So an after market memcal will do the same thing? And do they just plug in and away you go? Ive got a manual ecu with a memcal in it, will that work in an auto ecu?
Technically, yes memcal's are plug and play.
But you need the correct one for your car...if you have an auto you need an auto if you have a manual you need a manual.
You mention aftermarket memcal....please use a reputable tuner....not a "stage 4 fully hectic ebay tune" unless you want to detonate your engine (trust me I have seen plenty of people try the TRX100 ebay stage 4 tunes on their car and ruin them)
MACE/The1 will do a good tune for you which in my opinion feels better than the HSV tune (and it will be a damn sight cheaper than trying to find a set of knock sensors and a genuine HSV memcal)
When it comes to a tune don't cheap out, its the backbone of your car and the slightest thing wrong in the tune can destroy engines.