Why You SHOULDN'T Use A Standalone ECU Or Aftermarket Computer In Your Car Build

[@ridiculousthings4x4]

The aftermarket ECU guys have been pretty quiet since this video dropped... Just sayin'

[@turboflush]

Well.. if you delete the comments.. yah!😂😂🎉

[@4WheelingInNSW]

@@turboflushyou don’t know Matt like I know him, he ain’t deleting comments 🤣🤣 he don’t give a shit at all mate 😉

[@trilhoscdtm]

Can we all appreciate how good of a channel this is? The guy is a fabricator that is swapping probably the most complicated diesel ever made, restoring the car to a condition better that new, he films himself, does all the editing and on top of that he is bloody funny? Congratulations Sir. Please keep those videos coming.

[@ridiculousthings4x4]

You made me blush with that comment. We should hold hands xoxo

[@trilhoscdtm]

@ridiculousthings4x4 and here we go again:))

[@4WheelingInNSW]

He’s a friggin’ legend mate !

[@spudboy1328]

Reasonable rant. 6/10. Needs more swearing and to be a lot more shouty.

[@ridiculousthings4x4]

Noted. 40% more yelling next time

[@FukU2222]

@@ridiculousthings4x4 needs a couple c**ts too heh

[@MntlMajorkozmo]

just turn the volume up.

[@PorousShark7688]

@@ridiculousthings4x4 lol

[@4WheelingInNSW]

Maaaaaaate, hearing you talk of all those sensors and seeing how many wires and hoses are running in that engine bay, I already have PTSD for you, my head’s hurting 🤣🤣 Great explanation of it mate without dumbing it down for those who may not be up in all the ECU stuff. Very enjoyable as always. Hope you had a great Christmas and all the best for 2025. 🤜🤛👍

[@christofs-a1834]

"...because it won't be me who's wrong..." Negative fucks to give 🤣🤣🤣

[@ridiculousthings4x4]

Confidence is key!

[@theseoldhands532]

If it ain’t broke don’t haltech it 😂

[@MatthewScur]

Pretty good argument for your use case. CANBUS is a really neat protocol. It's basically a LAN network running inside your car that can do fault checking, enable intermittent use of lighting (like BMW fog lights as curb lights), and enable extra functionality that wouldn't exist otherwise without a dedicated module all from one ECU. I would argue that something like a Megasquirt probably does have pretty close to the right inputs, and there are aftermarket auto transmission controllers, but your use case is very unique, and I totally agree with your logic. Newer cars, that already have dedicated ECU/CANBUS networks are poor use cases for standalone. If you were going to swap a 4BT into it, or an LS, there are good aftermarket, even manufacturer supported options there, but your use case there doesn't really seem to be. In fact, I've never even heard of a 10 cyl diesel before (now I have to research them, thanks for contributing to my delinquency). You just earned a subscriber today, I want to see where this thing goes!

[@ridiculousthings4x4]

A lot of people have mistaken me saying "it's easier for me to do this" with "you can only do what I did". There are many ways to do something, it's just often easier to do it this way, especially seeing as VW ECUs are basically fully customisable like any aftermarket one

[@lassikinnunen]

​@@ridiculousthings4x4 you just need an ecu that works. If an aftermarket or stock is hassle just depends on the use case. Some modern stock ecus to keep them happy you need to match cable lengths and all other sort of hassles

[@Born_Stellar]

I could build a V8 in my sleep. but that thing, that thing scares me.

[@rourkekilner]

Finally someone on KZbin is talking sense

[@Bennyboy-dog]

Great explanation that even makes sense to me. All the best for the festive season....

[@thedpfteam2423]

Excellent Presentation. I have encouraged a lot of people to stay OEM ECU instead of Aftermarket especially if not going beyond OEM power. Doesnt mean just because you could put an aftermarket ecu you should. However Aftermarket do provide excellent engine protection and performance enhancing features and capabilities which i believe is best suited for someone trying to push a build to competitive levels.

[@ridiculousthings4x4]

Definitely true. The front end software they provide can act as a fail safe and prevent some silly mistakes seeing as most back end stuff is populated by whatever you enter into the software, not directly coded. They have a time and a place, but PD TDI builds is not that place.

[@guily6669]

I have recently bought one for my motorcycle but it's one of those that is programmed for my particular bike but anyway cost more than 300eur and looks super cheap sadly. Still haven't tried it though but the spark plug cables that come look crazy bad...

