I've been reading lots of various reviews concerning either changing the computer chip, changing the computer or adding a controler, like from Stillen VQ-Pro. I'd like to have a little more power, but I'd like to keep my warranty intact. I understand that the chip change can make a lot of difference in power. Has anyone done either of these things?

 

I had my 03 touring's ECU up-dated by my dealer. I have an early model and there have been 3 up-grades. It made a very big difference in the how the car performs without voiding any warranty. Check it out first.

Steve (k2we) Dobbs Ferry, NY 28,777 miles since Sept 17,2002

 

I just spoke with my dealership. They said that they haven't heard of any upgrades or updates for the 350Z for the ECU. How did you find out about these updates?

 

I was wondering the same thing...

 

I have a friend who family owns the Nissan dealership I pre-ordered my "Z" from. He suggested I bring my "Z" in and let him check which version of firmwear I have in my ECU. It turned out to be the original version. He showed me that there are 3 updated versions. He just installed the one for his pathfinder and was amazed how different the car felt. It took less that 5 minutes to download it into my car with the Consult II hand held computer. All I can say is the car feels totally different. The acceleration curve is much different and the car really launches now. If a dealer tells you there are no new versions, they are downright full of it.

Steve (k2we) Dobbs Ferry, NY 29,169 miles since Sept 17,2002

 

Question: How do we make the dealers do this upgrade? Is it free of charge?

 

please share.

 

Well.. You really can't make the dealer do an upgrade.. But if you ask nice, they should do it. As for cost, my friend did it for free.. I have no idea what they might charge. It also depends on the build date of your car as mine was a pre-order (7/02 build) and they have implimented the later versions as the cars were built. If you have a late model, you may already have the last version installed.

Good Luck..

Steve (k2we) Dobbs Ferry, NY 29,194 miles since Sept 17,2002

 

I'm going to head to my dealer this Friday/Saturday and ask them about this. I will try to post what I figure out. PM me if you want to know for sure as I sometimes lose track of threads.

 

hey k2we! I have the parts to upgrade my Base to have cruise control but i was told that you can't upgrade your ECU. Could you do me a favor and ask your friend if it'd be possible to upgrade my Base ecu to say a enthus and wire in the cruise control? Thanks much!!!