Quickly Clarified - Reflash vs Piggyback vs Standalone ECU

In this video, we’ll be going over what are the differences between the three main methods of tuning your car: reflashing or remapping your ECU, installing a piggyback ECU, and a standalone ECU; as well as their respective pros and cons.

[@zachreyzhu9060]

Geez, this is some serious stuff u r doing!

[@matthewmoore661]

Now I feel like an expert.

[@kilozjin3761]

What are the pros and cons of remapping? Thanks keep it up

[@oldcuteboy]

Good night! Good luck! I wish you a dream! I like it very much. Thanks for sharing!

[@dsarcasticmofucka2130]

Great explanation man ! Keep it up , i just learned something new here , thanks

[@JCMediaYT]

Thanks brother! Glad you learned something new 👍

[@dsarcasticmofucka2130]

@@JCMediaYT getting ready for standalone options , but somehow i was confused with few sensors such as wideband CAN module , airtemp sensors from Link , and the cable , the seller actually told me it was recommended from Link for smooth tuning process , you got any idea for this bro ?

[@JCMediaYT]

I'm actually considering Link myself for my STi, and I would probably get a few of those additional sensors too, could allow for additional features like Speed Density tuning. Personally I don't think the wideband CAN module is necessary, but airtemp sensors may be useful for SD tuning like I said. Honestly it's down to your needs and budget tbh, going without the additional stuff might not be as smooth but it should be sufficient, especially if you aren't going all out on your build (ie. high hp/competition use)

[@whcwcjecjecuecuw6654]

@@JCMediaYT brother quick question. What do I use for 3zz-fe reflash, just the basic that you mentioned in the video(are they universal) or something else. I cant find anything on internet

[@JCMediaYT]

@@whcwcjecjecuecuw6654 what car is it on? or is it an engine swap

[@BADHABITSem]

Great video 👍

[@JCMediaYT]

many thanks!

[@samuelcontreras9248]

well made vid

[@usiak13]

I am preparing/researching my options before I start my project K24 swap RX-8. Mechanical part wont be easy, but I think I know the way, but electrical/ECU part is tricky. I would like to keep original functionality(drive by wire, TC, gauge cluster...). I am half decided to use ECUmasters EMU black standalone, cause it worked on Rx-8 k swap by other guy...

[@JCMediaYT]

I'm not able to speak on this since I don't really have much experience in that area, but I do know a friend who had an SR20DET rx8 running on haltech. Gauge cluster was swapped to a digital dash and I dont think it has TC anymore. Anyways, I wish you luck with your project!

[@charliemoomoo7200]

If switching over to a stand alone ecu, do you lose all the features like a/c, radio, electric mirrors or is it just a matter of figuring out what runs thru the ecu to find out what will be lost?

[@JCMediaYT]

From what I know, it really depends on the ECU and your car. I've heard of some standalone setups where they keep the original ECU, just to run the AC, radio, and etc. There are also "plug and play" standalone ECUs that have CANBus communication (which is what allows the factory features to work). Personally I'm looking to get a Link G4X for my car since it keeps all of the features. Best advice is to ask your tuner/maybe ask around on forums to see what options are available for you.

[@hanifamni]

Does the stock ecu has stock mapping on it if i decided not to use piggyback ecu anymore?

[@joedasilva38]

Hi, I’m planing 2 projects on my Audis. One will be a 2.7T while the other will be a 3.0T The 3.0T is in my daily A6 while the 2.7T is already pulled and in my garage. I have 2 cars I’m putting these engines in. They are both 2004 Audi A4 Convertibles. Same exterior color. I want to buy one Stand-alone ECU and use it for both, depending which one I’m driving that day. The goal is to reach 600+ WHP on both. What do you suggest?

[@JCMediaYT]

Hey, unfortunately I can't give you a definite answer since I don't really know whether that setup would work, ideally I'd ask your tuner if you've found one since he most likely knows best! Best of luck though, those sound like really fun setups!

[@pastormichaelhibbertminist7486]

Can a reflash run a tunrbo upgrade on an integra or would you recommend a piggyback unit....i can't get Hondata since my car an obd2 automatic

[@JCMediaYT]

I'm not 100% sure since your car is an auto, but it should be possible to run a piggyback if you want to run a turbo

[@alberto-cg7ox]

Hi, I see that there are a lot of ecu for cars.. but in case I want to put a standalone ecu in a ducati with rbw? What could be some good brand for bike? Thanks for video

[@JCMediaYT]

Hey, what Ducati bike is it btw? I tried looking around and the brand "Microtec" came up a few times. I think you can also install Motec but it's a LOT more expensive and harder to install and set up.

[@alberto-cg7ox]

@@JCMediaYT thanks

[@JCMediaYT]

@@alberto-cg7ox anytime! goodluck!

[@alberto-cg7ox]

@@JCMediaYT Sorry , didn't answer your question, it's the new desert x .. here in Italy a team remove the ABS and traction control and put a programmable ecu only for rbw, and that was my idea.. I Will ride most of the time in off-road so didn't need ABS ..

[@Angry-Little-Fish]

If I piggyback my stock ecu v6 with haltech v8 engine will the dash and radio still work?

[@GT-Tezzy]

These are the we questions nobody can see to answer

[@Achillessoul]

I'm working on a v10 engine build natural aspiration and was wondering if anyone knows of a stand alone ecu that can run a v10? I have only found 1 and only on 1 website does it say that it can run a v10 others of the same model different website say they van only run 8 Cylinders. Anything helps

[@JCMediaYT]

not sure whether its good, but on the lower end of the price scale I've seen a few stating the megasquirt ms3pro. if budget is not an issue then i think haltech or motec is the way to go

[@Achillessoul]

@@JCMediaYT thank you

[@JustMe-pq7je]

This is so incorrect. A Pickyback unit comes with wiring harness that one simply plugs in to existing sockets connecting to the vehicles system. It is easy to reverse by un plugging it from the cars wiring system and replacing original plugs back in. One can also just unplug it from the Pickyback and put a provided dummy plug , usually supplied hence reversing it back to standard. It is the cheapest option too. Bluespark provides,such Pickybacks They work well but from my experience are not faultless. I had two of them and both ended up causing some sporadic hesitations in acceleration or smooth running. I am unsure why this happens. For that reason I am seeking out a flash option.

[@JCMediaYT]

no, that depends on whether your piggyback is a universal one or not, and since most are universal, that's what will likely happen to most people. There are a few exceptions obviously like racechip, but that's just unfortunately how they are. This is partially why more people are just doing a remap, or using a flash tool (which is basically a remap and not a piggyback). Personally I've never heard of Bluespark, as I have a greddy piggyback on my car, but it is universal so it meant having to splice the harness. However, I've never had any sporadic hesitations like you mentioned though... Did you end up figuring out a solution for that?