Thread: Discovery 2 transmission remap

Originally Posted by Mtnman42

I just found this thread about remapping Disco 2 transmission controllers. I am a professional auto builder and I am starting an Isuzu 4BD1T engine swap into a 2004 Discovery 2 with a V8 in the US. I was originally going to put a NV4500 manual transmission from a Chevrolet into this truck but I would really like to use the factory automatic transmission. Can this transmission controller be remapped to match a diesel?...

Hi my advice is to stick to your original plan with the manual transmission cos even if the D2 TCU can be a bit tuned for better shift controll it has a CAN link with the engine ECU and it needs specific engine management data which can be delivered to match only by the Lucas Td5 diesel ECU or by the Bosch V8 engine ECU(rpm, torque, airflow, throttle position, ECT, IAS, etc) + a CAN version identifier... in a nutshell, IMO the D2's TCU will not work with any other engine's ECU.

Originally Posted by Mtnman42

I just found this thread about remapping Disco 2 transmission controllers. I am a professional auto builder and I am starting an Isuzu 4BD1T engine swap into a 2004 Discovery 2 with a V8 in the US. I was originally going to put a NV4500 manual transmission from a Chevrolet into this truck but I would really like to use the factory automatic transmission. Can this transmission controller be remapped to match a diesel? If so, is it something that can be done remotely or would I need to send the module to Australia? Obviously shipping might be slow and expensive I would guess, so I am more than willing to buy any flash tool that might be able to be used. I have several high end scan tools and Nanocom as well.

I wanted to PM James about this but the system won't allow it since I am new member.

It's an interesting project.

The points raised by Sierrafery are valid though.


I THINK I can get the auto to run standalone, actually I'm pretty sure I can, however you will lose any adaptive pressure control, adaptive shift control and a few other things.

I can get past all the missing inputs without error but as mentioned, one of the main reasons for the electrically controlled version of the 4hp22 is all the adaptive stuff, which improves both driveability and reliability.

Cheers
James

Originally Posted by sierrafery

Hi my advice is to stick to your original plan with the manual transmission cos even if the D2 TCU can be a bit tuned for better shift controll it has a CAN link with the engine ECU and it needs specific engine management data which can be delivered to match only by the Lucas Td5 diesel ECU or by the Bosch V8 engine ECU(rpm, torque, airflow, throttle position, ECT, IAS, etc) + a CAN version identifier... in a nutshell, IMO the D2's TCU will not work with any other engine's ECU.

Hi,
Thanks for the input! On diesel swaps, I am pretty good at using the old ECU to trick the vehicle into thinking it still has the old engine in it. I was thinking of using the factory TPS, temp, air flow meter and whatever else I need. I like a automatic transmission and keeping the original trans simplifies a lot of stuff. I see that Shack has responded so I am going to bounce it off him and see what he thinks. Or using the NV4500 sounds good too. Win win on my end I think.
Cheers

Originally Posted by shack

It's an interesting project.

The points raised by Sierrafery are valid though.


I THINK I can get the auto to run standalone, actually I'm pretty sure I can, however you will lose any adaptive pressure control, adaptive shift control and a few other things.

I can get past all the missing inputs without error but as mentioned, one of the main reasons for the electrically controlled version of the 4hp22 is all the adaptive stuff, which improves both driveability and reliability.

Cheers
James

Thanks for looking at this, I appreciate it! I just saw the replies now and I am still figuring out how to use the forum board. I did not get any notifications on my email that there where new posts so I will need to find out how to change the notification setting. Not that important right now but I will look into it.

My initial thought was to use the factory engine sensors, tps, airflow, temp, whatever I need and fabricate them onto the diesel engine, then remap the trans controller to shift better for a diesel. The engine ecu should just think it is running the factory engine. I really want to keep the factory traction control, hill descent, abs etc. I can come up with signal conditioners if necessary. I would think the transmission and traction control just need engine crankshaft speed, engine load (MAP or Mass Air or both) and wheel speed, probably temps too but those are easy to handle.

Is that something you think could work?

Thanks,
Noah

Originally Posted by Mtnman42

Thanks for looking at this, I appreciate it! I just saw the replies now and I am still figuring out how to use the forum board. I did not get any notifications on my email that there where new posts so I will need to find out how to change the notification setting. Not that important right now but I will look into it.



Thanks,
Noah

Top right of this window/ thread tools/ subscribe to thread/ notification type/ instant email. Forum has been under some sort of DOS attack recently, but I believe functions are working properly ATM.

Hi All,

I'm sure someone, JC maybe, put a 4HP behind a 4BD1T in a RRC and it was a very short lived gearbox.
I'll PM him and see if it was him.

It was about the time Sheldon was doing Isuzu MSA to LT230 adapters, so some years ago.

Wholesale Automatics do a 4BD1T to GM 4L80E conversion, and can supply engine - transmission and transmission - transfer adapters.

Land Rover Defender 4 Speed Automatic Conversion

There are GM and Ford 4 and 6 speed and ZF 6 and 8 speed transmission to LT230 adapters available, not sure about 4BD1 to transmission, other than the one above.

Hope this is some help.

Tony

Originally Posted by Mtnman42

Thanks for looking at this, I appreciate it! I just saw the replies now and I am still figuring out how to use the forum board. I did not get any notifications on my email that there where new posts so I will need to find out how to change the notification setting. Not that important right now but I will look into it.

My initial thought was to use the factory engine sensors, tps, airflow, temp, whatever I need and fabricate them onto the diesel engine, then remap the trans controller to shift better for a diesel. The engine ecu should just think it is running the factory engine. I really want to keep the factory traction control, hill descent, abs etc. I can come up with signal conditioners if necessary. I would think the transmission and traction control just need engine crankshaft speed, engine load (MAP or Mass Air or both) and wheel speed, probably temps too but those are easy to handle.

Is that something you think could work?

Thanks,
Noah

Whilst your idea of grafting the sensors onto the Isuzu motor may work to some degree, I think multiple errors will be thrown as you won't have injectors and O2 sensors, and possibly more.

The next point would be that the TCU sends a torque reduction request to the ECU before a gearchange, with the setup you are talking about this will be impossible as the motronic unit isn't actually controlling anything, also linked to that is that the TCU needs an estimate of engine load and torque to calculate the % of torque reduction required.

You will have very harsh shifts that will most likely damage the box.

I know very little of the 4bd1t other than it is reliable, has good low down torque, and can stop all the nuts and bolts on the car from seizing through vibration treatment! As far as I know they have no ECU...?

If you really want a diesel with all the features, I'd fit a TD5 to it if you can get hold of one.

It's not plug and play but it's the closest you will get.

2nd option would be to go with the 4bd1t and use a manual box...I can probably help you keep all the ABS and TC and HDC.


Is the current engine a 4.6 motronic Rover?

Cheers
James

Or if you want to keep it automatic i think a D1 autobox which doesnt need electronic management would be a more viable option or if you a are loaded with money get this Compushift – Ashcroft Transmissions