97 LS400 - Security System as a Swap Candidate

[Man4God]

In doing some reading about this model year LS400, it appears as though it was the first year they used a "transponder" chip in the key that matched up with the ECU, allowing the car to be started.

Since I am in Kalifornia, my 97 4Runner needs a 97 or newer donor engine. So this is the car of my choice since the front sump matches up with my IFS.

I know the advantage of the 97 and earlier engines over the 98+ is the lack of VVTi and all the extra wiring/sensor madness that goes with it. There is one dodged bullet (to me).

But has anyone successfully used a 97 ECU, transplanted the security system and had a reliable vehicle?

Does the security system absolutely HAVE to be used with the ECU?

Would a solution be using a 96 ECU? Does that report on the DMV's scanner as a 96 then or does the VIN on the engine block make the DMV happy?

Thanks for all your help.

 

[4U2QUIK]

The smog shop can tell what year ecu you are using and if you do not have the correct year they will fail you.
also, to get past the security you can just use a same year federal ecu (non-cali) and switch the ignition wires. There's already a writeup on here on how to do it.
Try using the search feature on this website

 

[Man4God]

The smog shop can tell what year ecu you are using and if you do not have the correct year they will fail you.
also, to get past the security you can just use a same year federal ecu (non-cali) and switch the ignition wires. There's already a writeup on here on how to do it.
Try using the search feature on this website

Roger that. I will try to use the search more effectively. Thanks!

 

[4U2QUIK]

http://www.lextreme.com/forums/showthread.php?p=121576&highlight=immobilizer#post121576