Z32 OBD-I ---> OBD-II. Conversion

[TTuner]

Hey all!I own a 91 Z32 NA.I am planning on doing the TT conversion in April. I have put a great deal of thought and planning into all of the changes I would like to make to my car. And in this whole process I have decided that I would like to change my OBD-I system to OBD-II. The best way I can think to do that is to just use a front clip from a 96 TT to do the conversion and with a little work I could probably make that work. Otherwise, I have no idea how I am going to do this swap. I am sure someone has done something like this or could at least offer some insight into this project. Any thoughts, ideas, input on this swap would be greatly appreciated! Thank you all in advance and I look forward to hearing your thoughts on this!

[Ace2cool]

I would actually steer you away from the front clip of the 96, because if I recall correctly, there was actually a 20 hp drop in power for the 96 model, though Nissan refused to admit it.

[TTuner]

I am aware that Nissan detuned the Z in 96 to meet increasing emissions standards that came with the OBD-II systems.

However, while im not happy about the hp loss, if it meant the OBD-II conversion would be easy, I would take the loss.

I am also planning on going with the Garrett 600hp turbo, so the loss shouldn't hurt too bad. But would the 96 front clip hook up to the 91 okay? That was another major concern of mine...

[TTuner]

And if I don't go with the 96 front clip, any ideas on how to integrate the OBD-II system?

[alright2020]

what is the force driving you to convert to obdII?

[NolimitZ32]

Really you have to one by one replace all the sensors and harnesses to be compatiible with OBDII but my question is WHY do you want OBDII?

[TTuner]

If I went with the 96 front clip though, I shouldn't have to do all that work, right?

And I want to go obd2 for the tuning capabilities. (I.E. Magden carputer, conZole etc.)

[NolimitZ32]

If you go with a 96 clip you should get everything you need to run OBDII but you should consider the fact that there is not much support for OBDII Z32s and also take a look at this: nistune.com OBDII tuning capabilities for OBDI ECUs

[TTuner]

Think I like the magden product better I think. And then I think ill just do the front clip from the 96.

Does anybody know of any reason that a 96 front clip would be any harder to install than an earlier model clip? Any complications that I don't know about? Because it seems as though it would bolt in just the same, I imagine without looking at any diagrams that the only difference outside of the front clip would be the second O2 sensor.

Any input on the 96 front clip?

[NolimitZ32]

Ive never heard of the magden in use but if you end up getting it we want reviews, also i didn't find this on their website, can you tune with that thing or just datalog? sorry i can't give you any straightforward answer bout the 96 clip, i just don't know.

[TTuner]

I guess I will just plan on going with the 96 front clip. Thanks for the input. Ill definitely end up going with the Magden system, and Ill post a review when I install it, but I have no idea how soon it will be done. But ill definitely post a review when its done.

Now just to find a good 96 front clip. Anyone know a good spot to get a good quality, decent price 96 JDM front clip?

Maybe I should make that a separate thread...

[Ace2cool]

Keep it in this thread.

Z1 MotorsportsConcept Z PerformanceNorthwest 360 Performance

Those are 3 good sites. The last one I would recommend especially, seeing as you're in WA, and having spoken to this guy on the phone, he personally inspects every engine that comes over, and out of all the engines he's had swapped in, he's never had a bad one. Not to mention he's about half the price of CZP and Z1... That's where I would start.

EDIT: Idk if it's my computer or what, but the NW 360 site is not working for me. Their number is 360-224-4007.
Modified by Ace2cool at 1:24 AM 12/7/2009

[raremotive]

They dropped VVT in 1996. But I don't know if this just applies to only the North American market.

[TTuner]

Thank you so much for the info.I had seen the front clips from czp and Z1, but there so expensive. Good product, but really expensive, especially with shipping. So its great to hear about a local company. Ill give em a call today. Thanks. Weird that I've lived here my whole life and never knew about them. Then again its like an hour and a half away...

And yes, Im aware that they did away with the VVT in 96, and I think that was universal. However, correct me if im wrong here... But, as cool as the VVT is, I would just as soon go with a straightforward V6 and just install adjustable cams and manually adjust timing to get a throttle response that matches my personal driving style. I don't believe that you really have that much ability to adjust the VVT to really tune in the throttle response. Could be wrong. Thoughts??