Hi Everyone:

A while back I posted shortly after taking my '07 G35x in to update the CPU and make the throttle less jumpy on takeoff, that I had gotten improved fuel economy, but slightly less fun as a result. I now have more comprehensive results to report on.

Bottom line, I have seen a 5mpg improvement overall in the last 3 months, but there's no question that it's not as fun to drive unless I switch to manual shifting mode and use the paddle shifters. I love the better mpg, and I was expecting D to be less fun since it obviously requires a larger gas input to get the equialent acceleration. However, what I've noticed is that both D, and DS mode shift more slowly than they did before, and most importantly, DS mode used to feel to me like it could read my mind - it knew exactly when to shift up, when to down shift into a turn, etc. Now, while I still think it feels good, there is definitely not that sense of one with the car that I had before, and it definitely feels to me like it shifts more slowly.

Once I use the paddle shifters, it feels identical to what it did prior to this update. So while I used to drive either in D, DS, or M (manual shifting with paddle shifters), I now pretty much drive in D when I'm stuck in traffic, or M when I'm not stuck in traffic, and looking for some more enjoyment.

Would I do it again? Probably not, even though the 5mpg is a big money saver...

Cheers
T1328

 

Interesting... I have debated whether to have this done or not. I was more interested in addressing a shuddering feel around 40 MPH. This thread talks about it.

I can feel the shudder in the approximate 37-42 MPH range. If I throw it over into DS and then push forward to 5th gear it will go away. It feels like TC is quickly locking up and unlocking when it happens but if I throw it into manual 5th it appears to force the lockup. Your comments about altered shift pattern after re-flash makes me think this ECM rev has altered the shift map again like 045 did. I did experience the symptoms of 045.

 

I've driven an 08 (loaner) with the update applied and I was not happy with the driving experience.
I agree that the mpg savings was there, but without the fun factor, I'd soon be bored with my G.
After driving the other G for a week, I decided to keep mine right where it is.

 

Aeson - I think you made the right decision. I would consider reversing it if that was possible - but it isn't. On the plus side by the way, my wife can now drive my car without it lurching every time she takes off, and giving her a fright :-).

Cheers
T1328

 

i never did the update as well. i drove an 08 loaner and didnt see any reason to do it.

 

thanks for the update...definitely not doing it now!

 

is this update for '07's only? i have just bought an '08 but i don't know if all '08's automatically had this reflash done at the factory or dealership.

 

08's (except for the very first on the lot) have this already applied.

 

Thanks for the update t1328. Appreciate it.

I talked to my Dealer about the ECU upgrade to get rid of the sensitive throttle. They were going to do it for me, But after reading these reports I think I will stay with my touchy throttle and keep the smirk on my face

 

Wayne, any drop in sight yet?
We've been working on a possible Impul group buy.

Maybe when the wives find out, you and I can meet while in group marriage conseling.

 

Group buy

Scott, I think you could bet on seeing me at that Councillers

 

Is the 5mpg improvment a factor of the city driving only?
I don't see how the flash would make a difference for highway driving.

btw Wayne - it seems a lot of us want to see your X lowered for some reason....NO PEER PRESSURE though.
I know what winter is like where you live.

 

+5 mpg? What were you getting before?

I currently get 16-17 mpg (DS mode - stop and go all the time)

I figure if I could raise my mpg by 5, I could save $600 or so a year in gas... is the performance really that big of a drop off?

 

Guess I'm in the minority, but I prefer the post-TSB drive, just a bit more civilized, and I can always switch to manual when I want to cut loose. I like the fact that you don't have to even think about bracing your coffee cup when you're getting ready to leave a stop light. The slight easing into the throttle may take a bit of the edge off the initial launch but I've gotten to apreciate it. I wouldn't go back~but I'm 46 so maybe I'm a geezer around here, lol The car still hauls ***!

 

Yeah - I still love this car, and as you pointed out, blnewt, it still hauls ***. I also never actually figured out the $600/year before... that's a lot of money - maybe I would stick to this change despite the negatives....

My real complaint here is not so much with the throttle sensitivity being different. I think that part is actually good because of the points blnewt mentioned above. What I don't like is that the gear changes in both D and DS have changed, and feel slower unless I'm in M mode.

My mileage prior was 14.5 (I'm a fairly agressive drive, and it's an X, so the fuel economy is worse than the regular or the S), and now it's 19.5. I don't think it makes any difference in the highway, but city has so much of a larger impact on the MPG average that this is where the primary difference comes in.

My best advice to those considering it, is to try to get an '08 loaner to drive for the day. In my case, I test drove an '08 for 20 mins. Probably not enough time to tell that the gearing is different. Blnewt, I'm also relatively geezer'ish (for this message board I suspect) at 36.

Cheers
T1328