[@azazeldeath]

You are 100% spot on. Aftermarket/stand alone ECUs do have their place, and can be superior in some cases. But youd be suprised how often the factory system is better. Ex mechanic. Have built some awesome vehicles. Worked on a lot obviously, and had to fault find on both factory and heavily modified vehicles. And 9/10 the factory system is easier to fault find on.

[@colinross6259]

The long and winding road to completion. Trouble with 1 off jobs. Have to learn a lot about something probably only doing once. Can't wait to see it on the road. Merry Chrissy, to you and lol, "the net experts".

[@ridiculousthings4x4]

Good thing I like learning obscure stuff isn't it?

[@ATomRileyA]

That engine bay could do with some more pipes and cables :) I agree, i think if your trying to do a unusual swap like that you would be better sticking with the factory setup. Although i would not install that huge boat anchor in there and go for the classic 1000bhp+ nissan patrol from saudi instead.

[@MattysWorkshop]

Gday, well explained and it all makes perfect sense, have a great Christmas mate, cheers

[@speed284504]

All valid points. Unless you have something rare, out of production, or something that doesn't like being out of the factory bodywork. I just watched a video of a GMC that was DOA because the radar module wasn't plugged in all the way. And despite being a 2003, my v10 stopped getting support in 2012 which has resulted in all factory part supplies drying up. Sometimes you can use the factory stuff, but sometimes you can't and that's why aftermarket ECUs exist.

[@ridiculousthings4x4]

As I said, there are definitely situations where aftermarket ECUs are a better option. Regarding your factory parts though, you'll find that most parts aren't actually made by the car manufacturer, and can be sourced directly. For example, my ECU's are Siemens, not VW

[@landlockedviking]

Half way in and, have to say great content! You are so right...

[@pkuudsk9927]

Approx. 2% of builds need a Aftermarket ECU, it's generally the tuner who doesn't know how to tune a factory ECU why they go to a x brand ECU because they know/understand it. We have been fighting this for decades with right to repair, where companies won't let you into their computers so your screwed. In this caes it's open source so you can so why bother with an aftermarket one it's pointless. Though you do ride a King Till Monday junk I won't hold that against you.

[@matthewfredrickmfkrz1934]

Id say it'd be better to spend money lobbying for rtr than pay for credits to turn a rune Goldberg adjustment screw

[@pkuudsk9927]

@@matthewfredrickmfkrz1934 Soon it will be right to own and use. With more and more going subscription based use, you won't own your car just renting it. You want heated seats pay for it , you don't want 24/7 monerting F you no warrenty. I will never buy another car again in my life. With only 30ish years to go I will just keep fixing my old stuff.

[@matthewfredrickmfkrz1934]

@@pkuudsk9927 I don't understand what's stopping anyone from "hacking" their seats to apply voltage directly to the element

[@ridiculousthings4x4]

Canbus. The blessing and curse. Turning dumb systems into difficult to bypass tomfoolery.

[@NickTaylorRickPowers]

Aftermarket stuff usually has the GUI or software for most people to tune But like the disaster or emergency shut off conditions is probably the main selling point imo

[@stevenkirk2563]

Thank you for clearing up aftermarket ecu’s. Looks the the factory unit can’t be beaten with all the research the volks would have had to do!

[@Cerberus984]

Plot twist: He sells refurbished stock ECUs ☠️

[@beefe3194]

I removed my ECU, replaced it with a series of dials and buttons and hired a professional DJ to live in the boot of my car and fire my spark plugs manually. He's called Steve.

[@ridiculousthings4x4]

sadly slave labour is hard to come by in australia

[@steventurner476]

The old Budweiser commercial made me subscribe 😂😂

[@ridiculousthings4x4]

Welcome 😂

[@MudducksTouringAustralia]

Great stuff mate! Merry Christmas. Cheers Steve

[@fatmanoverlanding]

Wazzzupppp!!! Nicely done. 👍

[@kepamurray1845]

Factory ECU's are brilliant. Code support is the key to using them successfully. You can always get spares and they are ultra reliable. Only reason to use aftermarket is if the factory ECU doesn't do what you need.

[@ridiculousthings4x4]

Well if I could have summed it up that well, the video would only be 5 seconds long

[@danielwatson2910]

Merry Christmas thanks for the content

[@vapecatt]

But why it not carburetor

[@ridiculousthings4x4]

Next build: coal dust v10

[@crystalzues4712]

Can't argue your points basically anything apart from a port injected engine its better to stick with factory.

