1G Swapping an ECU

[TooFastTooG]

Im about to buy a 90 gsx that the only thing wrong with it is it needs a new ECU. Is this a straight forward swap just basicly unplud old one and put the new one in? Or is it a detailed process. Thanks for the help. My searches could only bring up info on ecu's, not how to change them.

 

[andymoraitis]

Sure, this is basically a plug and play deal. I pulled mine out in my 98 a couple of times (once to add an EPROM ECU from a 95 and then once more to change my chip). From what I understand, the 1G's are even easier to change than the 2G's.

 

[sjgYFZ200]

Yep, very strightforward and simple. Make sure that you have the correct ECU, since yours is a 90, which is different from the others. Manual to Manual and so on. There are three plugs, but dont worry they only fit in their designated hole. To make it easier remove both of your "kick" carpets and unbolt it from each side.

 

[oldman]

^^^^ like he said make sure you get one for the 90.

http://www.vfaq.com/mods/ECUs.html

 

[TooFastTooG]

Hey thanks alot guys, ive been looking around on sites like ebay and it looks like the average price for an ECU is about 200.00. I do have another question though, what is this core charge that i see on the listing, do i basicly have to send them my old ecu back to them?

 

[oldman]

For $200 dollars you are pretty close to picking up a good condition EPROM. Yes core charge means you have to send them your old one. PM "steve", he just fixed two of my 90 ECU's maybe he can fix your old one, this way it's fully tested. Here's link to his website, very helpful guy. http://simon.chi.il.us/ECU/ECURepair.html

 

[TooFastTooG]

Hey guys one last question, is there a different kind of ecu for fwd and awd, or does it not matter as long as i have a 90 turbo eprom ecu?

 

[oldman]

Hey guys one last question, is there a different kind of ecu for fwd and awd, or does it not matter as long as i have a 90 turbo eprom ecu?

Turbo fwd and awd are the same but MT and AT are different.

 

[steve]

Because '90 was the first year the ECU code is different for all versions of the turbo car. I haven't yet tracked down the FED FWD E705A code to see how different if is from the E742 version. I know that the FWD ECU will run the car but I wonder what the changes are.

Since there aren't any turbo automatics in '90 you just have to worry about FED vs CA and AWD vs FWD.

I keep what I think is a better list than the VFAQ one at:
http://simon.chi.il.us/ECU/ECUID.html

Steve

 

[4stAir]

So I would have to look for a awd mt for my 90 gsx if i want a eprom ecu in it.

what would i have to change if i find one that is a cali compared to a fed.

 

[sjgYFZ200]

Finding an Eprom isnt going to be easy. Im not sure about Fed vs. Cali, but I think its just better to find the one that you need beforehand. AWD vs. FWD does not matter, only transmission type, year, and Emission matters