ECU Re-Program / CHIP for 2003 Subaru Impreza 2.5RS (bugeyed)

bambams247 · 08-19-2003, 01:43 AM

HEY GUYS! I have a 2003 Subaru Impreza 2.5RS. It is the bug-eyed version. I want to get something for the ECU. There really isn't a chip I've seen or anything out there. I went to one place and they said they can send my ECU out to JET for a chip and programming. Is this a good idea. I heard there is alot of horsepower to be gained from this. What do they change excatly, has anyone done this.

They also said I dont get a backup of my original ECU. Is ther e a plce where I can get that done?

They said it takes 3 days, is there a place that does it on the spot? Im in the Chicagoland IL area.

Thank you!

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Brad B. · 08-19-2003, 07:54 AM

ECU reflashes do more for the WRX then the RS because they can play with the settings of the turbo. Cobb Tuning is a tuner that does only Subaru and they have packages for everything from the WRX to the Outback LL Bean Edition. Check them out and send them an email: http://cobbtuning.com/impreza/

Charge · 08-20-2003, 12:27 PM

Just to clarify it for you, you can't get a "back-up" of an ECU reflash.

The way it works is the ECU has an E-Prom. Basically, that's a chip with the settings "burned in". They re-program it, burning in a new configuration(or tune...that hopefully produces more power). It's not an actual "chip" that gets plugged in to alter the way the ECU works...those seem to be a thing of the past and have not been available for Subarus(at least in recent history).

You also have a limited number of times you can burn(or re-flash) an ECU(although that numer is relatively high...maybe around 100 times?). It's not really designed for constantly changing the values. Some of the tuners sell a module which allows you to make alterations to some of the basic tuning values on the vehicle, if you purchase the module and also have your ECU reflashed.

Now, on the turbo charged vehicles, this is definitely an attractive option. On N/A vehicles, such as your 2.5RS, this will probably only really shine if you have a large amount of mods.

You live in Chicago. I suggest you go to one of the Thursday night meets that they have every week. Look in the Midwest forum for information. There will be a large group of people there who can tell you everything you ever wanted to know about what your options are. You need to do a lot more research before you make a purchase like this. You need to have a good idea about where you expect to go with your car, or you will end up wasting a lot of money.

Neil

bambams247 · 08-20-2003, 02:13 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Charge
Just to clarify it for you, you can't get a "back-up" of an ECU reflash.

The way it works is the ECU has an E-Prom. Basically, that's a chip with the settings "burned in". They re-program it, burning in a new configuration(or tune...that hopefully produces more power). It's not an actual "chip" that gets plugged in to alter the way the ECU works...those seem to be a thing of the past and have not been available for Subarus(at least in recent history).

You also have a limited number of times you can burn(or re-flash) an ECU(although that numer is relatively high...maybe around 100 times?). It's not really designed for constantly changing the values. Some of the tuners sell a module which allows you to make alterations to some of the basic tuning values on the vehicle, if you purchase the module and also have your ECU reflashed.

Now, on the turbo charged vehicles, this is definitely an attractive option. On N/A vehicles, such as your 2.5RS, this will probably only really shine if you have a large amount of mods.

You live in Chicago. I suggest you go to one of the Thursday night meets that they have every week. Look in the Midwest forum for information. There will be a large group of people there who can tell you everything you ever wanted to know about what your options are. You need to do a lot more research before you make a purchase like this. You need to have a good idea about where you expect to go with your car, or you will end up wasting a lot of money.

Neil

Im gonna be there tommorow! :-)

08-19-2003, 01:43 AM	#1
bambams247 * Banned * Member#: 39366 Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: North Chicago Suburbs, IL Vehicle: 2003 Impreza 2.5RS Midnight Black Pearl	ECU Re-Program / CHIP for 2003 Subaru Impreza 2.5RS (bugeyed) HEY GUYS! I have a 2003 Subaru Impreza 2.5RS. It is the bug-eyed version. I want to get something for the ECU. There really isn't a chip I've seen or anything out there. I went to one place and they said they can send my ECU out to JET for a chip and programming. Is this a good idea. I heard there is alot of horsepower to be gained from this. What do they change excatly, has anyone done this. They also said I dont get a backup of my original ECU. Is ther e a plce where I can get that done? They said it takes 3 days, is there a place that does it on the spot? Im in the Chicagoland IL area. Thank you! * Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

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08-19-2003, 07:54 AM	#2
Brad B. Scooby Specialist Member#: 10292 Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Dearborn, MI Vehicle: 2002 WRX Sedan Silver	ECU reflashes do more for the WRX then the RS because they can play with the settings of the turbo. Cobb Tuning is a tuner that does only Subaru and they have packages for everything from the WRX to the Outback LL Bean Edition. Check them out and send them an email: http://cobbtuning.com/impreza/

08-20-2003, 12:27 PM	#3
Charge NASIOC Supporter Member#: 3313 Join Date: Dec 2000 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: Cincinnati	Just to clarify it for you, you can't get a "back-up" of an ECU reflash. The way it works is the ECU has an E-Prom. Basically, that's a chip with the settings "burned in". They re-program it, burning in a new configuration(or tune...that hopefully produces more power). It's not an actual "chip" that gets plugged in to alter the way the ECU works...those seem to be a thing of the past and have not been available for Subarus(at least in recent history). You also have a limited number of times you can burn(or re-flash) an ECU(although that numer is relatively high...maybe around 100 times?). It's not really designed for constantly changing the values. Some of the tuners sell a module which allows you to make alterations to some of the basic tuning values on the vehicle, if you purchase the module and also have your ECU reflashed. Now, on the turbo charged vehicles, this is definitely an attractive option. On N/A vehicles, such as your 2.5RS, this will probably only really shine if you have a large amount of mods. You live in Chicago. I suggest you go to one of the Thursday night meets that they have every week. Look in the Midwest forum for information. There will be a large group of people there who can tell you everything you ever wanted to know about what your options are. You need to do a lot more research before you make a purchase like this. You need to have a good idea about where you expect to go with your car, or you will end up wasting a lot of money. Neil