[@shannonobrien4729]

Mate love the videos regardless who knows best.

[@mo603]

Finally, I've been looking forward to the episode

[@incolink]

Its funny people out side the VAG world really don't know how flashable and adjustable they are . I generally put haltech on stuff because I'm not smart enough to work out factory ECUS . i agree aftermarket ECUS have been pretty slow coming to the gearbox control party I've only seen the real expensive gucci stuff like Syvex motec bosche work with factory TCUs .

[@ridiculousthings4x4]

It's one of those doing the easy options first I guess. Petrols are pretty simple to set up, even self tuning in some cases based on stoichiometry calcs between sensor and software. Diesel becomes a dark art, and PD becomes Voldemort. Hopefully EV doesn't take over before aftermarket diesel ECUs catch up

[@volint1]

Great video... now tell the world when you should use a standalone ECU.

[@ridiculousthings4x4]

I did

[@turboimport95]

In any regular use case a factory ecu beats a standalone any day of the week, as long as you can tune it that is. Standalones do have their place though, mostly in the track racing world, Or in very specific Engine Swapped applications. People have even used a standalone as a piggy back to a oem ecu, that could not be hacked. Nothing beats that oem idle and drivability though. I also like Oem gauges and functionality on swaps. I dont like seeing cut up dashes with auto meter gauges etc everywhere. I understand adding like a boost gauge or Afr though.

[@ridiculousthings4x4]

Yeah definitely a place for them, just not in this project. If I used it here, I'd just be swapping quality components with not so good ones and struggling harder

[@turboimport95]

@@ridiculousthings4x4 yeah in a case like this with the diesel, and the other non regular injectors etc. it would be a pain in the ass to run a standalone on.

[@NappoM57]

10:10 There actually are: Turbo Lamik and HTG for the ZF 8HP. But this doesn´t prove you different: Lamik looks to have done a good job, from what I "have read" (what ever this means). But I also heard of cases when these aftermarket TCUs FAIL. And If so, you can get in serious trouble on the street, as well as offroad. This can be pretty dangerous! There is also at least 1 piggy box for the 8HP that "just" translates what the ZF needs to know W/O the setting of a different firmware. All of the above are roughly 1 grand!

[@ridiculousthings4x4]

For reference. My replacement TCM cost $50, and can be paired with my vcds cable. I can't really see any sense in using aftermarket stuff unless I'm feeling sadistic and want to make heaps of extra work and cost

[@blow0me]

Sound German, MaxxEcu, Turbo Lamik, HTG, CANTCU, there are many that can run the 8HP with various methods, as well as some others for plug n play environments on other cars. But obviously diesels are less common in terms of the engine control. There certainly are options, but it is blatantly obvious for a relatively simple engine swap on any car ( unless immobiliser issues which can complicate things ) that retaining the OEM ecu makes a lot of sense for most. that's just basic stuff, and should be sort of plug n play for a full tuned and running engine from the outset, with decent feedback and fault reporting that dummies can use too.

[@Wirewrap36]

Aftermarket ecu work wonders for all kinds of port injected petrol engines. Add, remove, mod, mix and match parts like legos. Diesels are way, way more harder to play with like that.

[@ridiculousthings4x4]

Yup, they're definitely useful if you're adding sensors that aren't used by the factory ECU. But if factory has everything you need already, why make it harder? Plus PD hell

[@panic_button]

Would love to hear your thoughts on Speeduino, seems like it'd be up your alley (not for this of course, this aint no VL Commodore)

[@ridiculousthings4x4]

Tbh I like the open source concept and familiar language being Arduino based. I'd imagine it would be quite nice to work with without having to fight through the limitations of front end software like most of the aftermarket stuff requires.

[@panic_button]

@ridiculousthings4x4 that's exactly the appeal to me as well. Just wish manufacturers provided data sheets for sensors, etc. Wouldn't that be a world to live in!

[@ridiculousthings4x4]

most actually do provide extensive data sheets as long as you ask the sensor manufacturer, and not the car manufacturer. Often they'll have resistance equivalency values, or a direct function that makes interpolation/extrapolation easy.

[@panic_button]

@@ridiculousthings4x4 good to know, thank you and merry Christmas!

