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Some of you asked me to provide an update on my ECU replacement. Here goes. I have a 2002 SE 9-3 Convertible with 205 HOT and (due to spousal requirements an automatic transmission). When I first installed the ECU, I didn’t realize that the stock plugs were platinum (NGK 6PFR something). I had failed to heed Nick’s recommendation to change to the BCPR7ES-11 plugs. After running the car hard I got the dreaded check engine light. Thanks to the guys on this board, I was able to clear the light and drove the car from Knoxville, TN to Clemson, Steering Committee with no noted problems. No more check engine light problems. I changed plugs the next day. The difference in plug performance is noticeable, but not real dramatic. Performance on the high end is a little better. Nick says about 20%. After a few days I decided to clean my K&N drop-in filter. Even though K&N says to do this at 50K miles, I did it at 23K miles. This made a larger difference than the plugs did. In short, the car is drastically better in all driving conditions from a performance standpoint. 0-60 is much better. Turbo lag is less noticeable too. Here’s the good news from an economy standpoint. I got 26.5 mpg averaging 77 mph on I-85 this past weekend. This is about what I got before the upgrade. When I am having fun with the car mileage drops to about 19 mpg. These are great numbers considering the power and torque now available. The driving experience is more enjoyable in all circumstances.
One word of caution. I made extensive suspension and brake upgrades before I put this chip in. These include the Eibach Pro System, KIC Steering Brace, SAS rear sway bar, Bridgestone Potenza Pole 3 17” tires (balance on Hunter GSP9700), as many Poly bushings as I can find (I’ve done all associated with steering and am waiting on front sway bar and rear axle poly bushings from Brad), Zimmerman Rotors, EBC Pads. I drive mountain roads on every good weekend. I think the ECU upgrade is too much power for me and my limited driving skill if I were still dealing with the OEM suspension.
posted by 148.134....
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