Almera GTi '98. Does anyone know if the ECU strictly controls the power output?

Question

I have done a few things to mine, including de-catting it. There has been no change in the power, subjectively or on a rolling road.

Answer 1

that because you must of by passed the oxygen sensor and header temperature sensor. Besides if you smell something burning chances is your vehicle. I hope you realize that without a cat your vehicle will have a flame shooting out of the back when your fuel mixture is too rich or too poor. Specially when down shifting causing a danger not only to you but to others. Having a cat does not change any performance because every vehicle is tunned to it's cat, the reason a cat is installed is not only to reduce emission's but to prevent unburnt fuel from slowly spreading down the pipe and eventually firing up shooting out of the back, and if you have an exhaust leak it will ignite under the vehicle sometimes spreading it and then igniting it.

Answer 2

Until you break the ECM code and modify the ignition intake camshaft timing and fuel mapping you may not see any real gains. Sounds like a Trip to the AEM website for a stand alone programmable ECM. If your car is running in fail safe fixed timing and mixture that might be the problem. Any codes presently in the computer. There is a lot of power potential in Cam Timing changes and Ignition timing re curve and Mas air flow recalculation. All done by the ECM so find a Tuner that can tweak your car.

Answer 3

The cars power is governed by the ECU and ultimately the system will have to be upgraded to notice any benefit from the mods you have carried out.
Good Luck
ps You will free up minimal horses with your mods but it will not be that noticeable, re-mapping definately req'd.