[@james10739]

Well you said to correct you if you said anything wrong so ya I what you said was the map sensor i don't think it is that looks like a maf and generally have a temp sensor it could be a map sensor but I haven't seen them in that format

[@ridiculousthings4x4]

I fitted the Maf sensor next to the airbox. Map sensor is after the intercooler. Nice try though 😏 maps on these are a combined IAT sensor too.

[@d.martins4471]

man i feel your words in my skin......i have a volvo c30 t5, i love this car, one of the few coupes volvo made, but it doesnt have the manual m66 6-speed tranny and i cant find one to buy.........it has the aw55 auto gearbox....plus, the car has SIXTEEN interconnected modules for everything you can imagine.....hopeless is the true word for this if you want a manual swap.

[@ridiculousthings4x4]

Is that ex police? Bad memories of unmarked cop Volvo's catching me doing terrible things on motorbikes when I was about 19. Either way, at least if you can find that obscure gearbox, you can just plug it all in and with a bit of hex key tweaking it'll work as if it was born with it 🤙

[@gafrers]

Absolutely, stock ECU is King. Any aftermarkert Diesel ECU is just for useless black smoke. The only exception is Skynam Sybele ECU but it's French and very very hard to setup, even if proved in Endurance and Dakar.

[@ridiculousthings4x4]

Yeah I'm sure given a complete knowledge of an aftermarket setup it would be possible to get good results, but if I've got the wiring and ecu setup, why not use it?

[@gafrers]

@@ridiculousthings4x4 Smart and simpler to use the stock wiring. You are 100% right. Stock spaghetti FTW

[@Andriod846]

Yes especially GM ecus they are locked and hard to unlock.

[@TheMrDarius]

GM ecu's can be unlocked easily with HP Tuners. Sure you may have to buy a few credits but once you crack that ECU, you can do damn near anything with it.

[@robertgossas3711]

Been thinking about this when i see LS swaps and wonder why they getting a aftermarket ECU when probably the one that came with the donor car is absolutely fine...

[@robertgossas3711]

But then i figured they are sponsored and they want to sell stuff.

[@ridiculousthings4x4]

Depends how readily modifiable the original ECUs are. Aftermarket is probably a good application for an LS, especially if you're slapping a spooly boy on it and adding a few non OEM sensors as a result

[@Sparky_D]

I used to have a Mk4 Supra. The ECU cannot be reprogrammed/tuned at all. In comes the aftermarket ECU or piggy back.

[@ridiculousthings4x4]

Certainly good causes to use aftermarket. As mentioned in the video, the community size is critical, since a lot of the "hacking" can't be done by your average Joe.

[@raptorthumper12]

Diesel fuel injection strategies are much more complex than petrol engines. Up to 5 individual injections per cycle. The OEM calibrations are king here.

[@ridiculousthings4x4]

you, sir, get it. you'll probably also like the last 20 seconds of the video

[@tanner3801]

Pumpe duse engines only have one injection event. It would be interesting to see a V10 TDI work on a single board/ECU... although I would either use a manual trans or an older auto with basic control or no electronic control

[@greenflavoredstuff]

I’m an OEM diesel calibrator and agree. Gasoline port injection - I love a stand-alone. But diesel, no. Only in rare situations would I want to mess with a diesel standalone.

[@huey-fan8335]

​@@tanner3801 VWs PD engines have two injections. One pre injection, and one main injection. Injections are controlled mechanical

[@daledavies2334]

Well, yes and no. The multiple injections were designed to reduce emissions and noise. When the multiple injections per cylinder firing were developed, injection knock was pretty much eliminated. Emissions are teduced through control of the combustion temperature at a lower value over a longer time. The first electronic diesels still used a single injection, but as emissions and noise standards became strickter, and piezo injectors were perfected, the multi injections became possible.

[@JohnBrown-vn2qw]

lol dude says a computer is a simple device... a legend in his own mind

[@ridiculousthings4x4]

If you don't understand how something works, doesn't mean other people don't 😘

[@JohnBrown-vn2qw]

@@ridiculousthings4x4 obviously you don't understand how they work or you wouldn't be saying they are simple😂. clueless

[@randykitchleburger2780]

@@JohnBrown-vn2qw You don't have to be a chip designer to understand how the software works on top of it.

[@JohnBrown-vn2qw]

@@randykitchleburger2780 none of it is simple is my point. even the circuitry on a calculator is quite complex.

