can you use the Audi S8 4.2 ECU in another car not Audi?

[s1v8esprit]

I am looking to fit a S8 4.2 V8 into my Lotus Esprit and wanted some help on ECU options!
Has anyone used the Audi ECU in another car? or what is good aftermarket ECU to setup?
Help with engine loom and base map?

Thanks

[k20erham]

Hi, trust me I have been here, Lets assume you have your Bosch (Audi ECU) infront of you that cost you nothing with the exact pin out information and the loom that goes with it, lets also assume you put the Audi engine in your Lotus Just because you got it free with the ECU and loom, you only now need to get it mapped to suit the lighter car and differant gear ratios to the Audi and anything else you had to change to get it to fit.
Dependant on which Bosch ECU you have I think the only option is a reflash of the ECU with an existing flash file IE something known to the file modifiers, ANYTHING is possible with enough money, I spent nearly twice what a stand alone ECU cost trying to get it right, and ended up going to a Specialist Componants ECU who did a perfect job.
It will ofcourse be great to know if any of the Mapping firms can now access all the peramiters of the bosch ECUs like a stand alone unit or the Bosch Motorsport ECU.

[ManOpener]

What did Hilly do with his in the end, VEMS? I'd be inclined to go down the trodden path with something like that, Megasquirt/VEMS or DTA I think have been used with the ABZ or similar age engines.

[SuperchargedVR6]

The problem with the Audi ECU is too many other peripheral systems talk to it (gearbox, steering wheel, ABS brakes, etc) and disabling them can be a lengthy process of picking through all the (numerous) fault codes, one by one, until they've all gone.

It's always the silly things that catch you out and add time and cost, for example, on some VAG ECUs, if there is no vehicle speed sensor connected to it, you get a 4500rpm rev limit. And if you don't hook up all the evap emissions crap, you won't get any long term fuel trim adaptations. Etc etc.

You'd be better off using a standalone as said. If the Audi engine is drive by wire, I recommend you keep it and find an ECU to suit. Any old VAG DBW pedal will work with a standalone..... and there again, that reminds me of another OEM quirk. Some DBW ECUs need a specific pedal to go with it! Complete ball ache!