Power to Win



KB1044 -R8 ECU Installation

Overview

The R8 ECU is a fully sequential 8 cylinder engine control system designed for high performance Drag Race applications. The enclosure is extruded 6061 aluminium that is environmentally sealed and features an Autosport 79 pin main connector. Unique to the R8 ECU is the fully programmable 8 stage Nitrous Control software. Eight (8) high resolution timers control the fuel added, spark retard and nitrous for each stage.

Main communications is via wireless Bluetooth interface or a high speed USB port. External data loggers or dash displays can be interfaced via a current loop or CAN bus output.

Features

The R8 ECU has the following features:-

In addition to the basic engine control functions the R8 ECU has a full compliment of chassis control features.


Nitrous Control

The R8 ECU has 8 stage Nitrous Control with fully programmable fuel, spark and nitrous settings for each stage. The ECU has dedicated Transbrake and Master arm inputs to activate the system. These 2 inputs must both be low to activate the nitrous control.

The 6 nitrous outputs from the ECU are all active low and can sink approx 2 amps. A relay should be used between these outputs and the solenoids themselves. A full throttle switch is not necessasy as the system cannot go active unless the throttle is above the limit programmed into the ECU.

The ECU also has a dedicated output for the water injection system. It can be switched on and off by the ECU at programmed time intervals

Wiring

The nitrous connector on the chassis harness is a grey 8 pin DTM part number DTM06-08SA

  1. Stage 1
  2. Stage 2
  3. Stage 3
  4. Stage 4
  5. Stage 5
  6. Stage 6
  7. Not Used
  8. Water Injection

Transmission Control

The R8 has 4 dedicated outputs for transmission control and can fully replicate all the standard ACD box functions. Shift points can be set by rpm or time. Converter lockup outputs are also available.

The transmission outputs from the ECU are all active low and can sink approx 2 amps. The Reset/Override input is a momentary switch that is used to place the transmission back into 1st gear but also for manual shifting during the burnout.

The converter lockup outputs from the ECU are both active low and can sink approx 2 amps. A relay should be used between these outputs and the solenoids themselves.

Wiring

The transmission connector on the chassis harness is a green 8 pin DTM part number DTM04-08PC

  1. Shift 1
  2. Shift 2
  3. Shift 3
  4. Shift 4
  5. Reset/Override
  6. Converter 1
  7. Converter 2
  8. Not Used

Auto Purge

The R8 has a unique "Auto Purge" function for the Nitrous bottle pressure. A momentary ECU switch input activates the function that brings the bottle pressure down to the programmed value.

The purge valve outputs from the ECU are all active low and can sink approx 2 amps. The bottle pressure sensors require 5 volts and ground that is available on this connector.

The Purge Input is a momentary switch that is used to initiate the auto purge function. Pressing the switch a second time will terminate the process before reaching the target bottle pressure.

Wiring

The bottle pressure connector on the chassis harness is a brown 8 pin DTM part number DTM04-08PD

  1. Bottle pressure 1
  2. Bottle pressure 2
  3. Purge valve 1
  4. Purge valve 2
  5. Auto Purge Input
  6. Not Used
  7. Vref (5 volts)
  8. GND

Dash Connection

The dash connector is multi-purpose and some of these features may not be active on your system. The Clutch and Master arm inputs are used to activate the nitrous and must both be grounded to activate the system. If you are using adjustable shocks there are 2 active low outputs that can be switched on and off by the ECU at programmed time values.

The R8 ECU has an automatic chute release function that deploys the chute at the programmed time after launch. It is an active low output. A safety over-ride switch should also be used to allow manual activation.

Wiring

The dash connector on the chassis harness is a grey 8 pin DTM part number DTM04-08PA

  1. MSD Points
  2. NOS Arm switch
  3. Clutch SW (beacon)
  4. Shock 1 Out
  5. Shock 2 Out
  6. Transbrake
  7. Chute Release
  8. GND

Racepak

This connector is mainly for the Racepak data interface to an EFI Vnet module. A CAN bus interface to the ECU is also available for connection to other devices. The driveshaft input is is used for ECU speed and distance measurement. It is also used for the ECU Driveshaft and Traction Control features.

Wiring

The Racepak connector on the chassis harness is a black 8 pin DTM part number DTM04-08PB

  1. Racepak Data
  2. CAN High
  3. CAN Low
  4. Driveshaft
  5. Mixture
  6. Not Used
  7. Vref (5 volts)
  8. GND

Notes

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