[@JohnBrown-vn2qw]

@@randykitchleburger2780 so you have a degree in software engineering?

[@isaacrowe8977]

I will maintain that aftermarket completely makes sense where the OEM unit lacks sufficient control and safety strategies for your build. Retaining OEM as much as possible is only ideal for Canbus cars. Pre canbus the advice is basically worthless

[@ridiculousthings4x4]

I didn't give any advice. It's a video about why I made the choices I did.

[@mungrel6668]

Well said. Side note, what model cigweld unit was that early in the vid, and do you rate or hate it?

[@ridiculousthings4x4]

It's a 3 in 1. I'd give it a 7/10 for mig and arc, but tig is lacking since no pedal or pulse

[@0dbm]

Nice 🤙

[@andrewvassallo3444]

Merry Xmas 😊

[@CyberdriveAutomotive]

the beginning of the video really made me want to pay attention and see if you're going to be wrong about something spoiler alert: you weren't

[@johnbelwell2461]

While i agree you should keep a stock ECU as long it does whatever you want only because of the quality of the circuit, i think you're making it harder than it should be. I've worked on and have an aftermarket ECU and based to my knowledge all your concerns are technically invalid, maybe you think more of the hassle to getting things work, but even a 200$ DIY Speeduino board is more than capable. Like i said i don't disagree but i have some things to point out. 1) Most sensors you have are out of spec anyways and no two sensors are the same, with an aftermarket ECU you can calibrate each one based on their actual values whereas in stock ECU you usually have an expected range or have limited abilities. Also if you want a reliable build throwing a sensor on a plug and calling it a day while having no idea about it is irresponsible, you will see what i'm talking about especially with TPS if you read them on an aftermarket ECU. 2) You can use any type sensor you want out of any car, you can go MAP, MAF, Hall, VR, disable Lamda, disable everything except TPS and MAP, add sensors like FlexFuel in cars they don't have, change ignition type, ignition trigger pattern, and many other things. Also have boost modes and octane modes with the press of a switch. 3) Automatic transmissions are not an issue, most aftermarket ECUs can even be used as a stand alone transmission controller. 4) You can have sensor diagnostics and see logs which are more useful than seeing a Check Engine light and finding a misfire code leading to nowhere. 5) Also most important: With an aftermarket ECU you have the ability to program it easily, you can use the software provided with it, or a free version of Tunerstudio or even open source software for many of things. Don't expect me to pay big bucks just to connect to an ECU, while most stock ECUs have solutions for this, it's not always the case. But if you just drop your car to a tuner and then take it back programmed i don't think you will understand this. I have a lot more to say but maybe for *this specific* build a stock ECU is better, and like i said you should not change to aftermarket as long a stock one has the functionality you want due to ECU quality cause i've never seen an aftermarket without looking a cheap junk compared to a stock ECU, there can be waterproofing issues, interference issues etc. Another cheap and better solution is to find a stock ECU that is tunable and has potential, there are many cars out there having them, and then wire it up to work with your engine just like an aftermarket ECU, it might need a trigger wheel and a few sensors, a circuit converting the RPM pulse for the cluster instrument etc. But don't expect a guy with a 90's car and an ECU with removable chips that you take out to flash a premade ROM using a serial programmer take our advice, or an '07 Corolla when you plan to build the engine and run 3 bars of boost on it.

[@Jack_The_Soul]

you might don't realize it but you use ecu in standalone mode :)

[@martin09091989]

For a electricity controlled diesel injection system, a aftermarket ecu is quit pointless! Allot of funky stuff is going on with those modern direct injectors, even gasoline DI. But it would be interesting to see how such a modern diesel engine would act when controlled like a dumb one. How would power and emissions change if you just control injection start and duration instead of those multiple injections and pre injection schemes.

[@ridiculousthings4x4]

Converting a 1.9tdi to a mechanical pump is pretty common for the engine swap crowd. "The internet" tells me there isn't a huge difference in performance and driveability, which roughly translates to "it must drive like garbage". But who knows, it would be nice if one of the good manufacturers made an open source car. Plz santa

[@ehworkshop9922]

It takes more than calibrating the sensor bro😂

[@ridiculousthings4x4]

barely. don't try to make it sound complicated ;)

[@armedrepublic]

I just nabbed an ML55, siemens controller yadda yadda, I am wanting the capability to tune it like I can with all my freedom based cars, can you point me in the right direction? I keep ending up on aliexpress about to purchase a hard drive from a seemingly shady seller along with the obd programming module and am quite worried lol.

