i plan on doing a z31 ecu swap and eventually i want to turbo it... the question i have is... is there any reason why i cant run a z31t ecu on my 79 280zx n/a until i get around to doing the turbo swap?

 

and also since i have a 79 ill need to get an 82-83 dizzy... could i just get the dizzy from the 84 z31 instead of gettin the 82-83 and then changin the chopper wheel?

 

if it were that easy, i don't think anyone would bother changing the chopper wheel. the whole setup of a non turbo and turbo motors electronics is different, different oil pump shaft, different dizzy different AFM though you'd be switching to a MAF still need that harness from a turbo since its different. i know they run different timing maps and larger injectors obviously but i have no real answer for how well it would or wouldn't work on an NA L motor for the time being, i think jmmorriso or w/e his name is did it and reported some small problems but ran much better.... but that about the last i heard from him. so i leave you with... maybe?

 

well a maybe is much better than a no! ill just have to do some more research

 

The answer is NO. The 280zx turbo ecu plugs are the same as the Z31 ecu plugs. The 280zx n/a has one singe massive plug.... which is completely different. Unless you feel like cutting & splicing (and matching them all up) about 50 wires for kicks... it's not worth it at all.

Search for Z31T ECU SWAP and all of your questions will be answered.

 

You need the sensors and the harness from a Z31. Your other problem is I believe the older L28s that came in the 79 280ZXs don't have a cylinder head temp sensor. Unless the water temp sensor operates on the same resistance to temperature as the CHTS you're going to have issues even if you swap over the harnesses and sensors. Not to mention you'd need a bung added to your exhaust for an O2 sensor as well.

 

sorry if i didnt make that clear, i think i explained that you need the harness and the other sensors for swaps, but i think his real question is, if the swap is done correctly! will the car run normally on the Z31T setup even though its still an NA functioning motor.

 

A non turbo z31 doesn't even run well with a turbo z31 ECU so I'm not sure why you think a 280zx might run well with a z31 ECU.
http://forum.nistune.com/

 

Is that a turbo ECU running with NA injectors though?

I would say in theory the turbo Z31 ECU should run ok on an NA L28 as long as it has the proper wiring harness, distributor (timing), and turbo injectors installed.

 

With the timing maps basically being different wouldn't that cause some issues? Considering that the Turbo ECUs all run more advanced timing in the lower RPMs then pull it way back in higher RPMs because you've got boost to make up for it? Although if you go through the trouble you could just use a non-turbo Z31 ECU then just get a hold of a turbo ECU. If you hold out they aren't that expensive.

 

so if i just got a z31n/a ecu i could just cut and splice wires now... and then when i turbo it i would just plug in the z31t ecu? or would i have to get the 83 dizzy now? i can get an n/a ecu pretty cheap from a friend with a parts car... its just not a turbo

 

^^^ You could do it that way if you like making way too much work for yourself.

Much easier ways: Get an L28ET efi harness, or a Z31 efi harness & adapt it to your L28E motor.

 

so z31n/a ecu z31 wiring harness 83 280zxt dizzy and z31 chopper wheel and im on my way?

 

And MAF. Did you check this thread yet? https://www.zdriver.com/forums/240z-280zxt-s30-s130-tech-tips-275/worlds-first-z31-na-ecu-swap-24434/

 

If you have all the proper parts for a Z31 turbo engine management system, it won't matter that the car doesn't have the turbo on it.

I've done it and recommend getting it sorted out rather than do too much at one time and end up chasing far too many problems.

 

I know old post, but thanks for this. I'm going to go this route.