If you reflash an ecu..... will it pass smog with all cats installed? and if not is it possible to reflash it back to stock mode?

 

If the reflash was for the stock turbo and stock cats then, yes, it should pass with no problem as long as you haven't had any CELs recently. Most reflashes modify WOT mapping and leave the idle and cruise conditions mostly unmodified, or at least not enough to affect emissions under a no-load test.

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0==WW==0
"…axles of evil…" - george w. bush

 

would the dealer be able to tell if you reflashed your ecu ?

 

Only if there are telltale signs such as a sticker affixed to the ECU. I guess the dealer might be suspect something if they test drive the car and it is noticeably quicker than a stock car but I wouldn't worry about it.

--
0==WW==0
"…axles of evil…" - george w. bush

 

The dealer would have to be specifically looking for it- but if htey are, they're probably going to deny you already.

 

I just got back from CT over the Thanksgiving weekend and got to drive my buddy's 2003 Evo w/ a reflashed ECU and an after market turbo back exhaust. And now that I'm back in CA driving my stock 2004 WRX, I realize the significant difference in power delivery and rush that my friend's Evo delivers.

Anyway, because of this I'm starting to consider either Vishnu's Stage Sub-Zero or Stage Zero. The Sub-Zero basically consists of only a remapped ECU, while the Stage Zero adds a Main Power Pulley and 321 Up-Pipe kit. So the reason for my post is to ask if any of you out there has had any experience w/ either of these two stages. Basically I want a reasonable gain in power and torque without unreasonably compromising reliability. I know that any time you do these things there's always a risk on the reliability to some degree, but wanted to know if it's still a fairly safe gamble. Any input would be truly appreciated.

Thanks!

JB

 

If you do a full Vishnu Stage 1, your WRX will feel almost as fast as your friend's Evo. You definitely need a full turboback and uppipe to maximize the stock turbo. If you want your car to be AS FAST as his, you'll need a turbo, fuel pump, and injectors too.