The Valet map is included with the performance tune.

I understand that, but one of the members in this thread said the tune did nothing for performance. Only improved fuel economy. That’s good, but I’m not sure if it’s worth it.

How much does this tune cost and how do you control the maps? Meaning, if I valet my Z, how do I turn on the valet mode? I’m new to ECU programming.

Gains depend on a lot of things, a tune is designed to make the engine run at optimal efficiency. Usually with bolt ons your car will start running lean or rich and you need to balance it back out.
Tune prices vary, and you control it through the cruise control button(s). Hold one button down, then select up/down and you see something flash X numbers of time which will tell you what tune you are running.

Got cha. Thanks for the info.

I don't plan on doing a lot of mods to my Z. I purchased a very slightly used NISMO stock exhaust for a great price, and I also plan to upgrade the intake system. Most likely with a Stillen. I would really like to get the NISMO ECU program as well, but I've heard that isn't possible. Something about the HEX key being different. Not that I have a clue what that means.

ECUs are tagged, so for an example: AX18430104384 (I just made up some random numbers/letters)
A Nismo might be BX12480750931, so the stock AX is easy to crack and pass between coupes but the BX might be specially written for the Nismo ECU and cannot be put on an AX ECU setup.

Thanks. I see what your saying.

After I install the exhaust and intake, should I reset my stock ECU? Would that allow it to adjust to the modifications?

It makes it faster, exhaust usually does not need the reset but the intake definitely does (but I will do it for both myself).

Like the NISMO exhaust I purchased: If I found a NISMO owner who replaced his stock ECU, could I purchase his stock ECU and install it in my Z, or would that not be a good idea?

That is out of my knowledge base, you can change ECUs (a few JDM companies have created full replacement ECUs), but I am not sure about everything on it.

Ok, thanks for your help. I really appreciate it.

They have better pump gas in Japan. Better gas can let you get more aggressive with timing.

97 octane in japan is the same as 93 octane here. They use a different system.

Good catch Vipor. A lot of folks don't know what is going on in other countries like that. Our octane rating system used at the pumps are actually an average of 2 different ratings. Below for your reading pleasure.

Octane rating - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

It's still better than the 91 we get in CA...