Fitting aftermarket ECU chips is a proven method of gaining power and torque from your Calibra 4x4 Turbo. Boost and ignition maps are altered, rev limits raised and several other factors can be changed to improve power.
However, undertaking this task yourself has the potential to destroy the ECU if you aren't careful. Make sure you wear an anti-static wristband or earth yourself to part of the car.
This guide does not cover the removal of the ECU, but in brief, you must remove the trim panel to the right of the pedals. Disconnect the vacuum hose from the ECU, and undo 3 bolts to slide it out.
(Above) ECU removed from the car. Highlighted in yellow are the torx screws holding the ECU closed. (Below) is a picture of the torx screws being removed.
Next use a small flat-headed screwdriver or similar to squeeze under the metal tabs (highlighted below in red). Nudge these up slightly with the small screwdriver, then use a normal sized-screwdriver to properly bend them out of the way.
The metal case should now lift off to reveal the two ECU boards connected together. The chips you will be changing are in the middle, so they need separating. Note the boards are joined on one edge by a cream coloured ribbon, this must not be tampered with! You will unhook the opposite edge (long thick black bar) and pivot the ECU open on the ribbon.
Push the nylon tabs in around the edges of the board, to separate the two boards. There are small nylon pegs and legs that need pushing through the board to allow them to separate.
(Above) The ECU opened, pivoting on the ribbon. You can now see the stock chips that are to be replaced.
(Below) Stock chips in protective carriers, highlighted in yellow.
Open the protective carriers and remove them for the time being. Use a fine screwdriver to *gently* work the chips out of their slots. You must raise them evenly, so work around the chip and raise it in a uniform manner so as not to bend the legs. Make note of the orientation of the chips, there will be a cutout in one corner. This is important when fitting the new chips.
Handle the chips with care and make sure you are free of static.
Now you simpy press the new chips into place, in the correct orientation. Clip the carriers back on, reassemble the ECU and off you go!
I opted to simply plug the ECU in loosely and not bother to bolt it up until I had done a test run to confirm the car starts and runs correctly. Only then did I re-fit it. Now go and enjoy some high-boost action!
