I have been meaning to ask this for some years but am a lazy git. My S6 still has its (gold faced) km/h clocks. No-one made mph faces that matched when I bought her from Sudesh in 2011 so I did a bit of research and didn't bother.

 

On my first Z, I just changed dial faces and it was fine. On a 2nd Z, I fitted a km/h > mph converter but something didn't feel quite right in the power steering. I did a bit of research and came to the conclusion that no-one I asked knew exactly where the clocks and ECU picked up the speed of the vehicle from and what the 9/5 pulse conversion done by the converter would actually do - would it correct all systems or leave the clocks reading in miles while the psu thought it was driving in km. (Plus there is the clocking issue which I would trust JeffTT on but not many others.)

 

Plus I have read so many posts here about issues of one sort or another involving clock changes or converters or steering issues etc that I now pose the question why does anyone bother?

 

The MOT just says it should have a fitted and working speedometer. Not whether it read km/h or mph http://www.ukmot.com/mot%20manual/index.asp?MOT_Section=Speedometer&MOT_Number=6.7 and http://www.theaa.com/motoring_advice/car-servicing-repair/mot-changes-2012.html - furlongs per fortnight would pass MOT.

 

The Vehicle Construction and Use Regs say: http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1986/1078/made

"every motor vehicle shall be fitted with a speedometer which, if the vehicle is first used on or after 1st April 1984, shall be capable of indicating speed in both miles per hour and kilometres per hour, either simultaneously or, by the operation of a switch, separately. "

 

1) My mobile phone (or satnav) if it is in a holder in the car is "fitted" and complies with VC&U Regs.

2) My km/h OEM speedo complies with MOT

 

If I want to be super pedantic, I could buy and fit one of these http://furoreproducts.co.uk/digital-speedos/197-hud-speedo-driving-school-secondary-speedo-simple-3-wire-fitting.html (£70 and gives HUD).

 

Or indeed, as I have done, one of these http://www.ecutalk.com/default.aspx which for my £140 gave me a USB Consult interface as well a lot of other functionality (error codes, realtime sensors etc etc)

 

No issues with first UK registration on import in 2011 and no issues with every MOT since (touch wood).

 

So what have I missed? Why do you need UK clocks and the hassle that (apparently) comes with them?

A very interesting post buddy.

 

Whilst I agree that to the letter using another device to read mph is acceptable, I think you'd have to argue it with some of the less educated mot testers

I fitted UK clocks because it's a neat OEM way of installing all of the dials in a language that I can understand. Plug and play!

The speedo was the main driving force, I used my KPH speedo for a few years on my import and it bugged me eventually as I was always paranoid about exactly how fast I was going without having to think!

Then there's the boost, when I'm reading that I'm boosting 7kg per cubic millimetre squared, all I really know is that the needle is pointing somewhere in the right direction!

The final, quite bizarre reason, is that I think the UK clocks "look better". The speedo readings with MPH on the outside and KPH on the inside shows me something I'm used to. When converting and sticking a sticker over the KPH reading MPH, it doesn't look quite right to me.

I am strange.

I haven't heard any horror stories about UK clocks causing issues other than basic mismatch wiring issues (for example in my case, the seatbelt illumination light was switched with the fog lamp warning on the dash. Quick fix though). The only real hurdle is to ensure you have the correct year clocks so the plug arrangement is correct.

I agree with Joel, the jap clocks look too bland with just the one set of numbers, the UK clocks look so much better! Also I think it was mentioned on here that plugging the UK clocks delimited the car and got rid of that annoying bell when you went over 60-70mph?? (Can't remember what the exact speed was) it also corrected the steering for the correct speeds whereas the kph- mph converter had the Ecu thinking you were going 60 kph when you were doing 60 mph and made the steering too light!!

Awaiting to be corrected if I'm wrong:sweatdrop::biggrin:

@nickz32 - personally never had an issue (different MOT testers as well) plus the MOT manual just says it has to be working (etc) not what it reads in.

