ECU in a Box
08-14-2001, 06:34 AM
#1
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ECU in a Box
Some of you may remember that at the Fallingwater Event, I won an APR 'chip'. They removed my ECU and modified it in their trailer in the parking lot that Sat. night.
I like the chip very much, as it really extends the cars performance very well. Coupled with the F-M exhaust, I do like the performance punch I have in all gears.
I had wanted to get a replacement ECU to swap out the APR tuned one, when going to the dealer. I finally did this, as I am approaching 20K miles, and ready for the Haldex oil drain, etc.
I also have heeded the advice of some, and plan to carry the OEM ECU with me.
But where to put it, and how to carry it?
Also, what tools, if any, might I need?
I got my spare ECU from Stratmosphere yesterday, and immediately set to work on a box design.
Here are the results.
The box is made from marine 1/4 " ply, and 1/8" birch, with oak veneer.
<img src="http://mk1tt.montebellopark.com/images/ecubox1.jpg">
The ECU and the 13mm socket and handle, fit snugly into the box.
The 13mm socket is for removing the passenger wiper arm, that greatly assists entrance into the ECU area
<img src="http://mk1tt.montebellopark.com/images/ecubox2.jpg">
The box is lined with green felt.
<img src="http://mk1tt.montebellopark.com/images/ecubox3.jpg">
The whole unit fits nicely into the roadster cubby hole in the trunk, or sitting up, behind the passenger seat.
Cost was about $20 in wood, felt and hardware. The extra wrench was $8.
I like the chip very much, as it really extends the cars performance very well. Coupled with the F-M exhaust, I do like the performance punch I have in all gears.
I had wanted to get a replacement ECU to swap out the APR tuned one, when going to the dealer. I finally did this, as I am approaching 20K miles, and ready for the Haldex oil drain, etc.
I also have heeded the advice of some, and plan to carry the OEM ECU with me.
But where to put it, and how to carry it?
Also, what tools, if any, might I need?
I got my spare ECU from Stratmosphere yesterday, and immediately set to work on a box design.
Here are the results.
The box is made from marine 1/4 " ply, and 1/8" birch, with oak veneer.
<img src="http://mk1tt.montebellopark.com/images/ecubox1.jpg">
The ECU and the 13mm socket and handle, fit snugly into the box.
The 13mm socket is for removing the passenger wiper arm, that greatly assists entrance into the ECU area
<img src="http://mk1tt.montebellopark.com/images/ecubox2.jpg">
The box is lined with green felt.
<img src="http://mk1tt.montebellopark.com/images/ecubox3.jpg">
The whole unit fits nicely into the roadster cubby hole in the trunk, or sitting up, behind the passenger seat.
Cost was about $20 in wood, felt and hardware. The extra wrench was $8.
08-14-2001, 07:29 AM
#5
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would you consider producing these and selling? could be a nice hoby and I think there would be
quite a few takers on the forum. I would love one...in brushed metal finish and black felt!!
How much would you charge for something like that?? $40-50? I'll take one for sure...
Nice work.
How much would you charge for something like that?? $40-50? I'll take one for sure...
Nice work.
08-14-2001, 07:47 AM
#6
AudiWorld Super User
Thread Starter
I would consider it...
Actual brushed alum. or a metal finish would be tough for me to do.
I'm not really set up as a metal shop.
Metal spray paint on wood generally does not make a decent finish.
I will experiment with a spray alum./metal paint, over wood that has been finely sanded and sealed.
I can get the felt in black, dark blue, red I think also.
Also, cork.
I'll post results later.
I'm not really set up as a metal shop.
Metal spray paint on wood generally does not make a decent finish.
I will experiment with a spray alum./metal paint, over wood that has been finely sanded and sealed.
I can get the felt in black, dark blue, red I think also.
Also, cork.
I'll post results later.
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08-14-2001, 08:31 AM
#8
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Nice box...
My friend stores his spare ECU in the compartment where the manual trunk release is located (roadster). I wrapped it in bubblewrap and stuffed it in there. Great fit (no rattle).
I haven't had a need to remove the wiper arm when I swap.
Sorry, not a coupe solution.
I haven't had a need to remove the wiper arm when I swap.
Sorry, not a coupe solution.
08-14-2001, 08:56 AM
#10
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Do keep me posted on this one. Pics of the metal paint on wood would b nice too
I am getting a chip v soon and your set up looks cool. Silver and Black is my fav combo (like my car and my team - big Raiders fan, hey we all have problems!)
I'd love to put my new ecu into a little home like yours....
I'd love to put my new ecu into a little home like yours....