Celica Forums General Discussion Engine and Performance Does anybody actually KNOW about an ECU UPGRADE?

Does anybody know about an ecu upgrade? Everyone acts like they know what they're talking about, but i don't know who to believe. I hear some people say they work. Then you got others that say they don't work. Both sides claim that they know from personal experience. Is there like an expert on this topic? If you really think you know... Answer the question. Cuz i do not have a clue...like most of the people who are writing about this topic. :thumbsup:

as of now..no chips work for the DBW Celicas ('03 - '05) I believe. The best chip out there is the Apexi PF-C. It's a fully customizable ECU replacement. A Piggyback chip will not work on the celicas ECU, as after awhile the stock ecu knows somethings up, and makes any changes go away. Even though JET makes chips that work for other cars, it does NOT work for the celica.

I believe GReddy has us covered in 03-05's.

So they work for '00-'02 then? Or not??? If so, what is the best upgrade? Has anyone had it on a dyno, or have proof they work?

if you want a chip that is PROVEN to work, get the Apexi PF-C. It's expensive, but worth it if you want a chip.

Hang in there, GReddy is gonna EM me some facts and hopefully product #s. I'm lookin too!!!!!!!! I'm pretty sure they already have for yurs! :thumbsup:

This is a convo I had with someone from monkeywrenchracing

me: Do you know if the Apexi-PFC will ever be
compatible with the DriveByWire celicas?

him: Unlikely but there may be other solutions in the near future.

as of NOW:

what works:

All years standard or auto:
Piggyback:
GReddy e-manage
Split Second PSC1, FTC1

For '00-'02 standard tranny:
Standalone:
Apexi PowerFC

there may be a special auto version of PowerFC from BrashBoy in Japan.

-----------------------------------
what may be available in the future:
HydraEMS
AEM EMS (pnp)

Thanx very much QTRMLR_1, great news.

I briefly asked MWR about the possibility of using a PFC in an auto celica. Their reply:

Sure. We need a car to use for testing. Would you like to volunteer?

Celicas are hard to come by in the Detroit area- especially autos. We've
never had one available for development.

Can't believe nobody's taken U up on that!

Not me, MWR.

I just asked them if brashboy can make a PFC work on an auto, why couldn't they.

They replied that they could with a test car.

I'd love to take them up on it, but I'm too far away.

there is also the HKS fcon but it's very rare. and tuning shops will charge you up the wazoo to tune it. Unlike the power fc you can't simply hook it to a lap top and tune it yourself.

YES, the power fc works great (2000 - 2002 models only)
nobody knows how it will do on an auto cause to my knowledge it hasnt been done on any of the forums.

the Power FC is not a "chip" it's a full standalone unit which means it completely replaces the stock ecu.

you can order the datalogit throught MWR and tune it yourself or you can pay an autorized shop to tune it for you. the gains will highly depend on who is tuning it.

if you search there have been some great threads made talking about the benefits of the power fc. I'm not about to re-type everything I've said 100 x before

I will add that the powerfc supposedly works on every year of the gt since they dont have dbw (or correct me). Also someone on here said that Monkey Wrench Racing was willing to get the powerfc to work on a auto for anyone who would give them their car for a little while.

^^ yes, with the GT it works on all years.

ok, so I'm seeing a lot of 'No '04 and up' here... I have the '04 TTR Model, so what are my options here?

Funny how I started out by looking for an ECU Diagnostic cable and program (If it exists, please do let me know) to looking for a replacement ECU with positive pressure support.

Any pointers will be greatly appreciated

So i ordered a performance chip for a Toyota Celica 2003 gt manual and i have read that they don't work its just a big scam, I'm wondering if that's true?

Also my Celica is straight piped and has a intake. I don't know if it matters