For car enthusiasts looking to enhance their vehicle’s diagnostic capabilities and tuning options, understanding the transition from OBD1 to OBD2 is crucial. While some platforms offer straightforward tuning solutions, this isn’t always the case. If you’re seeking to improve the engine management system in an older vehicle, converting to OBD2 opens up a range of possibilities. Let’s explore the options available for OBD1 to OBD2 conversion, focusing on logging and tuning enhancements.
Options for OBD2 Conversion
Several paths exist for converting your older OBD1 system to the more modern OBD2 standard. Each method offers distinct advantages and considerations, particularly when it comes to tuning and data logging.
BlackStealth MUT to OBD2 Converter
For those primarily interested in data logging, the BlackStealth MUT to OBD2 CANBUS converter presents a viable solution. This converter bridges the gap between your OBD1 system and OBD2-compatible logging tools. By plugging this converter into your ’92 or similar OBD1 vehicle, it translates the data into OBD2 format, enabling you to use popular logging applications like Torque on Android or iOS devices. The BlackStealth converter also accommodates additional inputs for external sensors such as wideband oxygen sensors or boost gauges, expanding your data monitoring capabilities.
Alt text: BlackStealth MUT to OBD2 Converter device for OBD1 to OBD2 conversion
However, it’s important to note that while the BlackStealth converter facilitates OBD2 logging, tuning capabilities remain limited to piggyback systems. Piggyback ECUs intercept and modify signals to the factory ECU, offering a degree of tuning control but not the comprehensive reprogramming available with direct ECU tuning.
Chrome ECU Swap
For a more integrated OBD2 experience encompassing both logging and advanced tuning, swapping to a Chrome ECU is a highly recommended option. Chrome ECUs, readily available from vendors like 3SX, are designed for plug-and-play compatibility in many older vehicles. This swap provides native OBD2 logging and unlocks significant tuning potential. A Chrome ECU comes pre-configured for your specific car, ensuring a seamless installation process.
Alt text: Chrome ECU unit showcasing OBD2 compatibility and tuning capabilities
Choosing a Chrome ECU opens up advanced tuning features beyond the scope of piggyback systems. These features can include launch control for improved off-the-line performance, ECU-controlled boost management for precise turbocharger regulation, and enhanced injector control necessary for modifications like E85 fuel conversion. Furthermore, Chrome ECUs retain the built-in safety features of the stock ECU, providing an added layer of protection.
’99 ECU Swap with Custom Harness
An alternative to the Chrome ECU, often pursued for cost savings, involves retrofitting a ’99 ECU into your older vehicle. This method necessitates creating or acquiring a custom wiring harness to adapt the ’99 ECU to your car’s wiring. While potentially more economical if you can find a deal on a ’99 ECU and possess the wiring skills, this approach demands more technical expertise and time investment. Similar to the Chrome ECU, the ’99 ECU swap, when properly implemented and coded, delivers comparable OBD2 logging and tuning functionality. Regardless of whether you choose a Chrome ECU or a ’99 ECU swap, utilizing Chrome firmware unlocks advanced tuning capabilities not achievable with simple piggyback solutions.
Tuning and Logging Tools
Regardless of your chosen OBD2 conversion method, certain tools are essential for logging and tuning. For data logging, tools like EvoScan for PC or the BlackStealth converter paired with smartphone apps are necessary to capture critical engine parameters. Tuning, especially with Chrome-based ECUs, typically requires a laptop PC and an Openport 2.0 cable to interface with ECU flashing software such as ECUflash.
Alt text: Openport 2.0 cable used for ECU flashing and OBD2 tuning
Unless you opt for professional dyno or street tuning services, you will likely be undertaking the tuning process yourself. While the learning curve for ECU tuning can be initially steep, especially for those new to engine management systems, abundant resources are available. Guides like the one on 3SGTO, created by the developer of Chrome, and Merlin’s Flash Guide offer valuable information. Furthermore, the extensive knowledge base within the Evo tuning community provides additional support and insights.
Conclusion
Converting from OBD1 to OBD2 offers significant advantages for vehicle diagnostics and performance tuning. Whether you choose the BlackStealth converter for basic logging, the Chrome ECU for plug-and-play advanced tuning, or the more involved ’99 ECU swap, upgrading to OBD2 unlocks modern engine management capabilities. Carefully consider your technical skills, budget, and desired level of tuning control when selecting the best OBD1 to OBD2 conversion path for your vehicle.
