Upgraded Steering ECU: Does it really make a difference?
Vložit
- čas přidán 29. 12. 2021
- My IG: youtube_for...
Early model 2nd gen GS300's and all GS400's allegedly have an "inferior" steering ECU installed from the factory, at least in comparison to the GS430 which, some argue, is the same ECU as the expensive L-Tuned version from back in the day. That said, the purpose of this video is to determine if the GS430 steering ECU makes a noticeable difference when installed into early model GS300's and 400's.
INFO
1998 - 2001 (?) GS300 and 98-00 GS400 Steering ECU Part Number: 89650-30570
"Upgraded" GS430 Steering ECU P/N: 89650-30610
L-Tuned Steering ECU P/N: 00644-89650-001
Can a 14 year-old drive a manual-swapped GS400? His channel: / @floorit4253 - Auta a dopravní prostředky
Well it’s confirmed. The early 300/400 steering ECU has a 4K ohm resistor and the 430 steering ECU has a 1.1K ohm resistor. This is a legit upgrade! Higher resistance = less steering feel!
Is the only difference the capacitor? Can you just swap a resistor?
Yes, or do the POT mod and make it infinite.
Best CZcams channel on the platform for Lexus GS 2nd gen info
Awesome Gs Upgrade brother ! I think personally I’d like the stiffer / heavier wheel feedback as-well. Awesome Video as always Cheers
You can never have heavy enough steering. My PS pump is going out and i love how much heavier it is.
Thanks for the review. Great simple upgrade!
thank you thank you thank you !!! love this mod i just installed it on my gs300 and it feels more responsive, sporty feel and connected to the road! such a nice upgrade!! please keep more content like this one !
Personally, I can't stand heavy power steering, like the stock system in my GS400. My largest and only complaint about this car is how damn heavy the steering is.
I've driven sporty cars with very light steering that had great feedback, and also returned to center much better. I would pay for a chip that increased the high pressure side (made the steering lighter), especially if I could set it with knob, lol!
My steering also suffers from the additional friction between the steering shaft, and two greased nylon wire ties that support the shaft from a bracket (a mod that removes backlash from the worn steering shaft assembly, which removes vibration/noise from rough road (feedback)).
Anyway, great video Christian! Moreover, your custom stickshift transmission is epic! I can't believe how clean it looks, good it shifts, and how much fun it must be, compared to the automatic!
Not all heroes were capes. You're amazing. Thank you for this.
Appreciate your kind words! 🙏🏻
I’ve had my eye on a 99 Lexus GS 400. Finally got it today. It’s in my driveway just turned 86,000 miles love your channel.
Score!
I love how you made it a stick!!!!
Your car sounds great.
This thing looks like it drives like my Ltuned now. Clear difference. The car was much more shaky and thee degree of your turn and where the car goes reminds me of my car. Before you did thee swap I was def noticing all that play in the wheel.
Just did this mod on my ‘00 GS300, and I felt a difference! I was able to upgrade to the SportDesign ECU. Not totally night and day, but the change is definitely there.
The on-center feel is much more direct, less play/wandering. Steering isn’t significantly heavier, but it does feel tighter, more precise, and has more resistance at the limit.
The car feels much better during spirited drives as a result. Way more direct, and precise while still feeling luxurious. Thanks for the video!
Anyone know if the sport design is different than the GS430? Is the sport design ECU better than the GS430 or the modification? Thanks
@TheAnonymous1one check out the info in the vid description on this vid: czcams.com/video/WPHLYWgzU0I/video.htmlsi=HSSA73Md9yIMzWH9
Thanks you broo 👏
Hi there, I have been watching a lot of your videos and boy what a beauty your gs400 is! I have a 98 gs300 with only 100k miles on it. It is not modded at all and was wondering what I should start off with? I mainly want to make it faster.
Thank you! If you haven’t done the Lower Ball Joints, do them immediately. Assuming all other maintenance is up to snuff, I recommend you save up for a turbo kit and manual swap it. If that’s out of your budget then just leave it as-is or consider a 430. Don’t get me wrong, I like the 300; but it starts out down 75HP and 75ishTQ and to make up that deficit it requires some serious cash. I actually like the 430 over the 400 because there are more mods available. I hope that helps.
Toyota's parts system says the new computer was used in this gen GS made from January 2002 onwards.
I've been curious about this modification, so thank you for the video! Out of curiosity, have you done any other modifications to your steering system (original rack, power steering pump, etc.)? Your steering seems to return to center much better than both my current GS and others I've driven, though that could be alignment related.
YW! Everything is stock on the steering except for poly bushings on the rack. I agree, what you described could be alignment related. Thanks for watching!
@@ForwardMomentum Thanks!
I wonder if the Aristo also had different steering ECU´s as well, or if they had the sportiest version (At least for the twin turbo V300´s)
I have a 2001 Aristo V300, but I haven´t checked what ECU it has. I remember my MKIV Supra definitely had lighter steering compared to my Aristo.
Excellent question!
Nothing is worst then knowing you want to hit a corner and boom... Sunday Driving...
In my 2001 GS300 I dunno if I want it heavier on the feeling I like it light considering it's already a boat
Yeah, that guy was going the speed limit so I can’t fault him. The steering is still light enough. The change was a good one. I recommend it. 👍
Copy I'm thinking about the Coilovers but I don't wanna lower it I wanna eat the space with '19's in rims instead of the 16's. That's on here maybe then it might be a good upgrade with the steering
Great video again, will this make a difference in gs300 year 2004? Or in later models this issue is resolved? Thanks
I think this newer part started getting installed post-2001, but I’m not positive. It’s very easy to remove and check the part number. LMK
Thanks you👍👍👍❤️❤️❤️
After I saw your video I tried to find a newer model steering ecu I felt the exact same way about the feel/play but I couldn't find one for the right price I ended up going to the junkyard but had the same part number I did some research and found out that I could replace the resistor on the circuit board and solder a potentiometer now I can switch it on the fly you should check out the page I found explaining it.