[@ridiculousthings4x4]

Most petrols up to V12 will be pretty simple to set up with any aftermarket ecu. If you want to keep the OEM one though, ODIS and vcds cover a few like Bentley, VW, audi, Lamborghini etc. I'm not sure exactly what will work in your case, but there'll more than likely be something similar. I'd say only get the AliExpress modules if you are 100% confident in using the software since posting asking for any help gets you black listed if you're using a knock off

[@armedrepublic]

@@ridiculousthings4x4 thanks for the reply! Its not an ECM on Ali, its pirated Mercedes software and the config loader. I just want to remap the one I have, the superchargers are relatively cheap and I'm terrible with money

[@johncunningham4820]

Best of luck with the VW V-10 Diesel . Those engines really don't have the best reputation . Excellent Power and Torque , if you can keep the Bastard RUNNING . And apparently there are some design flaws with the Engine itself that lead to Mechanical fragility .

[@ridiculousthings4x4]

Thanks. As far as I'm aware, the only fragility is needing to drop the engine for minor stuff. All that's solved in this build 🤙

[@johncunningham4820]

@@ridiculousthings4x4 . Sorry to say I have heard tell of Mechanical Failures due to Stupid stuff that you would expect VW not to do . Basically , they " Cheaped Out " on the build of the Phaeton/Touareg engines .

[@LukeBriese]

I wouldn't use a While loop, they're "blocking" 😘

[@ridiculousthings4x4]

My coding style would probably trigger most people who know something 😂

[@jameshatton4211]

Without a doubt this talk was required to stamp out the keyboard warriors. There are very specialised techs in the aftermarket ECU industry, but unless they produce an ECU that is specific for diesel and V10 there is zero chance of getting an aftermarket ecu this anyway? Even the diesel torque tuning place that was a few sheds up from where I worked nearly all of the vehicles came in and had the stock ECU remapped in most cases, reflashed with firmware that then enable remapping or they had a chip installed that allowed bypass of specific functions to be remotely controlled. Almost none of them had a standalone ECU? In fact with diesel engines they tend to go backwards rather than forwards to tune for more hp and torque? As in deleting everything electronic and all of injection system to an older all mechanical style of injection? But no older "V10" style diesels exist that have compatibility with the VW V10? It's not impossible but man it would be unbelievably expensive and therefore not even feasible consideration for anyone unless they are competing in some kind of performance diesel racing? It's certainly not the fast way of getting the Touareg motor on the road that's for sure! Nope, getting the fiddly little glitches removed by a VW hacking specialist is definitely the way to go. I would recommend that you do a firmware dump off the ECU when it gets back so that potentially you can use this to reflash any future replacement ECUs perhaps? I do know that what these specialists do is write data directly from and too the chip inside the ECU. Meaning the security checks are valid as VW when it boots, however those binaries may not remain valid when backing up the firmware? It's worthwhile investigating but the person who did the modifications will likely say it can't be done because they want you to keep using their services in the future 😉

[@ridiculousthings4x4]

One of the units I had to buy was the flashing module which is able to retrieve an ecu dump. Replacement modules such as the ones I had to get for the TCM and transfer case controller can be paired using vcds, and the final slog comes with ODIS, which is a godsend. Firstly I can do it myself if I know the software well, but if not, it also offers a remote desktop style assistance. Luckily I'm not working with any 3rd parties just yet, so they haven't had the chance to lock down my files, but it'll definitely be a condition of service

[@crankhandle]

That looks like a complicated mess of an engine in there, ill stick with toyota thanks 😂

[@ridiculousthings4x4]

And this is why nobody will remember you

[@crankhandle]

@ridiculousthings4x4 my son probably will, I'd rather spend time with him than waste it fuckin my knuckles lol

[@iampennochio]

How much weight you got over that front axle?

[@ridiculousthings4x4]

About 100kg less than Nissan did with a tb42

[@TheMykkH]

Why use a product designed for user feedback and ease of accessibility with instaneous results when you can hack into an over-engineered OE system that was never designed for the end user to get into and change parameters with unreliable third party softwares for modified engines beyond the scope of the original intended use.

