Manual ECU on Automatic 89 240sx?

[onosqv]

Hi, I was wondering if it would be possible/not harmful to use a manual ecu on an automatic, the 89 240sx in particular. I know the idles are different, which I will fix w/ a SAFC, but I don't know if there is anything in the auto ecu that controls how the transmission works/shifts which the manual ecu doesn't.

The reason I'm asking is that I am considering getting an AEM EMS from our sponsor, which apparently only supports manual 4 cylinder Nissans (only skylines have auto aem ems's).

Don't want to to drop down $1600 and get a mod that doesn't work for me.

Would actually putting a manual ecu from another sohc 240sx in my 240sx be a sufficient test? Will this damage anything?

Thanks in advance!

[98s14inaz]

Not a good idea. Do the 5spd swap first, then run a 5spd ecu, then get your standalone.

[onosqv]

Not a good idea. Do the 5spd swap first, then run a 5spd ecu, then get your standalone.

Thanks for the response. I'm actually planning on keeping it automatic, just wondered if there was a major diff between the auto & manual ecu's, which seems there is.

[98s14inaz]

Yeah there is a big difference, you will have starting/drivability problems. Not to mention to an extent the ecu also controls the transmission. There is a separate computer for the transmission but you will have issues and a cel. I was going auto KAT with my 98 but it got totaled 1 week before install.

[azncorruptedo17]

The difference with Automatic ECU in a 5speed Manual is that the fuel cut off is higher, rev limit is higher and i believe it will also lower your mpg since it will dump more fuel and put out more power, nothing drastic though i just wanted to throw that out for you.

Also, with an AT ecu in a MT, you need to adjust the Idle since it will probably be funky at the start, so adjusting the idle will fix that easily. Other than that an AT ecu in an MT is a good easy and cheap upgrade =]