The fact that it is even possible to update the ECU is a big benefit, IMHO.

Programmable ECU is great addition to the whole package. In the IMSA GT3 and other spec classes we, the tech inspectors, would often check the mapping, we even swapped ECU between cars before a race, not a great idea should one get damaged, who pays for replacement?
I would recommend that if any sealing is required it could be done without impeding removal from the car so as not to break the seal. These new electronics do not like welding even when the cables are disconnected, I recommend complete removal before any welding repairs are made.
The IMSA sealing process sealed the unit to the connection and the car, all cars had to have a sealed unit prior to qualifying, there were always many cars that had to be re-sealed before every race. A lot more staff, more test equipment, more time, less races, not a recommended process for us.

RacePrep wrote:Programmable ECU is great addition to the whole package. In the IMSA GT3 and other spec classes we, the tech inspectors, would often check the mapping, we even swapped ECU between cars before a race, not a great idea should one get damaged, who pays for replacement?
I would recommend that if any sealing is required it could be done without impeding removal from the car so as not to break the seal. These new electronics do not like welding even when the cables are disconnected, I recommend complete removal before any welding repairs are made.
The IMSA sealing process sealed the unit to the connection and the car, all cars had to have a sealed unit prior to qualifying, there were always many cars that had to be re-sealed before every race. A lot more staff, more test equipment, more time, less races, not a recommended process for us.

We had a SM race with prize money a few years ago. Our competition director at the time said to make sure to disconnect the ECUs and try and start the cars. Nobody took him seriously ("everybody knows a car won't start with the ECU disconnected"). Except at a later race, one did...

Dave

Yep, I have heard about "secondary" ECU's being located up under the dash in SM.
Too funny.

Racer X wrote:Yep, I have heard about "secondary" ECU's being located up under the dash in SM.
Too funny.

Then there's the nitro under the console.

BTW, RacerX - Road and Track's site is now featuring your zero to hero video. Plus they "found" the one from last year's Sprints. (They are such the YouTube experts)

Yep I saw that Dave, and Autoweek and a couple of other sites as well. Truly insane.
I just *thought* it had gone viral at 16k views. It was at 16k last Friday... crazy.