[@ridiculousthings4x4]

How's your aftermarket ECU'd PD TDI build going? Thought so. You sir, just showed us why internet knowledge is a terrible thing. Check out what ODIS is before referring to "unreliable 3rd party" software.

[@turboflush]

All depends on what you are doing and what you are capable of. Factory is also designed to be reliable. The comment about bad sensors.. yah.. makes it a bit more dificult to find out what is causing the car to run like crap. There are no trouble codes. You had better understand your sensors.

[@ridiculousthings4x4]

I've met several aftermarket ecu users who are scared to go out in their car without a laptop. Hopefully I can avoid this doing it my way 🤙

[@turboflush]

@@ridiculousthings4x4 true test of a build / builder.. daily and long trips. :D

[@sandowebb7302]

hey mate, how you finding those SAAS airbox things?

[@ridiculousthings4x4]

Pretty crap in a 4x4 to be honest. No water drain and a side exit. It's just one of the many compromises in a limited space build

[@sandowebb7302]

@@ridiculousthings4x4was thinking of getting one instead of a shit stock airbox, on a 3l 4cyl diesel reckon they’d be any good. I’ve always heard shit about the quality of SAAS products, how do you find them quality wise

[@ridiculousthings4x4]

@@sandowebb7302 what's wrong with the stock airbox? You'll probably find it's 10x better than anything you can get to replace it

[@sandowebb7302]

@ not in this case, rodeo airboxes are know for being shit, no rubber seals, and warp easily

[@charleyhorse6346]

When you assume something you make an ass of you and me.

[@ridiculousthings4x4]

Your picture is literally my counter strike profile pic

[@NickTaylorRickPowers]

Haltech is like the iOS or apple of ECUs they're good but like something about them and their products reminds me of apple. Also stand alone is for the guys who cant plug and play Like you and your v10 diesel engine swapped patrol

[@Velkanis]

i hate locked down ecu's man they take all the fun out of a newer engine comforts and just be a pain all around for no reason... specially with newer diesel engines... why cant i have the sleek diesel with quiet and efficient injection in my shoddy old ass hilux? OH and also no crate engines... maybe i should get an R2.8 out of cummins...

[@ridiculousthings4x4]

Well they do make a V12 TDI... Just sayin'

[@andriesburger4923]

Fan input is input..... But let them buy a patrol body and a v10 vw engin and let them do it .... Its your build

[@ridiculousthings4x4]

It's easier to throw shit around in the comments section

[@guillaumejoop6437]

So what I got from all that is that everything is tightly locked up and proprietary, information is not easily accessible (if at all) and you are better off not even trying to decipher all that because everything is set up so you can't and even if you manage to, comfort features will probably go bye bye

[@ridiculousthings4x4]

I feel like you misunderstood the whole video

[@guillaumejoop6437]

​@@ridiculousthings4x4 I perfectely understood why in your particular use case going with an aftermarket wasn't feasible TBH this was more of a rant on how obscure ECU tuning seems to be and how manufacturers just don't want you to tinker with it. This is an extension of the right to repair sentiment, I should be able to access everything easily and documentations should be available is what I'm saying. There would be little to no need for aftermarket ECU if that was the case But that wasn't the point of the video at all, sorry for that. I'm just mad that I either have to trust some random guy or pay 3000$ to be able to do it myself

[@ridiculousthings4x4]

@guillaumejoop6437 gotcha. It depends on the manufacturer a lot I guess. Luckily VW, audi, Bentley and Porsche all fall into the "easy to work with" category, it just doesn't seem to be common knowledge. But yeah, locking down ECUs is a bit of a problem within the industry, but somehow understandable given what can go wrong if brainlets have a go without knowing what's up

[@guillaumejoop6437]

@@ridiculousthings4x4 yeah I understand why too, especially with CANBUS one being able to control so many things (including security feature !) Welp, guess I'll have to find someone who knows his way around Suzukis. That can't be that hard considering my Jimny shares the same engine platform as a Swift and people go ham on those little things. Can't wait to swap the annemic M13A for the big brother M16A

[@iSimonLi]

The AI generated german audio track is painful to listen. So good it`s possible to switch back to the original. Greetings from germany.

[@ericjohnson6802]

Well put, but won't win over the armchair experts/desktop mechanics who seem to know it all!

[@ridiculousthings4x4]

I'll be keen to see how their PD diesel conversions turn out

[@Mr.Engineer.]

