-rod-
09-28-2008, 12:55 AM
Hi everyone,
As you have probably read on the forums, a tunable ecu is a must have if you plan on modifying your car, and the Apex'i Power FC is the ecu most FD owners opt to use.
Installation is not hard, but there are a few little tips which I can pass on to anyone else thinking of going about it which should make life easier.
I tried to compile all the information you will need to get your PFC up and running.
(NOTE: This is for a series 8, not sure if earlier models are much different. The only differences will probably be in trim styles/removal, someone should be able to point them out though.)
Tools
-Screwdrivers– regular sized phillips head and a flathead about 1cm wide.
-Small socket set.
-Drill and a fatty drill bit about 2cm wide
-Velcro or glue (optional)
Step 1: Disconnect negative battery terminal
This is a must before any electrical fiddling you do with your car. I used a socket wrench to loosen the nut and then just set the connector safely to the side.
http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/9958/picture010yt6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Step 2: Remove aluminium footrest (if you have one)
Removing this isn't difficult, but lining up the holes when putting it back in can be a little bit of a bitch. Use the socket wrench with an extension piece.
http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/7941/picture014im0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Step 3: Carefully remove lower door sill trim piece
As you can see from the photo, there are 3 clips which need to be popped out. I just squeezed my fingers under it at each end and worked my way towards the middle. It came off almost straight away.
http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/6087/picture012ad9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Step 4: Pop out 2 clips on front sill trim
Lift out the inner circle with your fingernails and then the whole clip will come out with minimum force. Remove this trim piece.
http://img515.imageshack.us/img515/2104/picture011gq9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img515.imageshack.us/img515/picture011gq9.jpg/1/w768.png (http://g.imageshack.us/img515/picture011gq9.jpg/1/)
Step 5: Dismount stock ECU
There are three bolts, as shown in the picture, remove them with the socket. There is also a plastic “pop in” screw hidden behind a few bundled cables. (purple asterisk) It took me a while to work out why the bracket wouldn't come off until I saw it. Note: you need the phillips head to remove it, it isn't a “pop out” screw.
http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/9185/picture015wf8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/9185/picture015wf8.937c6bd27a.jpg (http://g.imageshack.us/g.php?h=215&i=picture015wf8.jpg)
Step 6: Remove brackets from ecu
The ECU should be flopping around a bit now, at this point I recommend you unscrew it from the brackets to get them out of the way. Use the phillips head to undo the 8 screws.
http://img515.imageshack.us/img515/2169/picture017gv5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Step 7: Unplug ECU
This is the part that resulted in the most swearing for me until I worked out the trick. There is a clip on each of the three plugs, it seems self explanatory, push the clip in and pull the plug out. But this didn't seem to work. I tried using a small flathead to pry it out but it wouldnt budge at all. Then I tried a wider flathead and it pushed itself out in one go. The one I used was about 1cm wide, give it a go, then pull the old ECU out.
Sorry about the overexposed pic. The arrow is pointing to one of the clips.
http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/6392/picture019sy6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Mounting the PFC
As you can see, the pfc is the same width as the stock ecu, but a little shorter in length. This means you can mount it in the same way as the stock ECU, using the stock brackets. They need a small modification though...
http://img261.imageshack.us/img261/2364/picture020vz4.jpg
http://img81.imageshack.us/img81/3752/picture022rj8.jpg
Step 8: Drill hole in bottom bracket
This is for the PFC hand controller plug. Line up the bracket along the lower side of the PFC and mark out where the hole should go. Drill one a little bit bigger than the plug, check that it lines up and fits well. Be careful not to bend the brackets in the process. File off the sharp bits.
http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/9884/picture023gd5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Step 9: Plug in PFC
Just push the 3 plugs into the plug holes until you hear the clip click into place.
Step 10: Test
Plug in controller, reconnect battery and turn accessories on. (Second key turn)
The PFC should power on and display the Apexi logo before showing the main menu.
If the unit starts to smoke or do anything strange, power off and check you plugged it in properly and that you have the correct unit.
If all is good, power off, disconnect batt and continue.
Step 11: Re-mount brackets
Bolt them back in. Push the plastic screw in with your fingers.
Step 12: Mount PFC
Run the cord through the bracket hole first, plug it in, then feed it down as you put the PFC into the brackets. You can glue it onto the brackets, velcro it in, or just plain old wedge it. I chose to wedge it. Fits pretty snug and the trim piece should hold it in place.
http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/8635/picture024zy8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/7001/picture026fa6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Step 13: Replace trim pieces and footrest.
But first, run the cord for the hand controller under the footrest or carpet as you deem necessary.
Just reverse the earlier steps. Like I said, the footrest mounting holes can give you trouble.
Oh, also reconnect your battery.
Setting up PFC
Turn on accessories again and choose “etc” in the PFC menu. Scroll down to “Initialize” and hit yes. Start your car, making sure the aircon and demister are off. Let it idle for 10 minutes.
Then turn air-con on and leave it for 10 minutes, then turn on demister and leave it for 10.
If the idle is being normal at this point I'd say you're good to go. A car in good health should have no trouble.
I've read of the ECU continually “hunting” the idle speed, if you have any problems like this ask around or check out this thorough PFC FAQ.
http://paulr33.skylinesaustralia.com/docs/powerfc-faq/powerfc-faq.htm
Your FD is fine to drive from A-B, but I wouldn't boost/thrash it until you get it tuned by a pro with previous PFC experience. (www.riceracing.com.au)
Well I think thats about it, now your only challenge is finding a trendy way to mount the hand controller. I still haven't decided on one, but will probably end up just velcroing it somewhere. Thanks to those who offered advice and encouragement during the install!
