Pre-Facelift 4200: Upgrading the Skyhook ECU

[FIFTY]

This only applies to 4200 coupe pre-face lift model only

Skyhook ECU part number 195840 was superseded by 206233.



I picked up one of the latter PNs from a breaker used and fitted it today. I believe there is a slight yet noticeable difference in the performance of the skyhook mostly during high speed cornering, heavy breaking and acceleration

I have a FD sway bar kit fitted which increases the amount of grip and stability so this could be exaggerating minor improvements in the skyhook software.

I did switch the ECUs over and the car felt like it was a little softer and inclined to body roll on the older PN. It is early days of testing this as I only did a 30 minute loop with each version but my initial thoughts are that the dampers feel somewhat firmer but perhaps around 10% difference. Likewise SPORTS felt more firm and balanced than before.

Worth noting my rear tyres are close to the legal limit on the inner edge and 6 years old (getting new tyres fitted in 2 weeks) but the car felt more stable on the newer PN where is was tending to do body roll over steer with the old PN

Do not try to swap in a post face lift or GS Skyhook ECU as they are not compatible with the older cars, I know this as I tried it and it did not work

Finally the information on ES regarding this part is bogus their info is massively misleading - Scuderia parts have the correct info if you wish to research this for yourself.

 

[Pgp340]

Very interesting. I have later car a 2006 spyder GS and i cant get the sport button to stiffen the dampers. The dealer charged a a lot of money and could not figure it out. can you help ?

 

[FIFTY]

Now I have driven the car a little more I can confirm the newer skyhook programming on the ECU basically makes the shocks rock hard compared to the previous ECU.

The main drawback is how unpleasant choppy local roads are compared to the old ECU which is more plush - a bit like an old Mercedes

Benefits, less body roll, squat and dive. Improved high speed stability when cruising and cornering... Less bouncing.

I do wonder when this programming was released and if it relates in any way to the maps that are on the GS or facelift 4200's which are all under different part codes. Guess we will never find out.

I am going to keep both

 

[mjheathcote]

Interesting observation.
When you say pre facelift do you refer to MY 02, 03 possibly 04?

 

[FIFTY]

Interesting observation.
When you say pre facelift do you refer to MY 02, 03 possibly 04?

Anything pre face lift so MY04 and before with Skyhook

If you want to look it up the correct info is on Scuderia Parts... ES has the wrong info on compatibility.