173 ECU ~ Someone please fill me in.

[The Driver]

I asked this to one of the forum members who's selling his, I keep hearing about them from other E30 guys. so what exactly is so special about the 173 compared to what I have now (Stock 86 computer, forget the code).

[dashboardmonkey]

Assuming you have an "I" car, you have the 153 DME, the 173 fixes idle problems. 153 is motronic 1.1, 173 is 1.3. Not sure on the specifics but the 173 is an upgrade.

[Wh33lhop]

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=43140

Better idle circuit (smoother idle)

Most likely slightly better gas mileage

Stomp test vs. turnkey test to help diagnose problems more specifically

More importantly more aftermarket support for the 173. It's a straight swap with a 153 as long as you've got an i, although it looks like you've got an eta.

[The Driver]

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=43140

Better idle circuit (smoother idle)

Most likely slightly better gas mileage

Stomp test vs. turnkey test to help diagnose problems more specifically

More importantly more aftermarket support for the 173. It's a straight swap with a 153 as long as you've got an i, although it looks like you've got an eta.

Yea, I don't have an I. What exactly is the problem, is it still swappable?

[SpecM]

Yea, I don't have an I. What exactly is the problem, is it still swappable?

no, its not

not without swapping the entire engine harness and a bunch of sensors

[The Driver]

no, its not

not without swapping the entire engine harness and a bunch of sensors

So what are my power options for the Eta? Any recommendations?

[Uber E30]

http://r3vlimited.com/board/forumdisplay.php?f=129

[The Driver]

I think I'm just going to do intake, catback and springs/struts. I guess the Rx will have to be the speed car only.