Is resetting the ecu an absolute must after installing a new aftermarket intake, cams, or exhaust or is it just something people should do for good measure?

 

i disconnect the battery before i do any mods anyways, id hate for it to spark and blow my ass up

 

I would say its a MUST when doing any mod that affects air flow in and out of the engine. You NEED to reset your short and long term fuel trims in order for the engine to maintain peak efficiency and power. With cams I also recommend some sort of fuel tuner to get the most out of them.

 

If you don't reset your ECU after doing an upgrade like that then your ECU will try running like your old parts are still on the car.

The best way to train the ECU is to warm your car up first, then reset the ECU. Then take the car out and drive it hard right away so the ECU re-learns against the new parts.