Legality of aftermarket ecu?

[ausgolfer]

Does anyone know what the legalities of aftermarket ecu's are state per state?
I believe in Victoria they are illegal unless you've gone to the massive expense of having it emissions tested(must be equal or better emissions performance than the spec of the standar engine that it's being used on) as part of the engineering process?

[Golfwise]

Are we lucky in Tas.
No rules we can do what we like and no checks either.

[syncro]

Actually they are technically illegal in all states as they have not been tested for compliance with ADR ## etc.

You can get them tested though and approved.

Whether anyone notices or cares is another story.

[Golf Loon]

Yeah my VR6 Ibiza just got engineered with Microtech and the guy didn`t care. Even though it says "For Race Purposes only" on the box. As if your average cop is ever gonna notice anyway.

[WABIT]

what happends if one of us becomes a cop huh??
wed all be screwed!

wabit

[static1800]

Ive got a wolf 3D ECU, no idea if it is legal or not dont care really.. no copper will find it, its right up under the dash that is unless he see's the chord runing to the monitor/adjuster jigga under my seat.... :roll:

[imported_brackie]

Insurance

Ive got a wolf 3D ECU, no idea if it is legal or not dont care really.. no copper will find it, its right up under the dash that is unless he see's the chord runing to the monitor/adjuster jigga under my seat.... :roll:

Yeah.. But if you write it off or (God forbid) somebody dies in it there'll be a very thorough inspection by the insurance assessor/coroner. You may have noticed that on insurance applications there is always a "modifications" section or "non-disclosure" warning. Insurance companies will do anything to squirm out of paying, and coroners..........Well.

[gtimk5]

At least with the direct port programing it is vertually impossible to access the upgrade, especially if you have the security code option!

[Bug_racer]

I could dispute that , but Im over these APR vs Giac chip wars . All I can say is do your research before making any statements regarding chips .

[gtimk5]

Sorry. Didn't realise there was any "wars" between the two. Spose I haven't been on this forum long enough. Mates?

[Bug_racer]

There are , Im happy to be in competition with you as long as its civilised and your claims are based on facts . Im just pissed at all these claims being thrown around but actuall 1/4 mile times and "real" dyno figures are never given .

[syncro]

There are , Im happy to be in competition with you as long as its civilised and your claims are based on facts . Im just pissed at all these claims being thrown around but actuall 1/4 mile times and "real" dyno figures are never given .

An oldie but true;

"THe bull**** stops when the clutch drops".

[static1800]

Re: Insurance

Ive got a wolf 3D ECU, no idea if it is legal or not dont care really.. no copper will find it, its right up under the dash that is unless he see's the chord runing to the monitor/adjuster jigga under my seat.... :roll:

Yeah.. But if you write it off or (God forbid) somebody dies in it there'll be a very thorough inspection by the insurance assessor/coroner. You may have noticed that on insurance applications there is always a "modifications" section or "non-disclosure" warning. Insurance companies will do anything to squirm out of paying, and coroners..........Well.

it is actually listed as being standard LOL, the only non vw gear in it though is the ECU and front seats.

[TassieGTi]

I could dispute that , but Im over these APR vs Giac chip wars . All I can say is do your research before making any statements regarding chips .

Geez that hit a nerve, Seb. I am sure that gtimk5 was naive to the fact that any 'wars' between APR and GIAC even exist! Anyway, I think the initial purpose of this thread was to discuss the legality of an aftermarket ECU and not factory ECU upgrades. The comparison has been done to death, particularly on the OZ Audi forum. There is no right or wrong way to go! Whether it be APR, GIAC, MTM, Wetterauer, Revo Technik, Oettinger or Powerchip probably means nothing to most people! They all claim similar improvements to both power and torque! I'd say it's the dealer service and back-up they receive that matters

Having said that, there are still variables that are going to effect whether 1/4 mile times and dynos are comparable anyway!

[gtimk5]

Thanks Mike, I wass unaware of the battle line and I never mentioned APR.
So can we now put the posting back to the legalties issue.
I am not sure if they would check ECUs. I think they would look more closely at the actual vehicle itself in the event of a serious crash.
Checking for complete roadworthiness and driver error issues