Unichip Install

[Petrucci914]

I just looked over the install instructions briefly but had a few questions. I know that I'm completely removing the stock ECU. Now, what is currently plugged into the ECU? I know electrical is plugged into it but how many connectors are on the ECU? Looking at the PNP harness I see like 4 or 5 connectors. Do they stay in the harness as they are? Or do those plug into the ECU and then the stock wires plug into those connectors and the long cable plugs to the UNICHIP unit? I'm probably really confusing everyone right now.

[kevera]

haha,you make me laugh,or confused.j/k.It's a super easy hook-up.You plug the connectors from the stock ECU into the unichip(The connectors are different sizes and only fit into one slot).Then the harness from the unichip plugs into the Toyota ECU.The connectors only fit one way,so you won't have any troubles.Then you run the harness for the switches,placement is up to you.I ran the switches to the the removable blanks beside the interior light dimmer.I cut the blank to hold the switches for a clean look.

[Petrucci914]

hehe. Ya, it is pretty logical. It's just that the explanations and pictures are ****. Do I have to keep that plastic sheet on the bottom of the ECU? I would think that the harness would attach to it better without that plastic sheet. I got my new ECU today so most of it is connected right now. I was going to swap ECUs and make sure that was fine, and then I was going to hook up the chip but I'm just going for it. Saturday morning project. I want to hook it up quickly tomorrow afternoon, but if it turns into an evening and night and I have issues......then I can't go out, hehe. Can I change the maps while the car is running? I'm going to start it on B. I'll make sure I have a nice tank of high octane.

[kevera]

I left the plastic on when I had the unichip,but I pulled it off when I installed the TRD s/c piggyback,so it's not totally necessary.I never changed maps while the car was on,not sure if can cause any problems.The install won't take very long,1/2 hour max.The hardest part was deciding where to put the switches.

[Petrucci914]

Installed. I had to adjust the placement of the PNP hardness a few times so it cleared. Then at the end I had to tuck up some of the cabling above in order to stop the plastic undercarriage back in. I had it hooked up and then turned the key.......nothing.......oh ****. Then I tightened up the negative terminal on the battery and it started fine, no CEL. This is also with the new ECu I ordered. I'm not sure how I feel about it yet. I have it on B and there is a noticeable difference but not what I thought. The shifting is a lot better and not as jerky. I have more power in each gears without having those harsh downshifts. I'm sure it still has a bit of learning to do before it's perfect so we'll see.

[kevera]

It will take a little while before the unichip kicks in.A few start-ups and you'll be ready to race.

[Petrucci914]

I flipped it to Map A last night and whoaaaaaaaaa, what a rush. Feels like a Turbo kicks in. I'll run the 93 Octane for a while and then flip it to B and see. I think I still had a mix of some lesser octane fuel in there and it was retarding the timing.

[ajflan]

When you are in map B, does your red light stay on no matter what position the power switch is in? Mine does, and I'm wondering if that has anything to do with my CEL.

[Petrucci914]

I read about that red light. Where is that? I don't see a red light. If it's on the unit or harness, I dunno.......that's behind the glove box now.

[satur9]

the newer units dont have a red light. i talked to unichip cause i was freaking out about it.

[Petrucci914]

Phew! What a relief! I thought I was missing something. Glad they decided to update their instruction sheet ::sarcasm:: Oh well, the unit is cheap so what do you expect...........wait......er........****.

[Vivid_Art]

So is it worth the money? I'm thinking of not eating for a month and buying one...but I need to know if its worth it before I starve myself.

[Petrucci914]

I think it's worth it but it doesn't give as much power as I was hoping. The engine and shifting seems to be as it should. Everything just seems like a well oiled machine. Getting up hills is easier and everything seems very responsive. I'm on Map A right now and after being on 93 octane for a while I'll try Map B. I started on Map B, didn't get a CEL, but it didn't have much power because the ECU was retarding the ignition timing and such.

[kevera]

Come-on,be a rebel and leave it in map "B" all the time.You will enjoy the unichip more.

[Petrucci914]

haha. I will once it works. I get no power from it right now. I had a quarter tank of 87 and filled it up with 93, so I'm just thinking it doesn't like the mixture. Give it a little bit and I'll try it again. Did you notice a big difference between the two?

[kevera]

Yes,and I left it in map "b" all the time.I never turn the unichip off,and I think I just tried map "a" for 2 days after I installed it.The reason I left it on and in map "b",is because I noticed it took a few days for the unichip to kick in or relearn.So my advice,leave it on and in map b for maximum enjoyment.

[Vivid_Art]

Well I guess I should just save up for the new Vibe or the G8...haha yeah right. I don't plan on installing any other mods so getting the Unichip wouldn't really do anything for me.

[Petrucci914]

Map B HOLY @#)$*)@#*$!I've unleashed a monster!

[BlueCrush]

Quote, originally posted by Petrucci914 »Map B HOLY @#)$*)@#*$!I've unleashed a monster!LOL! Too funny! Enjoy it safely!

[DiveNut]

Ya...What kevera said.

[Grimoire]

Which unichip are you using and how much did it run?

[Petrucci914]

It's the new Q Model for the 1zzfe. Map is set for CAI and Exhaust. I just bought it like a month ago.

[goodvibe]

When I had it, I thought map B was so worth it but Map A didn't do enough. Might as well get something cheaper if you don't want to use premium.

[DiveNut]

The red light on the toggle switch indicates B map is on, goes off when running A map. At leats on mine it does...

[Petrucci914]

The new Q version doesn't have the Red Light anymore, even though their instructions still state it.

[rhitme03]

Glad to hear about another satisfied Unichipper... I know that with the MT and the 2ZZ motor, the B map was a noticeable change, where the A was more subtle, but still provided some extra kick at the low-end. Interesting to see that the Red light went away, but it makes mounting the switches in the dash MUCH easier.