Do I need a new ECU?
 

I know the ole rule of thumb.........3 upgrades and you need a new ECU............but I don't know if that's a wive's tale or what...........

With these mods what do you think..........just had the engine rebuilt which added the street port (RB template) and APEXI intake............

Total mods engine wise......... street port (mild I suppose), APEXI intakes, downpipe, RB dual tip catback, and 9.5 flywheel.

Also, if I DO need an ECU, how do I go about getting one for these mods specifically..........I don't know any "tuners" in the area, so is there a way of ordering one off the shelf?

Also, with my stock ECU, once I break in this engine, what symptoms should I look for that would tell me I NEED one................my mechanic said detonation sounds like someone takes a coffee can half full of nails and gives it a hard shake............he said if you hear that don't put your foot in it again, assuming you don't pop your engine on the first go round.............

Thanks in advance...........

David

By the time you "hear" detonation, it's too late.

Yes, you will need a new ECU to handle the increased airflow from porting (even though you haven't listed whether you have the stock cat, hi-flow, or a MP). A PFC or other standalone would be best, but I've been told that the Pettit ECUs can be made to run w/mild porting. YMMV, however.

you're running a stock ecu on a ported motor?! TERRIBLE TERRIBLE IDEA. Seriously. Don't drive the car until you get an ECU.

And again, to emphasize, if you hear detonation, it's definatly too late. These motors will take ZERO amounts of detonation.

My car ran fine @ 10lbs on the stock ecu with those mods + a *few* more... The only problem I had was a bit of high rpm break-up, which went away when i added the twin power

Of course, when I swapped in a remapped ecu, I felt a good amt of difference. Your car will be fine, but it won't be at 100%

just my 2 yen :)

you ran a ported motor on a stock ecu?