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Finishing S5 swap into GSL-SE

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Old 03-24-20, 11:09 AM
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Finishing S5 swap into GSL-SE

Hey everyone, I'm finishing the swap and restoration of my 84 GSL-SE (build thread: https://www.rx7club.com/build-thread...build-1129468/)

I wanted to get some opinions on how I should handle the ECU and wiring. I am planning to start the car with the S5 keg, S5 intake, and GSL-SE ECM, wiring, vacuum parts etc. similar to just installing the S5 intake on a standard S3 13b. I'm only using the two GSL-SE primary injectors and for now while the rebuild is being broken in I will not have VDI or 5/6 ports working.

I see a couple routes to getting everything fully functional:

1. Add RPM switches and new solenoids to control VDI and 5/6 port actuators, retaining GSL-SE electronics elsewhere
Pros:
- No need to replace wiring harness or make a custom one
- OMP can just be blocked off, not needed for the ECM

Cons
- Continues to use GSL-SE ECM on the S5 engine (less power?)
- Costs > $100 in parts, mostly for RPM switches

2. Install the S5 ECM and wiring harness
Pros:
- More power?
- Avoids issues with trying to merge the two systems together
- VDI and 5/6 port will just work, as well as BAC and other things

Cons:
- Lots more work
- Costs probably $200 for a wiring harness and ECM

3. Use S5 ECM with a custom wiring harness
Pros:
- Nice, new wiring harness customized to match my needs
- Might be easier to use with a Haltech later?
- Same as #2

Cons:
- Cost & time

Down the road, I am toying with the idea of making a custom harness and using a Haltech to control everything, but that's out of my budget right now and also something I don't have time for. But it's possible any solution above will just tide me over until I get to that point.

This is all new to me so I want to get feedback

Last edited by derSchwamm; 03-24-20 at 04:19 PM.
Old 03-24-20, 12:03 PM
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If you are interested I can share my Arduino code for RPM switches. I would just post it but it's been a while since I have looked at the code so I want to look over it first..
Old 03-24-20, 12:11 PM
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Originally Posted by yeti
If you are interested I can share my Arduino code for RPM switches. I would just post it but it's been a while since I have looked at the code so I want to look over it first..
That would be awesome. I'm a programmer so I can tinker with it. I run a raspberrypi in my FD to capture all ECM data to an SD card and upload it over wifi already. I'm not opposed to adding more technology to the FB
Old 03-24-20, 12:13 PM
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Originally Posted by yeti
If you are interested I can share my Arduino code for RPM switches. I would just post it but it's been a while since I have looked at the code so I want to look over it first..
Wait you're in Knoxville too? I'd love to see your setup in person, at least once we're allowed out of our own houses again...
Old 03-24-20, 12:15 PM
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i had a GSL-SE back in the day, and it was all stock GSL-SE stuff except the engine (and exhaust) and it was really a good combination, it made good power everywhere.

anyways, you have two choices. there are pros and cons to both, and which one works best depends on how much time you have now, basically...

Stock GSL-SE ecu:
Pros:
no wiring needed, except you need to make an adapter from the S5 TPS to the GSL-SE harness. the S5 low range TPS will work, ideally you find an extra plug, and make something so it plugs in. Air temp sensor as well, but its just spade terminals

Cons:
you will be power limited, the GSL-SE runs out of fuel when you make power with it.
you're on your own for the 6pi and VDI, you can use the same vacuum/pressure setup, but you need something to run the solenoids
S5 Metering pump becomes useless.

S5 ECU:

Pros:
More power, engine will be operating as designed.
everything on the engine works.

Cons:
everything on the engine plugs in, but there are plugs on the underdash/Ecu side that need to be adapted from the GSL-SE.
nothing that is rocket science, but its also nothing that helps you later if you change ECu's


Summary, basically the stock ECU will get you up and running pretty quickly, although long term its old an primitive. the S5 is more work now, but it will run the engine better

Old 03-25-20, 09:47 AM
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Originally Posted by derSchwamm
Wait you're in Knoxville too? I'd love to see your setup in person, at least once we're allowed out of our own houses again...
That'll be cool. Unfortunately, I didn't have to use the RPM switch after all. What I was trying to "fix" was I was trying to recreate port vacuum through vac solenoids to control the timing advance on the distributor. I wanted the vac advance off at idle but on after. Turns out having the correct jets in the weber resolved most of the issues I was having. I still don't have port vacuum but the difference between port and manifold is no vac as idle.

I would still like to add this but I don't want to clutter the engine bay. Anyway, I think this is the correct version of the code. I read through it and it looks right. That said there is a bit more involved than code but I'm sure you are aware of that. I have op-isolators and so one to protect the arduino. I'll stop changing the subject of this thread now. Talk with you soon!

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