Used Power FCs

[oofoofoo]

Hey All, just before i purchase one, anyone have any stories/advice on 2nd hand Power FCs, or any ECU for that matter. I figure that if you are going to get it retuned anyway, there is not much point buying a brand new one? THe only advantage i can think of is the warranty, but are they really prone to failure anyway?

comments/advice?

Cheers,

Matt

[Bass Junky]

What if somebody dropped it....

[Steve]

no moving parts, not alot to go wrong. Power fc is plug and play, so just plug it in (less than 5 minute job) and see if it works - simple.

[Jimbo2000]

yeah seriously no need for a new one cant go too wrong with no moving parts.

[Roy]

Well i bought a used Power FC about 18 months ago from Japan, and guess what it didnt work.

There were two possible reasons why it was no good. One was that it had been locked with the Exel software, so couldnt be tuned...the other was it was simply cactus. Thankfully the importer who i bought it thru refunded my deposit.

2nd time round (about 1 week ago) i just bought a new one, as demand is so good they often fetch near new money even when used.

But others have said, no moving parts, but they are still an electonic item that dont like shock, moisture and heat so still pays to be wary to test before you buy a used one.

[Sydneykid]

Hi oofoofoo, I bought (on the Skylines Downunder Forum) a used R32 GTST Power FC 2 years ago, no problems. Had it checked with a Datalogit software as I had heard about other R32 GTST ECU's coming with locked maps, mine was OK. I have since bought a Commander (on the Skylines Australia Forum) and my own Datalogit system (direct). Works great, highly recommended.

[lwells]

Absolutely no reason not to buy a second hand one (taking the usual precautions, obviously). However, I have been monitoring the prices on Yahoo JP pretty closely the last two months and, as Roy alluded too, the prices they fetch -- even in Japan -- is very close if not higher (by the time you include auction fees, agent fees and shipping) than to get a new one from Nengun/Greenline (~$1200 to your door with hand controller).

If anyone as a good deal on a used PFC (+ hand controller) for a R32 GT-R, let me know

Lucien.

[paulr33]

be careful as i believe in the past some models of the power fc dont work with various versions of the hand controller. i believe it boots to the apexi logo and sits there and does nothing else, i think the main cause is incorrect ecu vs hand controller version

could be the only downfall i guess

[lwells]

paulr33: yes, you have to match the hand controller to the PFC: obviously only a problem if you buy seperately, but something to be alert too.

Lucien.

[oofoofoo]

thanks all, for responses. I am getting one at a pretty good price so ill make sure i get some assurances of its tune-ability. As for hand controllers, looking at this site suggests that all the commanders made for nissans should be interchangable, just not other car brands. (ie they are all 415-X001s)

http://www.ooparts-international.co.jp/ind...r_fc/index.html

[JaFF]

where is a good place to get a second hand one?

[Bass Junky]

What price are you getting second hand?

New ones are cheap as at the moment

[lwells]

where is a good place to get a second hand one?

All the usual Skyline forums and workshops/stores, plus:

http://search1.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/sea...cale=0jp&acc=jp

Lucien.

[JaFF]

you need to be able to read japanese?

[lwells]

you need to be able to read japanese?

Version with big pictures:

http://search1.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/search...cale=0jp&mode=1

http://www.worldlingo.com is your friend (or Babelfish, when it works).

[JaFF]

mehh takes to long.

also how u meant to ask them q's if they cant understand english.

also not sure whats a cheap one or not!

i can get a new one for bout $1240 w/ hand controller.

Are they much cheaper than this?

[oofoofoo]

I am getting a second hand one for about $850 (without controller) - i just figured there is not much advantage in getting a new one, or even the hand controller, as i plan to get it tuned and then forget about it.

[lwells]

JaFF: $1240 (w/ hand controller) is about the right price. Aussie dollar is pretty crappy at the moment so prices are slowly rising as places order new stock.

oofoofoo: $850 for just a PFC, second hand, is more than I would pay since they are about $900-950 new last time I checked. For $100 I would rather the warranty..?

Lucien.