@Joely P - I use my satnav and ECUTalk so reading the numbers on the km/h clocks doesn't factor (plus you soon get used to it - I find it easier than the small sweep if you use a converter on JDM clocks). I've got an NA so the boost doesn't factor either. Plus how many people don't have a boost gauge (I wouldn't but I didn't have a problem with adjusting to the scale.). You don't need to sticker the clocks if you have another speedometer (on satnav or ECUTalk or other device).

 

Plus if you do a quick search, there are at least 3 threads in Today's Posts which are speedo or clock or potential issues (eg intermittent steering) plus cutting the tracks plus the other stuff.

 

@Richie K - having two markings is a matter of taste - if you like it, that's a reason. Yes, UK clocks do delimit (but I don't drive that fast on UK roads anyway). The chime never worried me and S6 (plus S3 from memory) didn't have it anyway. I think you're right on the steering issue - at least that's how it seemed on my 2nd Z with the converter.

Edited June 25, 201510 yr by Gio

I agree with Joel, the jap clocks look too bland with just the one set of numbers, the UK clocks look so much better! Also I think it was mentioned on here that plugging the UK clocks delimited the car and got rid of that annoying bell when you went over 60-70mph?? (Can't remember what the exact speed was) it also corrected the steering for the correct speeds whereas the kph- mph converter had the Ecu thinking you were going 60 kph when you were doing 60 mph and made the steering too light!!

Awaiting to be corrected if I'm wrong:sweatdrop::biggrin:

112KPH.

 

@nickz32 - personally never had an issue (different MOT testers as well) plus the MOT manual just says it has to be working (etc) not what it reads in.

@Joely P - I use my satnav and ECUTalk so reading the numbers on the km/h clocks doesn't factor (plus you soon get used to it - I find it easier than the small sweep if you use a converter on JDM clocks). I've got an NA so the boost doesn't factor either. Plus how many people don't have a boost gauge (I wouldn't but I didn't have a problem with adjusting to the scale.). You don't need to sticker the clocks if you have another speedometer (on satnav or ECUTalk or other device).

 

Plus if you do a quick search, there are at least 3 threads in Today's Posts which are speedo or clock or potential issues (eg intermittent steering) plus cutting the tracks plus the other stuff.

 

@Richie K - having two markings is a matter of taste - if you like it, that's a reason. Yes, UK clocks do delimit (but I don't drive that fast on UK roads anyway). The chime never worried me and S6 (plus S3 from memory) didn't have it anyway. I think you're right on the steering issue - at least that's how it seemed on my 2nd Z with the converter.

I do see your reasoning and its great that you're used to the way you do it. I think I would get frustrated having to mount my phone and open up an app before every journey in order to gauge my speed. I currently have no additional hardware mounted on the dash, when I connect my phone for Spotify, I connect it in the centre cubby console. Not a fan of additional dash mounted equipment.

I've never considered a UK clock upgrade as a hassle, just a convenience translator!

@nickz32 - personally never had an issue (different MOT testers as well) plus the MOT manual just says it has to be working (etc) not what it reads in.

@Joely P - I use my satnav and ECUTalk so reading the numbers on the km/h clocks doesn't factor (plus you soon get used to it - I find it easier than the small sweep if you use a converter on JDM clocks). I've got an NA so the boost doesn't factor either. Plus how many people don't have a boost gauge (I wouldn't but I didn't have a problem with adjusting to the scale.). You don't need to sticker the clocks if you have another speedometer (on satnav or ECUTalk or other device).

 

Plus if you do a quick search, there are at least 3 threads in Today's Posts which are speedo or clock or potential issues (eg intermittent steering) plus cutting the tracks plus the other stuff.

 

@Richie K - having two markings is a matter of taste - if you like it, that's a reason. Yes, UK clocks do delimit (but I don't drive that fast on UK roads anyway). The chime never worried me and S6 (plus S3 from memory) didn't have it anyway. I think you're right on the steering issue - at least that's how it seemed on my 2nd Z with the converter.

 

a speedometer isn't checked for operation on mot. :thumbup1:

I had an early set of UK clocks fail on me. I was fortunate enough to be able to find another set of UK clocks that matched my converted KM distance.

