Hey guys, so ive been considering doing a simple conversion swap of my NA 280zx ECU to a Z31 ECU that is also from a NA model. Now ive heard that its most beneficial for doing turbo swaps of NA to turbo 280zx's, but i just want to know my engine is being run a bit more efficient and have more accurate readings from also a MAP rather than the AFM. Now Ive read many sources that its been done from people doing mainly turbo swaps. Im assuming that if the ECU and harness setup can be adjusted to work with Turbo swaps, then im pretty sure it can work with just simple NA ECU swap w/harness. From what i know, people say in order to do so (when doing the turbos swap) they had to get a 280zx turbo dizzy and possibly other small components that Turbo models come extra that NAs dont come with. Well again, im just looking to switch over my 83 ecu and harness to a z31 ecu and harness. Megasquirt would be a better option, but im not looking to go that far yet nor pay that much to get it done. If it could be done, what should i at least look for or change out in order to make it possible. Otherwise i think i just have to get the FSM for the gutted z31 model and retrace all the wires and connectors to match it up for the 280zx engine bay. If theres any links to get answers for this scenario of swap, please reply with link. Thanks.

 

Hello, Welcome.

After reading your post I did not see the reason you wanted to make the ECU change?

Changing the ECU to a Z31 will not give you much more power or improve things much. The OEM ecu in a 280 NA is pretty efficient already, provided you have all the sensors and a good tune up.

I installed a megasquirt EUC in mine because of wiring problems. I kept burning up the OEM ECU. Plus the 30 year old sensors were failing one at a time.

If you are going to go through the trouble of swapping the dizzy and wire harness just build a megasquirt and get it over with.

If you want more power (who doesn't) you'll need to do much more than just the ECU, ie cams, turbo etc.

I have some pics of my engine bay posted here.

https://www.zdriver.com/forums/280zx...el-only-39701/

I can help you if you need help. The MS build is straight forward there's a great write up on the MS site. Wiring it to your car is easy too. It might take you a few weekends. it did take me longer because I made many other mods to the car at the same time, plus once last summer got here I went to the lake on weekends instead of working on the car. So I finished it this winter.

I have put about 3000 miles on it since the change and have no problems. We drive this car 500 miles round trip to Lake Michigan every weekend.

BTW the new Tunerstudio software for MS will create the fuel mixture tables for you. So tuning the MS3 is as simple as starting the car and driving it around.

 

This.
https://www.zdriver.com/forums/240z-...cu-swap-24434/