Standalone ems and gearbox question

[ztunelover]

Ok I am planning on doing a vh45de swap into a z32. I have some special mods in mind. Nothing completely outrageous, but definitely not too mild. First my critical question. I would like to go to a standalone ems unit. But something close to PnP system like the AEM EMS. Even if it isn't a PnP I would like something that can work off the factory wiring and sensors. The SDS and Motec system needs me to make my own wiring harness and custom sensors or at least so it says on the website. I would like something that can essentially optimize the engine as much as it can.

Here is a few that caught my eye, can someone tell me if they work:1:) Autronic SM4. Seems to support V8 engines properly. Very popular with rb engines, so I have some faith with these units.2:)AEM EMS. Widely popular. Heffner uses these on the gallardo tt, which is a v10 so it should be able to tune a v8.

I would like to hear if anyone has any recommendations. I have a little experience with nistune, and a very miniscule knowledge on techtom systems. So the tuning itself isn't a major problem. But I am nowhere near able to put together my own wiring loom. So I need something that can work with the factory stuff. Any suggestions on what I can use would be most welcome.

Now to the not so important question. Gearboxes. Is there sufficient room in the back for a custom Getrag or a Ricardo gearbox? Effectively what I would like is engine in the front, gearbox in the back. Better weight balance. Plus both the Getrag and the Ricardo units seem to be about 10-15lbs lighter give or take a couple of pounds. And both have space for a limited slip diff. I have some work on top to make it work, but it would be useless to make any of that if it doesn't fit in the rear subframe. This is not a biggie. If its a no I will just stick with a z32 box, with upgraded ppg gearset. But hey if it works why not right?

[XJared]

Some AEM info.

zer...h45de

[ztunelover]

That did help a bit. But I'm still unsure. The AEM Z32 would simply plug in? And it wouldn't get confused by the lower resolution from the q45 maf? I am not very good with wiring stuff... yet, but I really don't want to run a whole bunch of mods on the ecu box itself. You know what? I just had a better idea. I am going to do a different project first. Once I finish training up I should have a better grasp of wiring, and just make an outrageous vh45de z32, built to the teeth putting down a crapton of power than jumping into unknowns like I am now. Hell a m48 is a sweet ecu, and the motec software is fantastic. But don't let that stop any tips. Any info I get I will compile into a pool of knowledge. Plus I am still drooling over that new vk56 direct injection vvl v8 in the m56. For all I know thats what I might decide to go with... even though it will probably be crazy expensive. Then again A vh45 built to the teeth wouldn't be chump change either. Oh and to anyone think any of this is finalized, don't. I have a habit of changing my mind randomly and quite often so I just might put this right back on the table. And this smiley has me . Not that one this one

[LEMHEAD16]

The factory ECU is very tunable and would be the ultimate PnP

[Chrispy300]

So are you just a dreamer or is this going to happen?

You're worried about the price of a VK56DD, but not the price of a race transaxle?!? Down here in Aus, a custom transaxle is around the $30k mark for a sequential.

And I can't see a transaxle fitting in a Z32 without huge mods.

Why do you care so much about getting a plug and play ECU? Wiring is pretty easy once you get your head around it. You have to mod the loom a bit to get the VH45 to work in a Z32 anyway.

[kingkilburn]

I think if I where you I would focus on the wiring and mounting of the engine.

Once that is done you can get all kinds of crazy with a transaxle.

[elwesso]

I agree.. I dont want to shoot you down but I think you should get the engine in the car with something mounted behind it and see where you're at.. Getting a VH45 into a Z32 completely stock is not an easy task, not to mention to have a perfectly running VH45 in the car is going to be a nice baseline.. If you dont know how a VH is supposed to run initially that is a big downfall, and theres a lot of finicky stuff on them..

Also take into consideration that on a Z32 by taking out the VG you're going to effectively be dropping the weight of the front, so you'll be much closer to 50/50 than say on a 240.

Judging from when Ive been under my Q, I would say a custom rear subframe would need to be made to get a transaxle in there, plus theres not a ton of room for driveshaft + shifter linkage I dont think..

[ztunelover]

All right I really should put this project back till I get more wrenching experience then. I was under the impression it was more of a sr20det swap into a 240sx. Basically pull the vg and in goes the vh with an adapter plate for the z32 box. Maybe I should try something for my first project.

[kingkilburn]

You will have to work out wiring either way.

The real important thing is to do some serious research on what ever you choose.

[ztunelover]

what would be your recommendations for a first project? And what kind of wiring work am I looking at? I'm learning how to do the wiring stuff now, but I am not sure I can make my own looms. I can do some basic splices, and crimp terminal ends. And thats about it for now. The mechanical bits I am not too worried about, I have overhauled lycoming aviation engines so the mechanical bits I am pretty sure I can do. The wiring stuff makes me nervous, I can probably do it, but since this is my first project the last thing I want to do is overstretch myself, and put myslef off this, because this entire modified cars and personalizing it is brilliant.

Would a r32 gts-t be a good base to start work with? The 300zx with the vg is super cramped, and the r32, and I'm guessing the r33 gtrs are disturbingly complex.

Listen guys please don't flame me, I'm just trying to figure out a good start point. My wiring ability isn't non existant but it isn't particularly amazing, so I would like to fiddle with something, to learn and expand out. Once I get the basics that won't require much wiring work off the start, I can start to understand the diagrams properly, and start doing my wiring work. I know this stuff is easy for u guys, but its a coppery nightmare for me... for now.
Modified by ztunelover at 10:23 PM 4/7/2010

[elwesso]

I dont think a Z32 swap is that bad, theres plenty of info here so you can make your own call. Ive never done one, but its DEFINITELY not plug and play like a SR in a 240. I would say anyone who has done it has well above average wiring/mechanical/fabrication know-how..

Wiring the stock VH45 into a stock Z32 isnt that big of a deal, its a few splices here and there, and its all pretty well documented.

From what I know for sure, you'll need to modify the headers or make new ones, make a new oil pan/pickup, and new mounts.. The VH45 is a front sump engine, where the Z32 VG is a rear sump.