 

Much of this has already been said; the main reason for me Mike and those who have the older cars, more so the TT is because firstly the speed at which the HICAS operates. The ECU uses the feed from the speedo to estimate PAS sensitivity and HICAS actuation. If you're using a speedo converter to ratio down the needle, then it will have an effect on the PAS and the HICAS.

 

In addition, the early stock faces are bland, it's a much better conversion to do the UK clock swap and, as Joel suggested, the turbo pressure measurement.

 

I think if I had a 99 spec with the white dials, I'd leave them as they are, especially on an NA where it's less important, but on an early TT model, I would always try and fit the UK speedo cluster.

Edited June 26, 201510 yr by Funkysi

I had an early set of UK clocks fail on me. I was fortunate enough to be able to find another set of UK clocks that matched my converted KM distance.

 

You found a set of replacement clocks with the exact same mileage of your zed? You should've put a lotto ticket on that day! I had to clock mine when I did the conversion but have a detailed photo diary of the job being done, displaying the removed cluster in KM and the installed cluster in Miles, clocked to within a few hundred yards!

You found a set of replacement clocks with the exact same mileage of your zed? You should've put a lotto ticket on that day!

 

Not exactly! It was out by a few hundred miles! lol

The speed sensor talks directly to the speedo cluster which THEN sends out a speed signal to the steering ECU, HICAS ECU and so on.

These speed convertor chips are essentially just a divider, they fool the JSPEC cluster by reducing the signal from the speed sensor by 1/3rd, hence reading the equivalent of MPH instead of KPH.

The trouble is that this reduced signal is also passed on to the other ECUs which makes for lighter steering as it thinks the car is going slower than it is. The same for the HICAS response.

Using a UK cluster leaves the speedo signal at 100% and so the signal is passed on to the other ECUs at the correct value, so the speed related steering assistance and so on are as Nissan intended.

Simples!

I suspected that a converter was messing things up as described by FunkySi and lonezedder. That makes sense.

 

So the options are:

1) converter - needs an mph sticker, looks weird (sweep is changed) and messes steering / HICAS feel. Removes the limiter, I think.

2) mph dial face on JDM clocks - no misreporting to affect steering, HICAS, need to get at clocks, removing / replacing speedo needle not easy for cack-handed like me. Keeps limiter and speed bing on cars which had it (me, I like it, but I'm odd)

3) UK clocks - needs getting at them (and cutting the track or have I misread?), cost and either your odometer is reading wrong or you need to find someone you trust to do the odometer thing (and, more importantly, document it enough that the person who eventually buys it from you, trusts you). Removes limiter (180 km/h = 112 mph) and, I think, bing.

4) keep JDM clocks and use different speedometer (satnav, ECUTalk, aftermarket) - could be free, doesn't need binnacle disassembly, doesn't mess with steering / HICAS, doesn't make needle sweep look odd and - for those with gold-faced clocks, is about the only answer. Plus there is no issue over "what does the tripmeter say" it's all kms (not part km, part mph or clocked).

 

Another item on Gio's "reasons for keeping it stock" list :D

I could be wrong, but unfortunately I believe that the UK clocks are only compatible with s1 and s2 cars, possibly s3.

S4+ have completely different arrangements at the rear so plug n play is not possible. I sure some very clever bright spark could make it all happen though.

I suppose to keep everything as Nissan intended in terms of steering weight etc, the best bet would be to change the dial face for some 0-120mph dials, I've seen a few of those and it still looks better than the standard JDM face some how as they have both mph/kmh scales.

The speed limiter is obviously still active though, but maybe its not a bad thing these days - 112mph is plenty fast enough and it might save you from having to prove your car and blowing the engine at some stage!:lol:

Some thing like this...

 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/KMH-TO-MPH-Speedo-Dial-Conversion-EARLY-NISSAN-300ZX-TURBO-for-imported-cars-/261307122290?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item3cd71e4272

 

Although you don't have boost gauge.

If later clocks are anything like the r33 ones due to the later electronic hicas, then I can recalibrate them into MPH, while keeping the speed signal unaffected. I'd need to see a later cluster to confirm though.

