I am looking for a 1997 ECU...if you have one or know where I might find one, please let me know.
TKS

ABCar

 

I do! Will get some pics of it tomorrow. Btw it was flashed by Steve Weiner and made 270whp on a dynapack dyno. Car ran flawlessly with lwf/rs clutch.

 

May I ask why?

 

'97 ECU is easy and most reliable for a software flash, compared to '96 which is not reliably or easily flashed at all and not recommended. '98 can be done, but if you wanna pay several grand for the ECU and another grand or more for a teeny bump in power, you'd wanna start with a 1997 ECU.

Also, someone's previously flashed '97 ECU may not work at all for your specific needs and gasoline octane rating in your particular state.

 

That's what I suspected.

I have a '96 and it was flashed by Todd at Protomotive with a custom tune to adopt my supercharger install, for a lot less than several grand.

Not sure anyone would describe what Todd does as unreliable or not recommended. Anyway, it's a viable option for those with a 96 ECU.

 

One can do whatever they want with their ECU and by whom. I'm just reciting the collective wisdom of thousands of Rennlist posts about the different years of ECUs and real-world results about the pros and cons of each year that has long been proven by many members, most who are far more knowledgable about this subject than we will ever be, who have done this pricey mod

 

Sure- I was aware of that rumor too. But when the time comes to part with your own moola and you're talking to the supplier experts the reality becomes clearer.

 

Yeah, nothing I posted is a rumor, just a noted fact. Yes, one can flash a 96 but it requires piggy-backing the ECU in a way that has proven to be far less easy, sturdy or reliable over the long-tern than the 97 ECU that doesn't need any of that BS. That's not a rumor, it's a fact.

The expert who's getting paid to modify your car in a way it was never intended will never be as objective as the expert who's getting paid nothing to tell you not to do it because it can make it less reliable

 

I'm not trying to be difficult, but you made out that it was extremely difficult / impossible to flash a 96 ECU therefore the only option is for people to buy a 97.

I can tell you from my own experience it was extremely easy / not difficult at all to work with a recognized expert and flash my 96 ECU.

Whether it's reliable or not time will tell. But I know Todd will sort me out of anything does prove less than perfect. Can the same be said for buying a used ECU and having it flashed?

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Yeah, nowhere did I ever write it was impossible. Notice the OP didn't ask anyone for a 1996 ECU. He wants a 1997; I imagine he knows the wisdom of staying away from the far less desirable 1996 ECU.

OP, you can check LA Dismantlers. They don't enjoy a good reputation but they may have one in stock and they will quote you what they want for it over the phone.

Good luck

 

Perhaps. I think it's good to share from actual first-hand experience and hear from people who have actually done it.

Maybe the OP will go ahead and buy a 97 ecu, but at least they are aware that it is not the only option.

 

OP's inquiry wasn't about anything regarding first hand experience on a 96 or becoming aware of different ECU options. He's looking for a 1997 ECU, which leads me to believe he's already aware

 

96 ECU can be "flashed" to include an addition of a piggy back chip. It is not the optimal route as the piggy back chip is soldered and soldering loosens over time. Now I read that there may be a replacement of actual chip since but have not seen any actual.

'95 and '97s are flashed with software only.

 

Those that swap 97 into 96 car loose durametic ECU access abilities. The advantages of using the 96 piggyback daughter board become apparent when needing to log data with durametric for custom tuning, resetting codes etc. Early adopters of the 96 piggyback experienced issues due to install error from specialized ECU. Protomotive is now licensed to do such conversions. They’ve been socketing 97 ECU’s for re-flashing for years. I’d trust them 110% to do the same to a 96 ECU.

 

My thoughts exactly. I assume you did something similar?