E36 TPS

#1

Hey guys and gals,
We are in the final stages of putting together a TPS kit for the E30 and are working on the M50->M20 bracket so that the E36 TPS fits on the E30 throttle body. Is there any reason why we couldn’t use a E36 TPS on a E30 and still be in spec? There isn’t any performance advantages as the ECU only understands WOT and off from the TPS anyway. By using the E36 TPS we’re getting a linear response so we can get TPS, otherwise we have to use a traditional string pot.

Thanks!

Dan

#2

I would love to do that as well but unfortunately the rules just don’t allow it.

#3

Yeah, I figured as much and was interested in trying it out. Anyway, we’re also putting together a string pot kit and should have more details soon.

#4

I would be interested to know how many folks want TPS, brake pressure, and/or steered angle sensors on these cars? Anyone want to chime in?

#5

kgorman wrote:

Speed Trapp Racing is very interested in TPS and brake pressure for both our cars.

#6

Thanks for the feedback STR!

Just an update.

Dan will be running with the latest throttle position sensor with our prototype mount kit at the next NASA event. We use the same string potentiometer as on our spec miata kits. We have machined a custom aluminum bracket allowing the string pot to be mounted similar to how the cruise control cable was routed. The kit assumes you have removed your cruise control. Stop by the tent and check it out, feedback welcome. This kit should easily conform to the rules (V10.1, 7.9.1).

The kit will include the string pot, the cable lead, mounting bracket, hardware and instructions for Traqmate and AiM. Pricing yet to be determined. You will be able to choose your connector type (Binder, DTM or bare).

I will take/post some pics when I get some time…

So Dan’s car now has brake on/off, RPM, and TPS configured as inputs. Solving the steering angle sensor mounting is next.

#7

kgorman wrote:

Maybe I am misreading the post, but if you replace the TPS with an E36 part, how is that data acquisition module NOT performing a secondary function (i.e. replacing a part that is not permitted by the rules to be replaced)?

I understand the “no advantage” argument, but I think it is a weak one. And a slippery slope.

Steve D.

#8

Sounds like this TPS/string pot only signals the TM.

Kenny, looking forward to seeing this. I had sketched up something similar using the CC as the mount point, and would happily just buy one at the right price after I buy a traqdata.

I’m curious why you didn’t take on brake pressure instead of binary on/off?

#9

Brake pressure is coming. We are just prioritizing development of kits on a demand basis.

#10

Steve,

The title of this thread is misleading. We were going to use the e36 TPS, but decided for just the reasons you mention below NOT to use it.

Thus we developed a kit that uses an off the shelf string type potentiometer to avoid any issues with rules. The kit does not alter your existing TPS sensor in any way at all.

Hope this clears it up… :wink:

Steve D wrote:

[quote]kgorman wrote:

Maybe I am misreading the post, but if you replace the TPS with an E36 part, how is that data acquisition module NOT performing a secondary function (i.e. replacing a part that is not permitted by the rules to be replaced)?

I understand the “no advantage” argument, but I think it is a weak one. And a slippery slope.

Steve D.[/quote]

#11

This is a shot of the prototype Dan will hopefully be testing out this coming weekend. Stop by his car and take a peek, feedback welcome.

There are two parts, the sensors/bracket and the cable mount. The sensor is our Celesco string potentiometer and the mounting brackets are custom machined T6061 aluminum. We create the mounting brackets in-house. These are just for testing, but the final ones should look somewhat similar. The sensors are highly compact, accurate, and long life industrial string potentiometers.

#12

Just an update.

We tested the new mount at Infineon and it worked great. The bad news is if you run a strut brace, which most of us are (not Gorman Motorsports though…), then it will not fit. Soooo, it’s back to the drawing board and mill to make a new setup. We will have a new version for Aug.

Thanks for Sean and Tony at STR for good feedback. And congrats to Tony on his podium!