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ECM mods 3vzfe?

Old 02-06-2009, 07:26 AM
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ECM mods 3vzfe?

Just wanted to get some quick info on possible ECM mods for the 3vzfe engine? Does this exist in the truck world? I would like to get some links and read up on the info.
Old 02-06-2009, 08:49 AM
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3vz-fe? As in the dual overhead cam Camry motor?

Or did you mean 3vz-e, the truck motor?
Old 02-06-2009, 09:50 AM
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truck engine sorry. it would be for my 92 pickup 4x4 v6 3.0
Old 02-06-2009, 11:01 AM
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That would be a 3vz-e. The f is an important letter

As for ecu mods, there's not much. Techtom used to make upgraded ecus, I would assume there are a few small companies around the world who used to as well. Over on supramania, there's currently an ongoing project of disassembling the 7M ecu, which uses a very similar processor as the 3vz ecu.

Your best bet is to just run a cheap standalone, like megasquirt.
Old 02-07-2009, 11:13 AM
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you can take your out and send it to JET Performance... they will reflash the ECU to your specs... go on their website and check it out...

honestly tho, tweaking the ECU on these older vehicles should be the LAST step in performance... i only say this because reflashing it costs 300 bucks each time...

just somethin to think about...
Old 02-07-2009, 11:52 AM
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Here's what Gadget had to say about Jet Perormance:
JET ECU Upgrade:

I was looking through the Performance Products catalogue and saw the listing for the JET Chip. It claimed a 17HP increase. Well that sounded great.

I visited a friend who owns a auto salvage chain. He was able to get a spare ECU for my 4Runner. I installed it in my 4Runner to verify that is worked, and then sent it off to JET. I had it back the second day.

I installed it and took it for a drive. I was very disappointed that I did not notice any difference. I called JET to inquire and was told it takes 100 miles for the computer to adjust itself. I drove for quiet a while and never really noticed a difference. I even swapped back and forth with my stock ECU and still could not notice any difference in the way it performed.

I do not recommend the JET ECU upgrade.
http://www.gadgetonline.com/Fuel.htm#ECU%20Upgrade:
Old 02-07-2009, 12:02 PM
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why mod the ecu when you can fine tune?

not enough torque... lower gears maybe?
too lean or rich... spring the AFM....?
idle mix screw in the afm, idle rpm in the throtle body
Old 02-13-2009, 07:33 AM
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Cool

Replace the crystals on the board to change how fast the ECU runs and hence what the ECU thinks it sees for any value that enters it (rpm, all sensor input,etc)
or just buy one of the better piggybacks.
Old 02-13-2009, 07:39 AM
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Originally Posted by Toysrme
Replace the crystals on the board....
Is that the dilithium crystals for warp drive?
Old 02-13-2009, 04:20 PM
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Cool

crystal oscillators










Three in the box for the old OBDI's. One for each particular computer. (Fuel/ignition, timing retard, AT transmission controll)
Old 02-13-2009, 04:29 PM
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well no one had the motivation to suggest...
http://sdsefi.com or http://msefi.com

forget trying fix a broken leg- build a new leg.
Old 02-13-2009, 04:30 PM
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Originally Posted by Toysrme
... or just buy one of the better piggybacks.
Who makes a piggyback?
Old 02-14-2009, 04:08 AM
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Cool

you wouldn't want an SDS for the high cost / they dont do enough factor.
you wouldn't want to megasquirt for the money / do you really want to spend two months fooling with it for an end result of not alot

3vz-e needs all the help it can get, sure. best thing to do for it is completely give up on anything N/A. hole saw a small t3/t4 class turbo on it, toss on an FMU and an SMT-6.
Old 02-14-2009, 10:33 AM
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change the crystals? hmmm ok i would need to go in my truck and pull the ecu, i can't imagine that the crystals would do anything. i could be wrong, i use to mod honda obd1 ecu's all the time and still have all the gear, and i would love to use my romemulator again.
also i would be tuning for fuel econ at the moment.
Old 02-14-2009, 10:42 AM
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Toyota is FAMOUS for locking down their ECU's - reprogrammers are ineffective with just about all their models. It is not worth the time/effort/money.

Seriously - the 3VZE is what it is ... if that's not good enough, save up for a swap.
Old 02-14-2009, 04:51 PM
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I swapped my old 3.0 ECU out for one from the 3.4. Way better power.

Don't forget to swap out the big lump of cast iron and aluminum at the other end of the harness, too. Otherwise, this swap won't do anything.

Old 02-14-2009, 05:19 PM
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The stock EFI systems are adequate but not optimal.
My point in suggesting SDS or Megasquirt was mainly to get the EFI converted to a sequential system instead of the 'batch-fire' system Toyota used. That, in and of itself, could add noticeable power and torque and reduce emissions, without adversely affecting mileage, when used with an appropriate O2 sensor system.
Yeah, it's expensive and illegal in most places, but if your location has an 'arbitration' or 'referee' system, it's possible to get them exempted and 'legal' for your vehicle.
Considering many will pay 1000 for 50 extra HP (cam[s], header, high-C/R pistons, etc), the cost is comparable.
In a nutshell... it comes down to 'polishing a turd', FWIW.

At least if you go aftermarket engine management, modifying the engine or even swapping the engine can (for the most part, barring going from a v6 to a v8 for instance... and even then may be within the capabilities of the system) be handled by the aftermarket system you already have installed.
Old 02-14-2009, 05:54 PM
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Originally Posted by RobD
I swapped my old 3.0 ECU out for one from the 3.4. Way better power.

Don't forget to swap out the big lump of cast iron and aluminum at the other end of the harness, too. Otherwise, this swap won't do anything.



Last edited by mt_goat; 02-16-2009 at 08:31 AM.
Old 02-14-2009, 06:50 PM
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dont even bother with the ECU upgrade im jus savin up for a 302 swap more power not so much gasmileage but more power the motor is what it is like said above its not a power house its just a reliable motor if you take care of it it will get you from point A to point B the safest way as posible
Old 02-14-2009, 07:16 PM
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i'd say easiest thing to do is the 3.4 swap! There is a lot of aftermarket stuff you can do to that motor and its way more reliable than the 3.0 I just recently swapped one in my truck and i love the difference. More power, you feel more confident in the motor, and BETTER gas mileage!!! i went from 220 miles on a full tank to 300 with a heavy foot! Its plenty of power for me and if i want more i can sc it no prob. Thats my thoughts..

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