i want to install an aftermarket ecu.

Excuse me guys, i want to install an aftermarket ecu. What do i need to know before installing it?

 

If you are speaking of an aftermarket replacement (stock) for the OE ECU, like because yours has failed, it should be PnP after you disconnect the battery.

If you are thinking some magical tunable performance ECU, unaware of it's existence. Doesn't mean it doesn't exist, but I'm unaware. And doubtful.

 

1, is there a real aftermarket one available ( meaning not a MOTEC which is an ECU you write yourself)

2, emissions laws and inspections ( majority of aftermarket stuff like this is not for street use and will not pass the emissions tests)

3, US,Asian,UK programming, there are differences in the regional codes which will prevent operation.

4, wiring, self write features. Is there any changes or configuration procedures

5, QUALITY, sorry, the cheap China copy shit is just that.....shit.

there are more, these are the biggest ones.

In this case, do LOTS of research.

good luck, never had much of it with aftermarket computers UNLESS it was the ones like MOTEC which cost more than an OEM ecu.

 

Maybe more information on just what your end game is here.

Replacing your ECM with a refurbished unit from one of the rebuilders is going to be plug and play.

If your in the middle of a engine swap shame on you for not doing research .

 

What exactly are you trying to do?

 

Why do you want to install an aftermarket ECU?

 

Makes post Monday AM. All responses so far given on Monday before 5 PM. Checks in at 6:44 PM Monday.

No reply to questions asked.

 

Is there anything wrong with the OEM unit? What do you hope to gain?

 

Well i guess the ECU is bad. Cuz it has lost power and it goes off after i start it or the engine kind of shakes too much when idling. I have replaced crankshaft position sensor cuz it had a code calling for that and it didn't solution the problem also changed MAF,injectors, and fuel pump. There is no heads problems of leaks. I don't know what to do and the only thing ai think is wrong is the ECU. And i want to replace it. Also all the electricall seems to be fine. So, i decided to do the upgrade to an aftermarket ECU. And to do this i understand now i have to find out where is the engine's ignition trigger. If it is on the distributor or crank and want to know how it works on my 2RZ engine which is on my 96 tacoma. Can someone tell me something about this?

 

Aftermarket computer is really only if you're trying to tune, or you have forced induction such as a turbo or a supercharger. Adding an aftermarket ECU really is a waste of time unless you meet this criteria.

 

Holley Terminator or Holley Dominator ECU's

 

Yes i plan to go turbo at the same time so i want to tune. And same time fix the issue. So, does someone knows where the ignition trigger is? And how does it work on this truck?

 

As I mentioned Holley Terminator or Dominator series , both of these are easy plug n play

 

I would suggest doing more diagnosis before going down this path. There are plenty of things you haven't checked that could be leading to the symptoms you've described. Swapping to a completely different computer and adding a turbo is asking for a far bigger headache.

 

This. What you are doing is the same as "hey I got light headed once" and jumping right to a heart transplant.

 

What other things can i check . As i think i have checked everything I was able

 

This will sound mean but if you can't diagnose your own truck, please do not consider forced induction.