Is this even possible?
Hi, new here!
So yeah, been reading the forums for a while now and decided to finally post and ask some questions. The main thing I was wanting to know if it's possible to add OBD II to a car that doesn't have any kind of computer already. I drive a 1979 Corvette and it has nada for computerized equipment. So yeah, I guess that question is can you add the sensors and stuff to enable OBD II in a car that doesn't have it? The reason I want to do this is because there is very little room for placing a display for a car pc. So I was wanting to remove the gauges from the center console (fuel level, oil pressure, battery charge, non-functioning clock) and use an OBD II app to replace them. The main thing would be fuel level, since it doesn't get huge MPG and all. Of course the other features of OBD II would be nice as well.
Of course I've been thinking I could also take out the center console and use that for the car pc and still have my gauges. Just replace the main console with an electronic version that has a smaller tachometer and speedometer and includes the missing gauges. I just don't know about the expense on that, generally custom electronic gauges are very high.
On the same idea, I've been thinking about replacing the original engine and transmission with a new LS1 crate with a 4-speed automatic. It has a regular small block 350 right now with around 190hp and a 3-speed automatic. The newer engine would produce tons more power (around 345hp) and the overdrive of the new transmission would make highway driving less taxing on the engine as well. Of course that opens up a whole can of worms that I'm not sure I'm ready for yet..... Anyways the point is, would installing a newer engine have the added benefit of gaining all the necessary sensors and hookups for OBD II?
Um, yeah that's the only thing I have right now. After I get this part cleared up I'll get more into planning on my car pc. Thanks for looking, more so if you have answers!
The 79 vette cannot be modified to be OBDII ready, because that would be impossible (I am almost positive, too many sensors and equip.) Any engine marketed in the US after 1996 (with a few exceptions) is ODBII compliant, that is when the protocol was established and made to be universal. A newer vette engine is very complex, however, if that is what you were looking at. I know no specifics, as I am not a car buff, just read a little here and there. Hope this helps and good luck!
Carputer status: [-*---------]
Im thinking laptop...
Also, if you haven't already you should take a look at the OBD forum, there is lots of useful info in there. I would also recommend posting any further questions about OBD there.
Welcome!
Carputer status: [-*---------]
Im thinking laptop...
In your case you would be looking not at OBD of any kind, but a whole new engine management system, quite possibly a new engine, since I am not very familiar with the topic. It is possible to "computerize" even the older cars, but the price is rather steep.
I have found you an argument; I am not obliged to find you an understanding.
But if he swaps to the LS1 then he will be OBD2.Generally when people do a LS1 swap they install the entire engine harness and PCM. If you do this then you will have OBD2 and alot more power...lol. I love the LSx motors I have two cars powered with them.
Ya, that's true, what I meant is that some engines (don't ask me which, its been a while since my last research) allow you to have in a way an external programmable ECU. One of the guys in this forum acutally has a 70's car with just such a setup with ECU connected to the computer.Originally Posted by SickVette
I have found you an argument; I am not obliged to find you an understanding.
There are aftermarket products available for older model engines to be changed over to electronic fuel injection and other engine managemend. I am not sure if they are OBD2 or have their own language though.
So basically we're talking new LS1 engine or expensive aftermarket fuel injection and sensor conversion? I suppose I should google around and see which one would be better overall. I mean, even if the LS1 swap costs more, it would have the added benefit of loads of horsepower and a overdrive. I've looked up the fuel injector conversion beforeand it's rather pricey anyways, almost as much as a new engine. So yeah, I'll do some searching and look at my options. I wasn't sure if the LS1 swap would provide the OBD II interface, but if it does, that's probably my best bet.
Thanks guys!
Its possible. Get an LS1 engine, tranny, and wiring harness from the junkyard, and wire up all the oem sensors. If its 1996 or newer, it has OBDII. You will need everything from the same car, beacause you cant use an ECU thats expecting to control an automatic tranny when theres a standard, and vice vsersa, and ol ther small issues like that. Fuel injection wont be an option, it will be MANDATORY. All the parts will need to be OEM, so If you just buy a long block and slap on an aftermarket engine management system you wont have OBDII
It will be a real pain in the ***, but its been done before. Dont listen to the people that say it cant be done, they dont know dick.
Is this where the witty comment goes?97 Black pearl Mazda Miata MX-5 Carpc V2? maybee..
Hey QnoisX, you've got a private message....
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