Where abouts are you located -I checked out Haltech when I was looking for an ECU and it seemed it wasn't recommended for a 3SGE with VVT-i, a least with the guys I checked with so it was struck off the list.
Pick an ECU your mapper works with, for example I think the Link and the MoTec come with base-maps for the VVT-i 3SGE (Link did anyway). I'd suggest choosing a different mapper if he doesn't know.
....but that's only my limited experience of it.
How much are you spending on an ECU before mapping -pro mapping is always expensive, particularly if a decent dyno session is included. But I really believe you get what you pay for with this and a good mapper is worth his weight in gold. A good mapper might also offer you trade rather than full rates for dyno time (wink wink).
...Have you tried Thor Racing in the UK for advice? They're doing some pretty good stuff with Black Tops and other Toyota engines I think and can suplly a whole range of ECU's. The guy (I forget his name) is very approachable.
I know last time I was there they were transplanting a black top in a 70's Celica, and they had an Altezza race car up on the ramps. They were also in Japanese Performance magazine this month with a gen 3 Supra they'd fitted with a 1UZ-FE 4L V8.
...maybe just somewhere you might like to check with although it is UK based I guess?
Home - Thor Racing (Japanese Performance Car Tuning)