1PhatG said:
You don't need to in order to run the cams, but it is definitely recommended for the maximum performance gain. Without the cam program your idle may fluctuate and the cam program will also add anywhere from 2-6 hp from what I've heard.
I don't mean to pick on you, but people say that all the time "for maximum performance gain you must use the ECU."
Well, IMHO for maximum performance gain, you should run C2 cams, valve springs, 300ZX pistons with Swain coatings, HS header with Swain coating, .......
My point is you can always do more. Again, I'm not picking on you, just using your post to make my point. I see this said all the time.
The ECU is not necessary. It will mainly smooth the idle out. It will add a few hp, but not $600 worth. Remapped ECUs are probably one of the most misunderstood mods. With today's modern sequential fuel injection, most manufacturers don't leave 15 hp on the table anymore. The ECU can add power, but it also can take care of a lot of other things, like smoothing out the idle, allowing removal of
some emissions equipment on the earlier cars, keep a car that is overheating from getting thermal runaway, etc.
It's a valuable mod, but one that I think should come near the end of the mods unless you are installing a turbo or something else that
does require the ECU to be modified.