ECU Upgrade

*Read Update - This upgrade may be unnecessary!

Theory: The Elan computer (ECU) is an exclusive GM part and has a plug-in module, which contains the memory/program chips. To increase the performance of this vehicle is simple: increase the boost!

     Unfortunately the factory computer has a boost limit of 0.65 Bar (8.5 PSI) and this needs to be programmed out. With the upgrade, the maximum boost pressure rises from 0.65 Bar (8.5 PSI) to 0.99 Bar (13 PSI). According to Superchips, "The peak power rises from 165 HP to 215 HP and the torque is increased, while on boost, by around 25-30%. The 0-60 time drops from 6.7 seconds down to 5.9 seconds and the top speed will rise to over 140 MPH."

     The change in performance only comes on-boost and so the off-boost character of the car remains as stock. The upgrade consists of giving the ECU maps for the fuel mixture and timing curve up to the new max boost level.

Type: I have a Superchips ECU upgrade installed since May 1998. I've heard of others with a BBR chip (an English company) but know nothing about that particular chip.

Cost: $395 from Superchips.

     Superchips is in Longwood, Florida (and England too). Their U.S. phone number is 888-CAR-CHIP, and check their website out at "www.superchips.com"

     They have 'dealers' thruout the U.S. and England who can assist you with installation and shipping or you can do it yourself. The dealers may be able to offer you a slight discount as well. The Superchip comes with a 30-day money back guarantee and a lifetime warranty.

Installation: The ECU must be removed and shipped to Superchips. They usually do the conversion within one day of receiving the chip and then send it overnight back to you. Expect a minimum of 3 days of downtime for your Elan. Then simply install the ECU and fire the car up. You will ALSO need to install either a simple "manual boost controller" or a more intricate "electronic boost controller" to physically raise the boost!!-MORE ON THOSE IN A SEPARATE REVIEW.

     Where is the ECU you ask?? For the standard U.S. LHD car, it is in the left footwell. Wrench your head in there by the pedals and look up on the left sidewall about the level of the top of the clutch pedal. It is a silver metal box held in place with 2 screws. (Have your local masseuse's phone number handy as you will develop arm and neck cramps/aches getting it out!) Remove the screws and unclip the wire harness. Your car is now disabled until you reinstall the ECU!

     If you open the metal box you can find the ECU code. Don't worry about voiding your warranty-it's already expired!! The U.S. ECU code is 4 letters-mine is "AXMZ." You will need to tell Superchips this number.

Use: The computer does all the work-just floor it, man!! The program is exactly the same under normal boost and driving. Between 0.65-0.99 Bar the computer is now allowed to access the factory fuel/timing maps for increased boost. The car still retains a safety fuel-cut defense as the ECU will cut the injectors if it senses boost above 0.99 Bar.

   [A technical aside: Our car is different than most turbo cars in that the factory already plotted maps for the computer up to 0.99 Bar. The factory ECU has a code line restricting max boost to 0.65 Bar (except under a special high-acceleration circumstances, but this is privileged information). This line is simply removed from the program by Superchips. Yes, it's stupid we have to pay so much for this simple conversion; yes, I already let Superchips know we know their secret and suggested a cheaper price for the Elan ECU conversion; just pretend you don't know all this and get the chip already!]

Review: The only reason to upgrade the ECU is to increase the boost! The higher boost is impressive and whips your head back even harder when you punch it. I've had NO problems with the engine since increasing the boost to about 0.9 Bar, and I would not have done the upgrade if I thought it would hurt the engine. I believe Superchips' claims of HP and performance increases to be pretty near correct. If you do raise the boost on your Elan, I believe you should get other modifications as well. The reasons for this are described in the other reviews.

   For completeness, I should say that there IS another way to increase the boost on the Elan WITHOUT the ECU upgrade. This involves installing a specially tailored adjustable boost-dependant rising rate fuel regulator (you can tell it's more complex than a simple ECU upgrade, huh). It raises the fuel pressure based on the amount of boost to always keep you at a safe air-fuel ratio. Note: this can also be used to raise the boost above the 0.99 Bar max for you "ultimate speed freaks." More info on this can be found at the 'Top End Performance' website.

     All and all, the Superchip is "the ultimate" upgrade, and I have NO regrets about the expense involved in getting it. My car's performance brings a huge grin to my face each and every day-you will never know how wide my grin is until you get your own ECU upgrade!

ADDENDUM (2/2000):

With knowledge know learned from our experiences, we have found that an ECU upgrade is NOT necessary to increase the boost on your Elan!!

The factory ECU has inherent in it the fuel/spark/timing maps needed to run the boost up from 0.65 Bar to 0.95 Bar without modification.

All that is needed to increase the boost is a boost controller.  Please see the boost controller write-up for further discussion.

In fact, we have no knowledge that doing the ECU upgrade ("Superchip" or "BBR") even changes ANYTHING with the ECU.  I encourage input from any ECU Upgrader out there to prove otherwise--but I doubt we will hear from them.

Write me if you have any questions--I just don't want you to waste your money on the chip upgrades since they are NOT necessary.

Happy Elan-ing, Doug