Hmm, curious on your arguments for and against, or maybe it just against an stand alone ECU 🤔

[@ridiculousthings4x4]

There aren't many arguments for in my particular application

[@M-PASTA]

The title is wrong “why I shouldn’t” would be correct

[@ridiculousthings4x4]

Thanks title police

[@M-PASTA]

@ not police no fines or authority here just someone that knows what words mean 🫡

[@TheMrDarius]

*removes ecu, replaces with carburetor and other mechanical components* Don't need an ecu if everything is mechanical. 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@Sparky_D]

I guess you don't know much about diesels. Always injected. Sure, that can be mechanical or electronic.

[@TheMrDarius]

@ diesels just need compression air and fuel. They don't use carburetors. But yeah diesels can be mechanical like the older 5.9 Cummins. I was using the carburetor as a blanket term but you get the picture, right?

[@PhunkBustA]

so your in australia and you modified your car, how do you enjoy your 1 ton + paperweight? please comment below xD

[@ridiculousthings4x4]

Is this the next common comment since the aftermarket ecu guys just went silent? 😏

[@Sparky_D]

*You're*

[@Sparky_D]

Also, my modified 4x4 is a little over 2 ton.

[@benperkins2929]

7 days????

[@ridiculousthings4x4]

A week to reflect on your upcoming viewing choices

[@stelitejet]

That date had me thinking....then I thought America 🇺🇸 and it all became clear...😅

[@stelitejet]

Show us your center console you big tease......😂

[@ridiculousthings4x4]

All in good time 🤔

[@danielkruger4305]

Oh Yah? Well......🤔 Your momma dresses you funny

[@GregariousAntithesis]

Why the hell a v10, mercedes straight 5 most dependable diesel period requires non of the electronic BS

[@ridiculousthings4x4]

Because it's a V10

[@GregariousAntithesis]

@ child brain thinking. No benefit in a V10 in a 4x4 just a fuel guzzling drunk. On top of that its electronics make it less reliable.

[@ridiculousthings4x4]

This channel probably isn't for you. Check out 4xoverland if you want to see a boring old fart building "reliable things" (my channel is for ridiculous things)

[@GregariousAntithesis]

@ obviously, never understood why the hell anyone would want or would buy a V10 vw Tourage. Completely impractically stupid. I love my 98, 1.9 TDI beetle 50 mpg lots of power been my daily driver since 2001. Have another 1.9 engine for a transplant in a 66 vw split window camper bus. So im not completely against ECU controlled engines its why the beetle gets 45-50 mpg with plenty of power. That V10 is unimpressive in all aspects and to include complexity. I will leave you alone, enjoy your madness.

[@Sparky_D]

OM606 for the win. (Not a 5 cylinder but 6) Absolute beast

[@NappoM57]

You spend too much time on comments reading! WTF how dumb is the idea to swap a haltech into a VW. Clearly a keyboard mechanic. I would not even argue with that. I recently cam back to the idea to build a humvee in GER, as a fun rig with some stuff on the tail and a 496 in front of a 4L80 instead of a more common LS. In THAT case a Holley EFI makes sense, in addition to alu heads and a cam. But this is a pretty dumb engine, w/o any boost etc. pp.

[@ridiculousthings4x4]

I read all the comments. Even negative views give me ad revenue. You've probably already seen the EV humvee that was made, but anything will be better than that 6.5 POS they come with

[@markcassidy1428]

What's the guarantee you will whine less about idiots if I subscribe...........

[@ridiculousthings4x4]

Slim to none. Whining about idiots is life

[@Benjaminwright1991]

Ducati, GS, Troopy, 76, Patrol, Toureg, Sierra and now a KTM... I hope the RMS brought you a Christmas Card for keeping them in business🎄

[@ridiculousthings4x4]

If marketplace wasn't a breeding ground for flogs, some of them might have been sold by now 😔🔫

[@hairycods2273]

Decent rant but unless you shit into a pan during a live video and throw said shit at the camera all while cussing with all ur mite….I can only give it a 4 outa 10 rant points but I understand!!…

[@ridiculousthings4x4]

That stuff is saved for my onlyfans

[@willd2156]

MAB innovation guy 🫡

[@FUEL8TING]

Yeah, sure, but, Why don't you just put a haltech in it? 🥸

[@ridiculousthings4x4]

You'll get a haltech in you if you're not careful

[@FUEL8TING]

@ridiculousthings4x4 😂