Retrofit 08 Instrument Cluster? - LotusTalk

Noel · 08-29-2008, 08:11 AM

Electronics technical experts, is this possible? I'm very certain, it's not a simple swap, plug and play.

LBC111 · 08-29-2008, 09:17 AM

I asked my local dealership, and they said no, however, we've got some crafty people on this forum. I would change out mine if it could be done.

cpforyou · 08-29-2008, 09:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LBC111

I asked my local dealership, and they said no, however, we've got some crafty people on this forum. I would change out mine if it could be done.

forget the cluster...i want an OEM Retrofit Supercharger.

goldfive · 08-29-2008, 11:41 PM

I'm with ya on this, the orange one is just awful. Totally cheap.

I too asked my Lotus-trained mechanic, and he said he was told by a Lotus rep to not even attempt the conversion. I believe the wiring harness is different. Also, I think the LCD rectangle is custom programmed by Lotus, and not simply and off the shelf component.

I think ET member CharlieX once posted that he could create some sort of software interface that might be useful in a conversion. Perhaps he will read this thread and comment.

rob13572468 · 08-31-2008, 01:16 AM

yes the cluster retrofit can *absolutely* be done.. we manufacture an interface that can be programmed for this explicit purpose. The lotus techs dont understand the conversion because its not just a matter of switching wire for wire, the vehicle networks need to be recoded for the new cluster info and they have no experience in that area whatsoever so they simply say 'forget it, it cant be done'

If someone is seriously interested in doing this the first step is to get an '08 model to our offices in chicago for a few hours. We have a lab there where I can pull the vehicle in and do all the data reads on the cluster as well as verify the wiring. Once that is done I can build you an interface and harness to plug in the new cluster to the older model.

Noel · 08-31-2008, 04:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rob13572468

If someone is seriously interested in doing this the first step is to get an '08 model to our offices in chicago for a few hours. We have a lab there where I can pull the vehicle in and do all the data reads on the cluster as well as verify the wiring. Once that is done I can build you an interface and harness to plug in the new cluster to the older model.

This is great news Rob. Anyone local to Rob wanna kick start this process? I smell a GB for harness/connectors + 08 instrument cluster.

MikeG911 · 08-31-2008, 09:04 AM

I'd be interested i getting the 08 cluster as well. Mine is a pain to see in daylight, i.e. temps, etc.

Iman · 08-31-2008, 01:55 PM

I also asked my dealer about this.* they said it could be done for about 4K.

charliex · 08-31-2008, 02:12 PM

the 08 cluster has a different wiring harness, different protocol (it now includes a config byte for locales for instance) and runs at a different baud rate.

it can be converted, you'd just have to read in the old messages at 1Mbps and convert them to the new format at 512Kbps.

or you could reprogram the earlier ecu's to spit out the correct messages at 512Kbps instead.

Noel · 08-31-2008, 02:46 PM

Charlie or Rob - What would be the most feasible solution for a retrofit kit?

charliex · 08-31-2008, 03:47 PM

robs is probably the quickest and simplest, he can read in the old stream and translate it.

both methods would need the harness though.

i'll try to get a dump of the 08 can bus and post it for him.

rob13572468 · 08-31-2008, 11:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by charliex

robs is probably the quickest and simplest, he can read in the old stream and translate it.

both methods would need the harness though.

i'll try to get a dump of the 08 can bus and post it for him.

that would be great charlie.. any read of the data will be helpful, also the schematic for the new cluster.

We also buy hundreds of harness wires and plugs each month so we can source hard to find connectors even when they are protected parts. Once I get the part numbes for the new harness plugs i can get more info.

rob13572468 · 08-31-2008, 11:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Noel

Charlie or Rob - What would be the most feasible solution for a retrofit kit?

We already have a can bridge module in production and field tested in hundreds of vehicles. It can handle conversion for different speed networks, change data structures and even adjust data values (for instance for speedo correction). We normally use it for mercedes applications where the bandwidth is much higher; about 1200 messages/sec so this application would be no problem.

rob13572468 · 09-01-2008, 12:03 AM

also cost would be nowhere near 4K.. thats crazy. The biggest cost would be the price of the new cluster.

Noel · 09-01-2008, 02:29 AM

Rob, Charlie ... Thank you for taking the lead and getting this happening. This will definitely be a worthy upgrade once you genius figure out everything.

ZAMMY1 · 09-01-2008, 04:30 AM

the depth of technical expertise on this forum is stunning, as is the spirit of cooperation among competitors.
my hat's off to you all.
sam

jimmyhoffa · 09-27-2008, 02:25 PM

Anyone make any progress on this? I would really like to put this instrument cluster in my 06 if it's possible (at a reasonable price)

kestrel74 · 09-27-2008, 02:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Noel

Charlie or Rob - What would be the most feasible solution for a retrofit kit?

Just get a new car ......it's easier !!

rob13572468 · 10-05-2008, 03:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimmyhoffa

Anyone make any progress on this? I would really like to put this instrument cluster in my 06 if it's possible (at a reasonable price)

i still need to get my hands on an elise with the new cluster to read the data format. when someone can arrange to bring on by our offices for a couple of hours we can get started. also if anyone has the wiring for the 08 it would be helpful if you could post it or send it to sales@midcityengineering.com

Noel · 10-06-2008, 06:16 AM

Anyone local to Rob wanna reach out and get this project moving along?

08-29-2008, 08:11 AM	#1 (permalink)
Noel Weiß Stoßtruppen Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: 33.87°S 151.21°E Car: ロータス MKII エキシージ Type: S280 2ZZ-GE Posts: 136	Retrofit 08 Instrument Cluster? Electronics technical experts, is this possible? I'm very certain, it's not a simple swap, plug and play.

