Hi Guys, I am looking to convert my Jap spec clocks to MPH and I'm confused as to which is the right method of doing it.

I have searched endlessly through the forum and get a mixed opinion on the matter.

Some say that the convertor boxes that fit to the speedo behind the dash can cause the steering to be too light and also effect the HICAS because the ecu's think the car is going slower than it is. Makes sense I know. Looking at the circuit diagrams this certainly seems the case.

Then some folk say that they have fitted the convertor box with no apparent issues.

I also know that a resistor can be changed, but I'd rather source a UK cluster or fit a convertor.

Can anyone conclusively tell me if a convertor at the back of the speedo DOES effect the steering and HICAS, I know that if it does, you can live with it, but I want the car to be spot on.

Cheers:D

I have a convertor box on mine and has been fine, its the cheapest option.

Uk clocks can help, the resistor mod on the speedo board isnt accurate and you have to recalibrate it using the pots on the board, usually while you are driving.

Or you can get your ECU rechipped, that would mean having it socketed to put a new chip in.

HTH

I fitted a converter ages ago and i've not had a single problem! It does exactly what i wanted it to do. I got mine from zcentre (not the cheapest) and it converts from kph to mph, it converts the odo to run in miles and it de-restricts it! JOB DONE! :D

 

HTH :)

I had a convertor box on mine when i bought the car and it caused more probs than it was worth so went with UK clocks and everything been fine since.

Thanks for all your replys so far Guys, what I've read so far is that its NOT that the convertor boxes will CAUSE a problem, its just that the computers that control the powersteer, HICAS and even autobox will be getting a signal from the speedo that is approximately 2/3rds the real speed and so give lighter powersteering and the HICAS will not operate as Nissan intended if at all.

Like I said, those with convertors already fitted, might not know any difference because their cars have always felt like they do.

The 4 wire convertors are surely to be this way, but I know there are some 5 wire convertors, I wonder if the 5th wire is a 1:1 output (unchanged) if you like and this is to be connected to the speedo output wire that goes the powersteering, HICAS and autobox ecu's giving a real speed operation.

Any more thoughts?:o

I bought and fitted mine myself so i know what it was like before ;) Mine was'nt cheap from zcentre so that maybe why mine is a good one!

 

All i can say is i have'nt had a single problem, its one of the best things i've done to my zed.

 

HTH :)

Just to add to this, I've emailed Zcenter regarding this issue and have just received the reply. This is cut and paste of the response and backs up my thoughts.

 

"Hi,

Mine and all speedo convertors will affect all speed sensitive devices like hicas etc.

If you use a uk speedo then you will be in mph but all speed sensitive devices won't be changed but you still have limited top speed.

Regards Luke."

 

Like I said though, its not that they cause a problem, it just that the car won't act or feel quiet like Nissan intended. That said some people make so many changes with aftermarket this that and the other, the car is very different anyway.

I just want a way of converting to MPH, but keeping the steering feel and HICAS responses as they were intended.:)

Looks like the only sure way for me is a UK cluster. And thats the most expensive option!:eek:

the problem i experienced was not that the power steering was lighter than it should be.

the problem was that at low speeds ie under 20km/h the speedo didnt work at all and therefore the power steering defaulted to its heaviest just when i wanted it at its lightest

 

this was with the converter the car had when i got it and with a cheap ebay one. not tried a zcentre one although i'm advised it will be okay

 

currently running without a converter and speedo and steering are working fine

 

there is a thought that there may be a dry joint in the soldering on my speedo and at low speeds the cheep converter doesnt produce enough current to overcome the dry joint