Modifying older vehicles is a popular hobby, and the idea of integrating modern systems into a classic car is appealing to many enthusiasts. One question that often arises is whether it’s possible, or even practical, to add OBD2 (On-Board Diagnostics II) to an older car that didn’t originally come equipped with it.
If you’re looking to plug in a ScanGauge or similar device for real-time data, or aiming for comprehensive OBD-2 diagnostic capabilities, there are several factors to consider. As highlighted in a discussion on Ecomodder forum, achieving full OBD-2 functionality in an older vehicle is a significant undertaking. It would necessitate adding numerous sensors across various vehicle systems – or finding ways to tap into or simulate existing sensor readings. This complexity extends further when you delve into data protocols and ensuring communication between all components.
For those primarily interested in displaying straightforward vehicle information digitally, a more direct approach might be simpler. Tapping directly into existing sensors and utilizing a microcontroller like Arduino to display readings can be a more manageable project. This bypasses the complexities of implementing a full OBD-2 system. Alternatively, if your main focus is fuel efficiency data, devices like the MPGuino are specifically designed for MPG information and are easier to integrate.
Interestingly, the discussion also touches upon a more unconventional application: using a CANbus system in an older car being converted to electric. In this scenario, the CANbus system would be independent of traditional internal combustion engine monitoring, focusing instead on the electric powertrain and related systems. For those with strong technical skills, particularly in electronics and sensor technology, creating a custom CANbus network might be a viable, albeit ambitious, path to modernize an older vehicle’s data management capabilities, especially within the context of a complete electric vehicle conversion. This approach allows for tailored functionality and integration within a heavily modified vehicle where most original systems are being replaced or significantly altered anyway.