08-29-2008, 09:17 AM	#2 (permalink)
LBC111 Dan D Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Long Beach, CA Posts: 1,303	I asked my local dealership, and they said no, however, we've got some crafty people on this forum. I would change out mine if it could be done. __________________ 07 Exige S: GG, Track Pack, V1, RV Camera, S111 CF roof and splitter, 4.5-lb Voltphreaks battery, 10-lb Von Hep Exhaust, Green filter, 265 crank hp +/-, Volk TE 37 Wheels, RTDbrace, Scroth 6-point ASM harnesses, W2A IC to come??, 1965 lbs total weight (est) 05 Elise: Storm Titanium, Sport, Touring, Stage II (SOLD) (May '05 - Sept '06)

08-31-2008, 09:04 AM	#7 (permalink)
MikeG911 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 96	I'd be interested i getting the 08 cluster as well. Mine is a pain to see in daylight, i.e. temps, etc. __________________ 07 CO Elise, 04 TSX, 05 G35 (Sold), 02 Accord (Sold), 97 4Runner

08-31-2008, 01:55 PM	#8 (permalink)
Iman Registered User Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: So Cal Posts: 93	I also asked my dealer about this.* they said it could be done for about 4K. __________________ 2007 Exige S: Solar Yellow, Innovative Mounts 4pc race kit, IMRP rear diffuser, IMRP front and rear tow hooks, Custom race exhaust with no kitty, Goth.am 265. More soon...

08-31-2008, 02:12 PM	#9 (permalink)
charliex disproving HD MTBF daily Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Las Vegas , NV Posts: 8,284	the 08 cluster has a different wiring harness, different protocol (it now includes a config byte for locales for instance) and runs at a different baud rate. it can be converted, you'd just have to read in the old messages at 1Mbps and convert them to the new format at 512Kbps. or you could reprogram the earlier ecu's to spit out the correct messages at 512Kbps instead. __________________ Black Exige S - http://goth.am 265 Mule / Elan M100 ECU Tuning, http://www.elisetalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39660 Arguing with an engineer is like wrestling with a pig in mud. After a while, you realise the pig is enjoying it.

08-29-2008, 11:41 PM	#4 (permalink)
goldfive Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 157	I'm with ya on this, the orange one is just awful. Totally cheap. I too asked my Lotus-trained mechanic, and he said he was told by a Lotus rep to not even attempt the conversion. I believe the wiring harness is different. Also, I think the LCD rectangle is custom programmed by Lotus, and not simply and off the shelf component. I think ET member CharlieX once posted that he could create some sort of software interface that might be useful in a conversion. Perhaps he will read this thread and comment.

08-31-2008, 01:16 AM	#5 (permalink)
rob13572468 the devil's advocate... Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: chicago Posts: 699	yes the cluster retrofit can absolutely be done.. we manufacture an interface that can be programmed for this explicit purpose. The lotus techs dont understand the conversion because its not just a matter of switching wire for wire, the vehicle networks need to be recoded for the new cluster info and they have no experience in that area whatsoever so they simply say 'forget it, it cant be done' If someone is seriously interested in doing this the first step is to get an '08 model to our offices in chicago for a few hours. We have a lab there where I can pull the vehicle in and do all the data reads on the cluster as well as verify the wiring. Once that is done I can build you an interface and harness to plug in the new cluster to the older model.

08-31-2008, 02:46 PM	#10 (permalink)
Noel Weiß Stoßtruppen Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: 33.87°S 151.21°E Car: ロータス MKII エキシージ Type: S280 2ZZ-GE Posts: 136	Charlie or Rob - What would be the most feasible solution for a retrofit kit?

08-31-2008, 03:47 PM	#11 (permalink)
charliex disproving HD MTBF daily Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Las Vegas , NV Posts: 8,284	robs is probably the quickest and simplest, he can read in the old stream and translate it. both methods would need the harness though. i'll try to get a dump of the 08 can bus and post it for him. __________________ Black Exige S - http://goth.am 265 Mule / Elan M100 ECU Tuning, http://www.elisetalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39660 Arguing with an engineer is like wrestling with a pig in mud. After a while, you realise the pig is enjoying it.

09-01-2008, 12:03 AM	#14 (permalink)
rob13572468 the devil's advocate... Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: chicago Posts: 699	also cost would be nowhere near 4K.. thats crazy. The biggest cost would be the price of the new cluster.

09-01-2008, 02:29 AM	#15 (permalink)
Noel Weiß Stoßtruppen Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: 33.87°S 151.21°E Car: ロータス MKII エキシージ Type: S280 2ZZ-GE Posts: 136	Rob, Charlie ... Thank you for taking the lead and getting this happening. This will definitely be a worthy upgrade once you genius figure out everything.

09-01-2008, 04:30 AM	#16 (permalink)
ZAMMY1 ZAMMY Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: washington, pa, (near PGH.) Posts: 1,210	the depth of technical expertise on this forum is stunning, as is the spirit of cooperation among competitors. my hat's off to you all. sam __________________ Sam Mayberry, W3CYO/R, resident curmudgeon. aspen white '06 elise, now with hinged rear clam! nice! youtube: sam's jet turbine scooter

09-27-2008, 02:25 PM	#17 (permalink)
jimmyhoffa Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Location: Sykesville, MD Posts: 127	Anyone make any progress on this? I would really like to put this instrument cluster in my 06 if it's possible (at a reasonable price) __________________ 2006 Elise Stage 2 and fancy Sector 111 tow hook!

10-06-2008, 06:16 AM	#20 (permalink)
Noel Weiß Stoßtruppen Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: 33.87°S 151.21°E Car: ロータス MKII エキシージ Type: S280 2ZZ-GE Posts: 136	Anyone local to Rob wanna reach out and get this project moving along?

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