markN1689

Popped the hood and it looks like the ECU is right in my face. How easy is it to remove? I would prefer to physically swap the ECU rather than have it flashed. Is anyone doing this? Would save on cost getting unflashed/reflashed at your tuner. Seems to make sense.

mroberte

Isn't it behind a panel that has non-reversible screws? This would technically be a better alternative, but I would think it would be pretty expensive to buy a new ECU at first?

arU4ic

I would **think** with that plan that (if you could actually find one to buy) it would be really expensive.

markN1689

It was like this in the b5 s4. Before we had this fancy flash technology. You would order the ECU and it would come chipped (probably soldered in my hand) and then shipped to you.

Yea if those screws are tamper proof this might not be a viable option...

Back in the day a chip +ECU was somewhere between $700-$1100

What about a dongle that binds to your car and lets you switch? Does that exist?

Fairfax 4.0T

On my 2002 Audi A6, the ECU was coded to the theft prevention computer (imobilizer). It took a lot of effort to reprogram the other computers if a new ECU for the engine was installed. Think about it, if this wasn't the case, somebody could simply steal your car by plugging in a new ECU.

So, I don't think it's an option to swap ECUs anymore. But I really don't have any idea how the ECUs work on the current A3/S3.

arU4ic

Fairfax reminds me that I think the ECU is coded to the vehicle... again, I think.

twistedspirit

Unitronic has a cable in the work that will allow you to switch back and forth. Waiting for mine

Climberdave

Shark Performance has a tune and a handheld self tuning system for A3/S3. It lets you switch from original configuration to tune and back.

Shark Performance - Volkswagen Audi Seat and Skoda Tuning

NoFlyZone

First I've heard of them. Are they floating under the radar? Is their remapping truly undetectable? Too good to be true.

mroberte

Not for the 8v as the HP figures are completely different... Application fits previous 8p generation.