96-02 RX7 BLACK BOX (no rats nest)
 

I recently just bought a complete used engine from Japan but did not expect the 96-02 spec engine, it came with the 16 bit ECU but a damn cut wire harness. Now i dont know what i should do, Im happy with all the updates on the engine especially the black box but could I make this work? It's hard to rewire the harness especially not knowing how the new system operates with the 16 bit ECU
I really want to do this conversion because that new black box looks alot better than that rats nest but is it worth it? WHats difference with the old 8 bit ECU to the 16 bit anyway? Please help.

You would probably be best off by ordering a JDM harness if you can.

Solenoids do not run digitally (they don't know 8 bits from 16), so it's entirely possible to splice the harnesses together.

Unfortunately, I don't know of anyone who has any information about the black box connectors or wiring harness. You could probably do it if you got a copy of the vacuum hose diagram for the 96+ system, but it would take some effort and probably isn't worth it.

Dave

I know the solenoids operate only on voltage on and off so the computer being 16 bit wouldn't matter, i just wanted to know what the 16bit does over the 8 bit. I heard that the ECU controls the black box alot differently since its more of a one piece unit, so im just expecting the worse that this maybe isnt simple as i thought. I do appreciate your infos and advices please keep them coming.

You should ask in the Japan section. I would try to get a used jdm harness and 16bit PFC.

What if the black box is bad (only takes one portion of it (one valve not working) and you have to replace the whole thing (kind of expensive for one valve) Hope you can make it work if you go that route.

I don't know where you are located.. but I wouldn't worry about using the blk box. Just get a pfc (also 16 bits) and use your old harness.

The problem with Blk box is that if one of the solenoid inside is bad, you will never know which one. It might look simple from outside (and clean) but in the long run, I think its better to go either simplified twins to get rid of some solenoids or just stick with good ole 93-95 USA set up. That's just my opinion though.. you should do what you want to do..

The black box comes apart so its not necessary to replace the whole unit. Whilst having saying this, i'd listen to herblenny and get rid of the box, use local harness with pfc. I've tried for ages to get specific diagrams for the box to no avail. I even went as far as purchasing another black box as replacement but it never worked out (i had some boost issues)

Yeah so throw the bugger out and use the local harness.

Or you could just buy my complete harness out of my 2000rs. I've gone haltech, so no need for my harness.

HA?? I thought the black box couldn't be taken apart.. Oh well, I was wrong, sorry about that!

How much for your 2000RS harness?? I might be interested..

Theres been alot of negaitve feedback about the black box issue but I think im gonna take the black box apart just to see how it really operates and what ways could be possible to make it work for future and current FD owners, this is for you guys. Keep updated.

I don't see how this could possibly not be worth it.

Anyways, all you really have to do is be extra attentive about where each wire goes. Making a new harness is not terrible, it just takes a lot of time and patience. For this project, I reckon you would only have to rewire the engine related components and not the entire thing (now THAT would be a great feat).

I have done such rewiring jobs before. I wish I had one of these boxes for study.

Black box diagram

I wouldn't rewire anything. That sounds like automotive sato-masochism. Get a PFC, a good US-spec harness and 'noids (OE or aftermarket), and move on.

Almost a decade old thread bumped up :lol:

Hope this guy wasn't waiting on that diagram :-)