What does standalone ECU mean?

A standalone ECU on the other hand has been designed from scratch specifically to provide complete control over the engine tuning. Standalone ECUs are available from a wide range of manufacturers and are developed with the ability to control almost any engine you can think of.

Are aftermarket ECU illegal in California?

How does California’s new rule work? Before July, aftermarket devices that affected emissions were already illegal. These devices overrode factory programming that regulated exhaust output. The new rule allows the California Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) to effectively enforce the older law.

Is ECU tuning illegal in California?

So what is California’s official policy on ECU Tunes? A. The bad: Any non-CARB-approved tune is considered to be a modification to a vehicle’s emission software and is, therefore, an illegal modification that will cause an emissions inspection failure. The good: CARB-approved tunes are still legal.

What is the point of an aftermarket ECU?

Allowing the user to create and program a custom fuel and ignition map for a specific engine, they offer a fast engine management solution for any combustion engine. Essentially, and aftermarket ECU allows you to unleash the potential of your engine, making the most of what already exists.

Do you need an aftermarket ECU to tune?

If you are just wanting to implement some slight modifications like exhaust and air intake, then you will most likely be able to tune and program your existing stock ECM to meet your needs. On the other hand, if you are trying to convert your vehicle into a race car, then you will most likely want an aftermarket unit.

Can I pass smog with a different ECU?

The state government says drivers can simply restore the ECU to the OEM standard, pass the smog test and then do whatever they’d like after that. As long as your car won’t puke its guts out running a stock map, drivers should be all right.

Will a tuned ECU pass smog?

Tuned ECUs Will Automatically Fail California’s Smog Test.

How do I choose the right ECU?

Your engine requirements will dictate the features you’ll need from your ECU. The number of Inputs and Outputs required will quickly narrow down your selection. From there look at engine specific functionality requirements like Drive-By-Wire throttle, Flex Fuel, Knock Control, Long Term Learning or Data Logging.

Can you tune a stock ECU?

Modified Stock ECU Using a real time programmer in place of the eeprom chip on the ECU board, a custom tune can be performed. A modified stock ECU allows for direct control over all functions of the factory ECU, so excellent performance, fuel economy, and overall running can be achieved.

Is it possible to tune a stock ECU?

A modified stock ECU is typically one that is eeprom “chip” based. Using a real time programmer in place of the eeprom chip on the ECU board, a custom tune can be performed.