ROW Reflash

[cvhs18472]

I will show my ignorance by asking what is a ROW Reflash and what benifits are there to it? Thanks, Ed

[Cloudsurfer]

RoW stands for Rest of World, which means intended for cars outside North America. The RoW software has some differences over the North American version. They are:

Does not monitor the post cat oxygen sensors. This opens up the possibility of running non catted headers without dealing with check engine lights or the mickey mouse hacks to try to avoid them.

Does not require the clutch to be depressed to start the car.

Removes top speed limiter.

Is optimized for better fuel, so may allow slight power gains.

Does not run the secondary air injection pump.

There are probably a few other differences, but these are the notable ones.

[Stroked & Blown]

Any performance benefits to disabling the secondary air injection pump?

I'd imagine that the exhaust would be more efficient, as there is less volume going through the system, though gains are probably minimal.

[yimmy149]

I think that pump only runs for the first 30 seconds after the car is started to help warm the cats up faster, so there wouldn't be any performance gains. Unless I'm mistaken.

[j.fro]

Any tips on where to get the ROW reflash?

[cvhs18472]

Thanks Cloudsurfer. Do you know if this is something that a dealership can or will do? Ed

[Cloudsurfer]

The secondary air pump only runs for the first minute, when the engine (and cats) are cold, so the only performance gain is the mild weight loss potential from removing the system, if you so choose.

It's really only worth bothering with if you're going to go to a catless exhaust to avoid the check engine light issue. Any shop with a PST2 or PIWIS can do it, but you'll never get a dealer to do it for you as it's something they're "not supposed to do."

If you find an independent shop with a PST, they'll need your DME and immobilizer codes (which you'll have to get from your dealer, after providing proof of ownership of the car).

[cvhs18472]

Thanks, Ed