TT Swap ECU Help

[MarkerZ32]

So the time has come to start seriously planning my N/A to TT conversion. (I own a 92 slicktop, 2 seater, non-hicas so there's no way I'm gonna sell it for a TT) After some research (and experience swapping a blown N/A motor) I feel confident I can do the swap without much trouble. Unfortunately I cannot budget a standalone ECU and dyno tune until next year. What I would like to do is get an automatic engine and ECU as it is cheaper and much more readily available. (Ive also read they have more aggressive cams but not sure if it's a bunch of bs). My question is; will I be able to run the automatic ECU without mechanical issues to the engine? (Im not worried about the speedo at all) Also would I be able to use my current M/T harness or at least splice what I need from both? I'm really good with wiring and I do plan on tucking the harness and I really only want to do it once. Any help or recommendations are greatly appreciated!

[nissanfreak12]

Yes you can run a manual with an auto ecu, just not the other way around. The only different in the harness is at the trans harness and its a seperate harness from the main harness, just use the manual one vs the auto one. You will have a light illuminate if your car was already an auto and have to do a little rewiring.

[MarkerZ32]

Thanks, I thought I had read something to that extent but wasn't sure. This time last year I was driving an automatic S13 looking to swap a M/T so I just wanted to be sure.

[nissanfreak12]

I think the hardest part, for me at least, was the starter relay. Since it was through the security and wired a little different than the manual, I had to wire it up completely separate, with a whole new relay. For the life of me I coudn't figure out which wire they were talking about in the swap. Also, make sure you wire the auto shifter into neutral, otherwise your RPM's will actually be higher, never hurt anything for me, it was just obnoxious.

[MarkerZ32]

I looked around and decided to send the Automatic ECU out for an upgraded M/T unit. Has anyone had any experience with Z1 Motorsports?

[nissanfreak12]

They are good, customer service sucks. I have had good luck with concept Z performance. Specialty Z is probably the best in both service and customer service.

[MarkerZ32]

I actually spoke with a buddy of mine who installed a Z1 ECU on a tt swap. He said it's no better than a base map and the only real perk is a removable eprom socket. I'm really not too concerned with getting a better tune as much as I need an M/T unit. But $250 for an ECU is still pretty damn good compared to the used $700 navistar computer I installed on a '95 powerstroke O.o