Hope this helps!
As you have probably read on the forums, a tunable ecu is a must have if you plan on modifying your car, and the Apex'i Power FC is the ecu most FD owners opt to use.
Installation is not hard, but there are a few little tips which I can pass on to anyone else thinking of going about it which should make life easier.
I tried to compile all the information you will need to get your PFC up and running.
(NOTE: This is for a series 8, not sure if earlier models are much different. The only differences will probably be in trim styles/removal, someone should be able to point them out though.)
Tools
-Screwdrivers– regular sized phillips head and a flathead about 1cm wide.
-Small socket set.
-Drill and a fatty drill bit about 2cm wide
-Velcro or glue (optional)
Step 1: Disconnect negative battery terminal
This is a must before any electrical fiddling you do with your car. I used a socket wrench to loosen the nut and then just set the connector safely to the side.
http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/9958/picture010yt6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Step 2: Remove aluminium footrest (if you have one)
Removing this isn't difficult, but lining up the holes when putting it back in can be a little bit of a bitch. Use the socket wrench with an extension piece.
http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/7941/picture014im0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Step 3: Carefully remove lower door sill trim piece
As you can see from the photo, there are 3 clips which need to be popped out. I just squeezed my fingers under it at each end and worked my way towards the middle. It came off almost straight away.
http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/6087/picture012ad9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Step 4: Pop out 2 clips on front sill trim
Lift out the inner circle with your fingernails and then the whole clip will come out with minimum force. Remove this trim piece.
http://img515.imageshack.us/img515/2104/picture011gq9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img515.imageshack.us/img515/picture011gq9.jpg/1/w768.png (http://g.imageshack.us/img515/picture011gq9.jpg/1/)
Step 5: Dismount stock ECU
There are three bolts, as shown in the picture, remove them with the socket. There is also a plastic “pop in” screw hidden behind a few bundled cables. (purple asterisk) It took me a while to work out why the bracket wouldn't come off until I saw it. Note: you need the phillips head to remove it, it isn't a “pop out” screw.
http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/9185/picture015wf8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/9185/picture015wf8.937c6bd27a.jpg (http://g.imageshack.us/g.php?h=215&i=picture015wf8.jpg)
Step 6: Remove brackets from ecu
The ECU should be flopping around a bit now, at this point I recommend you unscrew it from the brackets to get them out of the way. Use the phillips head to undo the 8 screws.
http://img515.imageshack.us/img515/2169/picture017gv5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Step 7: Unplug ECU
This is the part that resulted in the most swearing for me until I worked out the trick. There is a clip on each of the three plugs, it seems self explanatory, push the clip in and pull the plug out. But this didn't seem to work. I tried using a small flathead to pry it out but it wouldnt budge at all. Then I tried a wider flathead and it pushed itself out in one go. The one I used was about 1cm wide, give it a go, then pull the old ECU out.
Sorry about the overexposed pic. The arrow is pointing to one of the clips.
http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/6392/picture019sy6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Mounting the PFC
As you can see, the pfc is the same width as the stock ecu, but a little shorter in length. This means you can mount it in the same way as the stock ECU, using the stock brackets. They need a small modification though...
http://img261.imageshack.us/img261/2364/picture020vz4.jpg
http://img81.imageshack.us/img81/3752/picture022rj8.jpg
Step 8: Drill hole in bottom bracket
This is for the PFC hand controller plug. Line up the bracket along the lower side of the PFC and mark out where the hole should go. Drill one a little bit bigger than the plug, check that it lines up and fits well. Be careful not to bend the brackets in the process. File off the sharp bits.
http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/9884/picture023gd5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Step 9: Plug in PFC
Just push the 3 plugs into the plug holes until you hear the clip click into place.
Step 10: Test
Plug in controller, reconnect battery and turn accessories on. (Second key turn)
The PFC should power on and display the Apexi logo before showing the main menu.
If the unit starts to smoke or do anything strange, power off and check you plugged it in properly and that you have the correct unit.
If all is good, power off, disconnect batt and continue.
Step 11: Re-mount brackets
Bolt them back in. Push the plastic screw in with your fingers.
Step 12: Mount PFC
Run the cord through the bracket hole first, plug it in, then feed it down as you put the PFC into the brackets. You can glue it onto the brackets, velcro it in, or just plain old wedge it. I chose to wedge it. Fits pretty snug and the trim piece should hold it in place.
http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/8635/picture024zy8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/7001/picture026fa6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Step 13: Replace trim pieces and footrest.
But first, run the cord for the hand controller under the footrest or carpet as you deem necessary.
Just reverse the earlier steps. Like I said, the footrest mounting holes can give you trouble.
Oh, also reconnect your battery.
Setting up PFC
Turn on accessories again and choose “etc” in the PFC menu. Scroll down to “Initialize” and hit yes. Start your car, making sure the aircon and demister are off. Let it idle for 10 minutes.
Then turn air-con on and leave it for 10 minutes, then turn on demister and leave it for 10.
If the idle is being normal at this point I'd say you're good to go. A car in good health should have no trouble.
I've read of the ECU continually “hunting” the idle speed, if you have any problems like this ask around or check out this thorough PFC FAQ.
http://paulr33.skylinesaustralia.com/docs/powerfc-faq/powerfc-faq.htm
Your FD is fine to drive from A-B, but I wouldn't boost/thrash it until you get it tuned by a pro with previous PFC experience. (www.riceracing.com.au)
Well I think thats about it, now your only challenge is finding a trendy way to mount the hand controller. I still haven't decided on one, but will probably end up just velcroing it somewhere. Thanks to those who offered advice and encouragement during the install!
Hope this helps!