I’ve been diving into the idea of installing a digital dash in my NA Miata and came across some interesting projects online. Many of these setups, particularly those using Raspberry Pi, can pull data from the car’s ECU. While some impressive examples, like the one showcased on Thingiverse (https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2252864/makes), utilize aftermarket ECUs like MS, there’s mention of leveraging the OBD2 port with tools like pyOBD (http://www.obdtester.com/pyobd).
Here’s the catch: my NA Miata (Mk1) doesn’t have OBD2. Since I’m planning a comprehensive rebuild, including the wiring loom and ECU (as my original one unfortunately succumbed to rust after years of service), I’m wondering if it’s feasible to upgrade to a later ECU that supports OBD2. Specifically, I’m considering an ECU from a Mk2.5 Miata, along with its associated wiring harness. My engine is a Mk1 1.8L, but it does have a Mk2 VICS head.
Is swapping in a later OBD2-compatible ECU a realistic possibility for my NA Miata, or am I oversimplifying things? Would this require changing sensors to newer, compatible versions? I imagine a wheel speed sensor would be necessary for a digital speed signal. While I understand that a standalone ECU like Megasquirt might be a more direct route, budget is a significant factor in this project. I’m aiming for a balance between functionality and cost-effectiveness.
