drdick
Part of things
Posts: 359
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Apr 29, 2016 18:40:08 GMT
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Short version, I'm thinking of using something like an E36 or MX5 as an engine/trans/rear axle donor for a project. It will go through BIVA. If I don't want to use the original ignition lock, steering column, instrument cluster etc then I probably won't get such an engine to run on the original loom will I? Is Megasquirt the best option? I don't really understand car electrickery to be honest, cars with about 4 wires in them are about my limit.
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Dez
Club Retro Rides Member
And I won't sit down. And I won't shut up. And most of all I will not grow up.
Posts: 11,712
Club RR Member Number: 34
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Apr 29, 2016 19:05:56 GMT
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Both e36 and mx5 are available non-transponder, it's pre-96 I I think for the bmw, not sure in mx5s but mk1s don't have it. The bmw is particularly easy to wire outside of its donor car as the engine bay loom and ecu is separate to the rest. It's about 14 wires from memory, but more than half of those are for the gauges.
The mx5 is a little more involved in thinning the loom, but it's not horrendous.
I could wire either for you if it's beyond your skills.
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drdick
Part of things
Posts: 359
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Apr 29, 2016 20:29:43 GMT
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Dez you genius, this is exactly the sort of top notch info that makes this site the business. All I need now is to think about dimensions to decide what is the best donor.
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drdick
Part of things
Posts: 359
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Apr 30, 2016 10:18:06 GMT
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MX5 is starting to look like a contender as it has the two separate subframes that I could use as complete units...
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sb
Part of things
Posts: 725 
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Apr 30, 2016 12:35:41 GMT
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MX5 is starting to look like a contender as it has the two separate subframes that I could use as complete units... Look at exocet builds, I remember seeing one showing you can just lift the body off the subframes leaving you all the running gear, struts and a spine as a whole unit. I believe the exocet kit is designed to bolt onto this directly so you could try something similar. |
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drdick
Part of things
Posts: 359
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Apr 30, 2016 13:41:08 GMT
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Look at exocet builds, I remember seeing one showing you can just lift the body off the subframes leaving you all the running gear, struts and a spine as a whole unit. I believe the exocet kit is designed to bolt onto this directly so you could try something similar. Brilliant, I even found a build manual where someone detailed the whole process. Standard wheelbase is too short for my application but the complete chassis/spine unit looks like a great place to start. |
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Apr 30, 2016 13:55:12 GMT
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post '96 mx5's have transponders, not sure about imports.
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Last Edit: Apr 30, 2016 13:56:07 GMT by chrissyb
'98 e36 316i lux
'97 mx5 harvard
'87 Saab 900 T16s
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drdick
Part of things
Posts: 359
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Say I'm looking at a car or even the wiring diagrams, is there any way to tell if it has a transponder? I know these are dumb questions but my car knowledge only really extends up to about 1985....
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whether it has a transponder or not is no bearing on its use in a kit car, anything can be used or got around.
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