I could be wrong, but unfortunately I believe that the UK clocks are only compatible with s1 and s2 cars, possibly s3.

S4+ have completely different arrangements at the rear so plug n play is not possible. I sure some very clever bright spark could make it all happen though.

I suppose to keep everything as Nissan intended in terms of steering weight etc, the best bet would be to change the dial face for some 0-120mph dials, I've seen a few of those and it still looks better than the standard JDM face some how as they have both mph/kmh scales.

The speed limiter is obviously still active though, but maybe its not a bad thing these days - 112mph is plenty fast enough and it might save you from having to prove your car and blowing the engine at some stage!:lol:

 

Yeah the plugs are different on Series 4 and later. Why Nissan felt the need to do that and to delete the boost gauge is beyond me! Any pennies they saved deleting the gauge must have got lost retooling for the plugs. It's a right pain if you want an OEM boost gauge because you can't swap in an earlier set of clocks, UK or not.

3) UK clocks - needs getting at them (and cutting the track or have I misread?), cost and either your odometer is reading wrong or you need to find someone you trust to do the odometer thing (and, more importantly, document it enough that the person who eventually buys it from you, trusts you). Removes limiter (180 km/h = 112 mph) and, I think, bing.

 

You have misread. You do not need to do anything.

You have misread. You do not need to do anything.

Well, apart from finding a set of UK clocks, taking the binnacle apart and changing the UK ones from the JDM ones. Plus recording your km / miles old and new tripmeters well enough so that you are believed.

 

Why do people need to cut the track on the back of the clocks - is that just for adding a converter to JDM to read mph?

 

Why do people need to cut the track on the back of the clocks - is that just for adding a converter to JDM to read mph?

 

No idea, that's a new one to me.

 

As for fitting, it takes me the best part of 5 minutes to remove a set of dash clocks. The rest is easy enough too. :)

The track cuting is for the convertor. Never liked that solution myself as it's messy. Much better to splice into the wiring.

Ah, OK, got it. Ta.

Hi Gio, it's been a while and hope your well and still got the Z? Can't remember which one you bought as I've had 15 of them lol.

 

It's an old thread, but want to tackle this subject for owners here or maybe it's been explained before. In the UK and Northern Ireland we use MPH for the roads and our ratings, however most, if not all of Europe use KMH or KPH as some like to call it. Being that we are so close to crossing these borders......say on holiday and the likes......we need the vehicle to show the KMH reading. Crossing board here in Ireland is stone throw, people cross here regularly to get the fuel cheaper lol [stg vs euro saving] so this is main reading.

 

I think USA are MPH? Not sure the style of there clocks but they didn't get the rare version s modes I had etc. I wish now I had of kept that 99 Twin Turbo LWB manual Version S........

Hi Gio, it's been a while and hope your well and still got the Z? Can't remember which one you bought as I've had 15 of them lol.

 

It's an old thread, but want to tackle this subject for owners here or maybe it's been explained before. In the UK and Northern Ireland we use MPH for the roads and our ratings, however most, if not all of Europe use KMH or KPH as some like to call it. Being that we are so close to crossing these borders......say on holiday and the likes......we need the vehicle to show the KMH reading. Crossing board here in Ireland is stone throw, people cross here regularly to get the fuel cheaper lol [stg vs euro saving] so this is main reading.

 

I think USA are MPH? Not sure the style of there clocks but they didn't get the rare version s modes I had etc. I wish now I had of kept that 99 Twin Turbo LWB manual Version S........

 

US models do indeed have MPH clocks, but they only go to 160. Good job UK clocks read in both MPH and KPH.

For me, apart from the technical reasons, I just think they look loads better (fully), on the second zed I bought, it had these EL dials, I had some normal jap clocks lying around so I've changed them for UK ones:

 

 

Yeah the plugs are different on Series 4 and later. Why Nissan felt the need to do that and to delete the boost gauge is beyond me! Any pennies they saved deleting the gauge must have got lost retooling for the plugs. It's a right pain if you want an OEM boost gauge because you can't swap in an earlier set of clocks, UK or not.

 

Is it not possible then to snip the connector off a donnor car and then splice & replace into a series 4 loom?