the Cobb at this point?

More here... CobbTuning.com - AccessPORT

Not sure what canned maps are up yet for the 370, but my local shop just installed one in a G35 and were pretty impressed with the results. There were plenty of tune selections to match the cars mods.. I'm sure the 3.7 will see the same development. Looking further here are the options now:

http://www.accessecu.com/accessport/.../Z_Series.html
Dunno if they have not updated the site yet on the 370 maps as some here have reported some available.. 350 is well developed as you can see.

I was under the impression that a base Z and a NISMO Z have identical engines, therefore identical VVEL. How does this differ in the two?

The engines are the same across the line, but VVEL can change power output and other things. Nissan so far is the only one who has the control of VVEL, but Cobb is working on cracking it.

There's a lot going on in that little box. Get the CBE and an intake an you'll be smokin'

Thanks, if they can get us anywhere from 5-8% power increase just on a map done by mods I would be happy with that. I would rather do like we did with the Audis and just go in tell them what mods I have and have them download the new map in and out I go. Do you know how much they were charging the 350Z guys for the maps?

They need to bribe someone on the inside to get the code.

Uprev tune is about 550-600 I believe, I believe that comes with the unit also.
Cobb is 450(?) for the unit plus dyno time at whatever shop you choose to use, most are about 30-50 per hour.

Well if I can't just swap out the ECU with the NISMO ECU, I'll most likely just wait until my warranty expires before I consider an after-market unit. Besides, I still need to save up for the intake and the short throw before I even consider any ECU upgrades.

Once you buy the access port device the maps are free (unless you choose to go with a custom Dyno based tune). Just download the one that matches your mods and dump it into the ECU..

i just got the bully dog gt tuner for my car. and it fest smoother at the top. my only concern is warranty as well. so i plan on un-installing it from the ecu. returning to the stock file 3GY3B.
im going to cal nissan and ask what it would take to get the nismo software and have it under warranty. not even mentioning i had a previous map lol. ill just say my battery died and thats why the ecu looks re flashed