Budget V8 Swap (under $10,000)

[Cerevo]

I know this is a bit old, but I have to say this makes my decision between Gen coupe and FRS a little harder now.. I really like that you've done this all your self!

I remember, Vorschlag? I think it was, having issues getting the factory gauges to work with the GM ecu. $75 and some working around is all it took. Kind of amazing. That says a lot about you, in a good way.

Could you speak more on what you needed to do with that Canbus system to make the gauges work? (or point me to a thread where it is laid out possibly?)

Again, awesome build!

[wutsaiu]

Originally Posted by Cerevo

I know this is a bit old, but I have to say this makes my decision between Gen coupe and FRS a little harder now.. I really like that you've done this all your self!

I remember, Vorschlag? I think it was, having issues getting the factory gauges to work with the GM ecu. $75 and some working around is all it took. Kind of amazing. That says a lot about you, in a good way.

Could you speak more on what you needed to do with that Canbus system to make the gauges work? (or point me to a thread where it is laid out possibly?)

Again, awesome build!

First off you need to disconnect the stock ECU because it will send information packets that will 'zero' out your tach, etc.

You'll notice that some of the gauge cluster works without the ecu connected (fuel, speedo, etc)

To get the ones that are no longer working you need to replicate the packets the ECU originally sent. I managed to figure out a few of them and send my own packets using Arduino with canbus module which I leave connected to OBD2 port permanently. Arduino has inputs and I connected a tach output from the GM ecu to one of the inputs and my code reads the pulses and converts it to rpm value. The rpm value is used in the packet that controls the tach. I did discover at one point the coolant temp packet but I'm using a better temp gauge so I didn't bother programming that. I got the CEL to go off and the power steering to turn on. Traction control is a complex system and I never used it anyways although it would be nice to have the indicator lights for those systems off. The only crucial thing I've yet to get working is ABS but I haven't put any effort into that yet.

For those who don't understand programming I've been very open and shared my code, it's really nothing complex or special. The hard part was figuring out all this on my own. I guess my comp sci degree helped me out for once, it sure didn't get me a good job

[NissanGuy]

Originally Posted by wutsaiu

My loss is someone else's gain and I can live with that.

You're alright. I like you.

So.. it is stock aside from the big engine?! Definitely take it in for as much warranty work as you possibly can. Just, uh, no oil changes.

Originally Posted by HatchirokuV2.0

These cars just CRAWL when getting past 127MPH.

Well, man. Jesus.

[FRS Justin]

I'm actually thinking about doing this swap on my other frs. Excellent job.
I think it's funny how some people say you ruined the car but if you put a 2j in it they would be all over your junk with praises......SMH......

[wutsaiu]

Originally Posted by NissanGuy

You're alright. I like you.

So.. it is stock aside from the big engine?! Definitely take it in for as much warranty work as you possibly can. Just, uh, no oil changes.

Well, man. Jesus.

I've thought many times of going in for a cabin filter change, maybe have some hidden cameras.

I decided at least for now to keep the car looking stock, stock wheels, stock shifter handle, I even kept the dealer licence plate trim which I would normally junk immediately. The only visible difference is tires and my two gauges.

[wutsaiu]

Originally Posted by FRS Justin

I'm actually thinking about doing this swap on my other frs. Excellent job.
I think it's funny how some people say you ruined the car but if you put a 2j in it they would be all over your junk with praises......SMH......

It feels nice when people like your car and the work you did. However at the end of the day I just wanted to put my favorite engine in my new favorite car. It's for me, not for them, and not to show off. It's also not a race car, I didn't change engine to get better lap times. I just wanted the power and sound I had with my last car in the lightweight modern body of the FRS.

[NyC Zn6]

Originally Posted by wutsaiu

It feels nice when people like your car and the work you did. However at the end of the day I just wanted to put my favorite engine in my new favorite car. It's for me, not for them, and not to show off. It's also not a race car, I didn't change engine to get better lap times. I just wanted the power and sound I had with my last car in the lightweight modern body of the FRS.

Off topic but you had three turbo's on a Chevelle?

[wutsaiu]

Originally Posted by NyC Zn6

Off topic but you had three turbo's on a Chevelle?

It was an experiment, I used some RX-7 parts to make the 3rd turbo only come on at higher rpm/load. It worked but the transition between 2 and 3 was slow and there was some initial boost drop. Best just to keep it simple and select the right turbo for the right application but it was fun to go to car shows and see people scratch their heads.

[NyC Zn6]

Originally Posted by wutsaiu

It was an experiment, I used some RX-7 parts to make the 3rd turbo only come on at higher rpm/load. It worked but the transition between 2 and 3 was slow and there was some initial boost drop. Best just to keep it simple and select the right turbo for the right application but it was fun to go to car shows and see people scratch their heads.

i didn't even see the car and i'm scratching my head lol....

[bumppinKota]

Originally Posted by wutsaiu

It was an experiment, I used some RX-7 parts to make the 3rd turbo only come on at higher rpm/load. It worked but the transition between 2 and 3 was slow and there was some initial boost drop. Best just to keep it simple and select the right turbo for the right application but it was fun to go to car shows and see people scratch their heads.

Pics?

[wutsaiu]

Originally Posted by bumppinKota

Pics?

Not the cleanest looking engine bay but everything worked.

[bumppinKota]

That looks awesome and like trouble. My right foot feels heavier just looking at it.

[dill916]

Great job as a DIY project! I hope to V8 swap my BRZ someday. did i overlook where the canbus solution was posted?

[wutsaiu]

Originally Posted by dill916

Great job as a DIY project! I hope to V8 swap my BRZ someday. did i overlook where the canbus solution was posted?

Parts I used for canbus solution are in my parts list, all one one line from sparkfun.com

Arduino Uno R3, Canbus shield for arduino, and an OBD2 cable


Code I've shared to those who ask but I have not posted it.