I know about that mod. It’s a decent option. I hope it works great for you! 👊
I’m curious how much of that is actually placebo vs actually doing stuff that tightens up steering feel mechanically (tie rods, control arms, strut tower brace, rack bushings etc)
I’m curious if the difference would be felt if all the front suspension was brand new vs worn.
I’m curious too. I tried to be objective but it was tough. For $25-$30 it really isn’t a big gamble.
hey man was wondering if you knew how to fix the steering wheel telescopic tilt feature. mine is stuck in one position
There are two motors in there. My guess is one of yours is dead. That should be the issue.
You think I can put the ls430 steering ecu into the gs400? same engine as gs430 so possibly?
It’s hard to say for certain. I think if all the pins match up and terminals 2 and 6 have a resistance value
Have you upgraded your steering rack bushings to polyurethane?
Yes
My tilt doesn't work on lexus gs 300
So is the 01+gs430 same as sport design ecu or L TUNED?
That’s what people are saying. I believe they might be.
Hey quick question i have a 06 gs430 hard downshifting from 2nd to 1st. Club lexus forums recommend a ECU needing to be flashed and reprogrammed. Have you heard of this issue. No check engine light no code. I did once have a position B code only had it once tho...
I have not heard of the issue. I recommend contacting Brandon at Quantum Auto for info on reflash. He may know more about what you describe here.
@@ForwardMomentum is that his youtube page
Just Google that. It will come up.
@@ForwardMomentum thanks bro i love your set up on the car...im in search of a 2nd gen myself...i love em bro...
Happy New Year
Where I can find this steering ecu any links? I can’t find them
I had a difficult time as well. eBay and wrecking yards are probably the best bet.
Any idea if it works on an LS?
I’m sorry, I don’t know.
Are you still at factory ride height or are lowered any?
1.9” F and 1.2” R. I have an episode on it.
@@ForwardMomentum I thought you did just wasn’t positive 👍
Yeah, it’s very subtle. I wanted to keep the alignment in spec and succeeded. 😎
@@ForwardMomentum yeah I’m constantly fighting alignment issues being 2” lower front and rear with springs. I’ll be going to coil overs after the winter and a few more upgraded suspension parts
So i just found an LTuned gs at my local junk yard can i pull the steering ecu would it work i have a 01 gs430 and that one is 02 ltuned i believe
Yes it would work. The resistance values are about the same between the two cars, so you may not feel any improvement.
@ForwardMomentum Do you think i should pull the Ltuned shocks and struts for my turbo build?
If the pricing is reasonable, I would pull all of that L-tuned stuff for collector purposes. From a functional standpoint I’m guessing parts like suspension struts are shot after nearly 22 years of use and sitting for who knows how long. There are guys that collect this stuff so consider pulling it all and selling it IMO.
@ForwardMomentum I pulled some stuff but there are plenty of stuff left i will be going back
The MK3 supra has that play in the steering wheel I wonder if its a Toyota thing lol my GS does the same thing lol
Great question. See if you can get your PN and do some cross checking.
👍✌️
My GS400 is throwing a c1228 code for the ABS system. Any ideas? Any help is much appreciated!
It could be a lot of things, including a bad ground. Will require advanced diagnostics. I suggest getting the FSM or taking it to a reputable shop specializing in LEXUS braking systems.
@@ForwardMomentum Thank you for the response. I have a pretty extensive electrical background including troubleshooting...where can I find information and electrical schematics for these cars?
See if Toyota Information Services has the FSM you need. Good luck!
@@ForwardMomentum Thank you sir
@ForwardMomentum I got the OEM wiring diagram manual off Ebay and verified the ABS wiring and it turned out to be faulty ABS SOL Relay. High resistance between contacts 2 and 3, which are normally closed in the non energized state. Simple fix and only $60. Thanks for your response.
Where did you buy it ?
eBay (mentioned in vid)
I cant seen to find that part number on ebay. Was it easy for you to find one ?
It was at the time. Maybe my vid made them all sell out? I bet some junk yards may have them. Shoot.
You can see difference
I tried this mod and didn't notice a difference. Maybe it's just me
It’s very subtle under normal conditions; probably just placebo when driving normally. I felt it most during spirited driving and at extreme limits (not filmed). For $30 it was worth the gamble for me.
I got a 430 bout to buy a 400 and make a gs400+30 lmao
Man how lucky learn how to drive manual in a swapped GS.... I learned basics on a dirt bike then on to my GPA version of miatakart made from an original 1st gen jeep with a diesel swap hahab
Just running no power steering bit rough in a lot but it's great at speed
My triceps are too small for that.
@@ForwardMomentum (first off absolutely love the build and dedication to the community you're a blessing sir) it's absolutely something you grow into over time
most of video on driving, or even press button or close the hood, no real procedure on how to do it.
What’s there to show? You remove a 10mm bolt and unplug it. Opposite for install. Is that difficult?
i"ll. Trade you 2000 GS 400 for yours or willing to sale mine 3500
Thanks but I’ll pass.
Man I hate people that don't stay in their lanes
LOL. Me too. That road is especially bad.
@@ForwardMomentum great video 👍🏾