EK1 Flash Tune California Smog

[xRagee23]

Hey all,

I just recently had to remove mods like oil catch can and intakes for my very first smog test on my ‘18 Genesis G80 Sport here in SoCal and I’ve been looking into buying the EK1 and wanted to see if anyone has an answer for me. Since the EK1 flashes ECU can it reflash to stock for smog test every 2 years? Or would I need a spare ECU?

 

[turboAWD]

I think you probably need a spare ECU, due to it not necessarily being able to flash the VIN / CAL ID? Although not sure if they can detect even that? Where are you planning to buy the EK1 from? No one will ship to CA that I can see..

Have you considered / tried a jb4? Much easier to remove, and at least half the benefits of an ECU tune, IMHO.

I'm coming up on my first smog in about a year (bought car late in the '19 model run) - will need to undo intakes. I'm trying to remember if I need to replace the OEM intercooler? Pretty sure they won't care about my transmission cooler. Also intakes (going back to stock, may stay there).

 

[xRagee23]

I think you probably need a spare ECU, due to it not necessarily being able to flash the VIN / CAL ID? Although not sure if they can detect even that? Where are you planning to buy the EK1 from? No one will ship to CA that I can see..

Have you considered / tried a jb4? Much easier to remove, and at least half the benefits of an ECU tune, IMHO.

I'm coming up on my first smog in about a year (bought car late in the '19 model run) - will need to undo intakes. I'm trying to remember if I need to replace the OEM intercooler? Pretty sure they won't care about my transmission cooler. Also intakes (going back to stock, may stay there).

I have family in Oregon that can buy then ship it to me, but was just wondering how it would work with different ECU. Could it just work plug and play? Or does mileage or VIN have to match vehicle for it to work?

Also I already have JB4, I’ve had it since I got the car about 5 years ago and haven’t had any complaints. Just looking for a little more.

 

[turboAWD]

I have family in Oregon that can buy then ship it to me, but was just wondering how it would work with different ECU. Could it just work plug and play? Or does mileage or VIN have to match vehicle for it to work?

Also I already have JB4, I’ve had it since I got the car about 5 years ago and haven’t had any complaints. Just looking for a little more.

Ah, ok.. I've tried to find out, but with the car this close to smog every 2 years, etc, I'm happy with jb4 / E30. This is my "less mods" car, compared to the '05 Legacy GT where I had a stuffed turbo, gutted the UP, one DP cat, valve body (no TCU), etc, etc.. Took several hours to swap for smog and was always a pain. I'm getting older and have less time..

 

[Plakchup]

There is so little information out there about all of this and whole bef process. I'll try to help with whatever information I have available to share.

When you get a flash tune for ek1 you are also provided the oem ecu flash tune file. The smog will care more about having your oem primary cats on and no CEL being active. Worst case might need your oem secondaries back on temporarily. Really shouldn't have to reflash stock ecu but you do have that option if needed. Also I would think running a burble tune might negatively affect the results but I am not 100% sure about this. That's why it's good idea IMO to have the oem file, your tune with no burbles and maybe a mild burble tune if you want that.

There has been some changes happening also to the whole bef process where ek1 wants to basically be the online store for all the bef tunes out there. You no longer go to the tuner to get the tune. Honestly not a fan of it as it further just complicates things having to use ek1 currency system to buy a tune.

Right now at least with KJT there are owners having issues with the flashing process where the car can lock up and you will have to reflash the stock ecu. Some owners i know also were having bad timing corrections happening. It's being looked into so for now I would just stay with jb4 alone. No idea about bms or sleepytuned tune files. My tune is perfectly fine as it's from before all these changes. Remains to be seen what will happen. Really would like them to abandon this whole idea. If it aint broke don't fix it is my motto.

Some information below:

https://imgur.com/a/f7KJOsZ

 

[turboAWD]

Wow, that's even worse (bricking cars). There has been a question in CA about them also checking VIN number and CRC/checksum code, which would fail if you have an aftermarket flash.

 

[Plakchup]

I guess they ended up finding out that it was user error but haven't posted any updates yet. Oh well. I did talk to a owner who was doing back to back revisions and that ended up locking his ecu. Like doing at least 6 flashes one after another. Not something I would do lol. Also always need to use a battery tender no matter what.

Well anyways, I would go to a smog place you know and trust