993 conversion - ECU drive block reprogram - what are the latest options?

[Steve@Rennsport]

Randy:

Not in terms of these conversions,...

MHO, of course.

[Lorenfb]

Be aware that it's very risky modifying/flashing the Porsche 993 OBDII
cars, as they are very problematic when attempting an emission test
even without modifications. Check the Rennlist web site under 993 and
see all the posts about emission test failures on stock unmodified cars.

Check here ( www.systemsc.com/codes.htm ) under the section of readiness
codes to get more info.

[RideShoot&Drink]

I doubt that this applies to DW SD's car, his car is 71 I believe...thanks for info though.

Originally posted by Lorenfb
Be aware that it's very risky modifying/flashing the Porsche 993 OBDII
cars, as they are very problematic when attempting an emission test
even without modifications. Check the Rennlist web site under 993 and
see all the posts about emission test failures on stock unmodified cars.

Check here ( www.systemsc.com/codes.htm ) under the section of readiness
codes to get more info.

[Lorenfb]

"I doubt that this applies to DW SD's car, his car is 71 I believe...thanks for info though."

Wrong! Here in California, the emission requirements apply to the later engine and
NOT the year of the car's body. Unless the car is "track only", the last time I checked,
San Diego is still in California where the thread starter lives.

[RideShoot&Drink]

Originally posted by Lorenfb
Wrong! Here in California, the emission requirements apply to the later engine and
NOT the year of the car's body. Unless the car is "track only", the last time I checked,
San Diego is still in California where the thread starter lives.

...and thanks for that info too!

...but I still think his car is smog exempt

...have fun! RideShoot&Drink

[rattlsnak]

And how would the DMV know he doesnt have a '71 motor?

[Lorenfb]

"And how would the DMV know he doesnt have a '71 motor?" - rattlsnak -

This isn't Georgia. Here the smog guys actually look at the engine and
check the manuals to verify emission elements on the engine and their
functionality per the emissions manual. These emission guys are closely
monitored by the state and get a huge fine and/or loss of their licenses
if they don't fully test & comply with the regulations.

[klaucke]

I thought that if you put a newer motor in a smog required car, a la MikeZ's 83 RS cab w/ 3.6, then you have to still maintain the 3.6 emissions. However, DW SD has a 71 which is completely smog exempt in stock form, so they wouldn't be checking his motor anyway, I think. Jack has a 3.6 in his 72 w/ B&B headers (= no cats) and he doesn't seem to have a problem, and its not a dedicated track car.

I live in MA though, I could be way off base. Thats just what I picked up from this forum.

[beamonk]

Can one hook up a port on an OBDI harness? What is needed and how is it done?

[k9handler]

who would tell if you had the newer engine...I know I would not tell them, it's a 1974 as far as they need to know.

[DW SD]

I do indeed have a '71 chassis. In fact, I bought someone else's project and the vehicle was un-registered for many years. Fortunately, once your vehicle qualifies for smog exempt status due to age (currently fixed at 1975 and earlier in CA), no check-ins with the authorities are required. If you choose to notify them of your "upgraded, newer engine" it would have to be smogged per the engine year's standards, like Loren stated. Some day, in the not to distant future, I've heard CA will have mobile smog stations visually scanning vehicles on the road looking for gross polluters. There is technology to identify certain gasses (maybe NOX) or high hydro carbons. I guess you will be able to be picked up by the mobile smog - police. I don't believe this is science fiction.

For those concerned about the ethics of a swap, I suspect a later, well-tuned, fuel injected engine without cats put out much less HC and NOx than an original, early carbureted 911T engine.

Thank you all for your input. I'm going to talk to Steve Weiner on Monday to ask his recommendation of target engine / DME for my application. I'm interested in a V-Ram motor upgrade. It is definitely confusing. He seemed to suggest to stay away from Euro motors and their DMEs, but also though OBDII has the drive-block challenge to work around, it seems preferable. I'll post some more information when I talk to him. Steve Wong explained that he can re-program (re-map) an OBDI or OBDII engine as long as the EPROM is removable. However, he cannot defeat drive block at the present time.

Doug

[Lorenfb]

"Steve Wong explained that he can re-program (re-map) an OBDI or OBDII engine as long as the EPROM is removable."

The OBDII 993 cars, '96-'98, don't use EPROMs as did the '95s.
The '96 used a masked ROM and the later ones use flash memories.
Everyone who knows the Porsche DMEs should be aware of the memories
used by Porsche and the problematic issues with re-programming.

Some claim DME knowledge and make statements which are not accurate
about Porsche DMEs and thus mislead others.

[DW SD]

Originally posted by Lorenfb
"Steve Wong explained that he can re-program (re-map) an OBDI or OBDII engine as long as the EPROM is removable."

The OBDII 993 cars, '96-'98, don't use EPROMs as did the '95s.
The '96 used a masked ROM and the later ones use flash memories.
Everyone who knows the Porsche DMEs should be aware of the memories
used by Porsche and the problematic issues with re-programming.

Some claim DME knowledge and make statements which are not accurate
about Porsche DMEs and thus mislead others.

Good to know! I have to admit, I belive I misquoted Steve. I thank you for clarifying. He was kind enough to share an hour's worth of information and I was going from memory. Different perspectives are very worthwhile.

Doug

[randywebb]

I thought Cal had trailer-based sniffers now - parked at entrance ramps & etc. I heard they can ID individual vehicles...

But, just remember - you are putting in a _lower_ emissions engine than what the car had before...

[RideShoot&Drink]

It's kinda hard to believe, but my 85 Carrera (sold, but not forgotten) passed CA smog a year ago. The engine was just rebuilt with 964 cams, SSI's, sports muffler and on top of that with SteveW chip...Have Fun!

[antares]

i have been told the varirams get better fuel milage by far than the 1995 obd-1 993 engines?
would one get as much power out of a 1995 993 engine with an aftermarket ecu that has optimal remapping than a varioram engine?
anyone...
antares