The other day I was looking around on ebay at some CAI's and noticed the install instructions for some of them said to remove the negative battery cable to reset the ECU after installation. Is this necessary at all when installing a new cat-back exhaust? Instructions don't mention it but I thought I'd ask to be sure.

I know on my bike, the ECU has to be adjusted via a tuner or download when you add higher flowing components but most particularly if you add a higher flowing intake. But not sure if and how that translates to trucks.

 

nahh, i never did anything. The ecu will re-learn itself after a few trips and ignition cylces.
i installed Headers, catback, K&N filter all at separate times and never once reset the ecu.
Don't expect seat of the pants performance if that's your intentions???
I though fuse #24 or something was the master fuse to the ecu????

 

Not looking for more performance dog, just a little rumble. I thought the ECU's were constantly sensing and relearning/adjusting which is why I was wondering why the ECU would need to be reset for anything. Thanks for confirming...

 

As a rule, I reset it if I mess with something that has a direct relationship with a sensor. CAI, Headers, cats - yeah. 'Dog is correct that the 'puter will gradually adjust itself, but I like to see/feel the difference right after a mod.
As far as after installing a cat-back, I'd say no. The last sensor in the system measures the exhaust difference after passing through the cat (and unlike the sensor in front of the cat, the PCM doesn't make any adjustments based on it's reading anyway), I don't think you'd see any difference resetting it...



and 'dog, you didn't disconnect your battery to install your headers? I had always heard that was a no-no...

 

Nope, just put it on and run it.