ECU Swap
 

I have been looking at getting my 2018 tuned with the EcuTek RaceROM package. The tuner told me that the 2018 ECU actually has less memory than older model year Z's and that the 2018 ECU cannot have the full EcuTek RaceRom package installed. He has contacted EcuTek to see about having them reduce the file size of the tune and even removing parts of the RaceROM package that aren't relevant to me. EcuTek is understandably not exactly chomping at the bit to modify their tuning file for just one guy. The tuner suggested I do an ECU swap from an older car and have the computer rekeyed at the dealer if I want to get the tune ASAP.

I just wanted to make sure that I will not have any problems with the function of my car if I put the older ECU in. I have a manual Sport Tech so I am particularly concerned about the S-mode and the navigation package.

Has anyone done this before?

Navigation is retained in you A/V equipment, not your ECU. That said, I went from a 2009 ECU to a 2010 ECU due to issues with my original and had zero issues. I imagine as long as you get a 2017 manual ECU you will be fine and covered your bases on nothing going bad. You can also call a dealership or two and inquire. I've done that a few times, literally called about six or seven dealerships across the US just to get multiple options (or at least someone to answer the question). Believe it or not you will eventually find a tech or service writer somewhere that will try to help you just to be nice.

I've got a 2017 and I have the same issues as the op.

I'm curious now, as I have a 2017 Nismo and was planning on getting tuned in the next few months. Anyone else with a 2017 having this ECU issue when using Ecutek?

When I had mine done Ecutek had to do custom programming in order to be compatible with my ecu as they had never done a 2017. I believe starting in2017 Nissan changed the ecu and it doesn't come with the same memory capabilities. It sucks because I can't get all the custom features since 3 of the 4 maps available are for my fuel.

I tuned this 2018 supercharged NISMO using full ecutek with racerom package. PM me if you have any questions about the process or if you want my help in getting it done.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4caH9BeisnQ