VE30DE Variable Intake LED
10-23-2003, 10:55 PM
#1
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VE30DE Variable Intake LED
Hello,
MrGone & I have rigged up an LED for the variable intake on our cars. You guessed it, it lights up when the valve for the VI is open, and turns off when it's closed.
Wiring wasn't too difficult, as I just spliced a wire onto the wire for the solenoid that controls the VI and ran that to an LED, then connected it to a 12v source (I'm using the cigarette lighter in my setup). The ECU supplies 12v current whenever the VI is closed (to keep the solenoid closed), and grounds it when it's open (which makes perfect sense). I have the LED mounted right behind the plastic grille that is to the left of the stereo.
Here's a quick video of it in operation: http://launch2k.com/maxima/vi/.
MrGone & I have rigged up an LED for the variable intake on our cars. You guessed it, it lights up when the valve for the VI is open, and turns off when it's closed.
Wiring wasn't too difficult, as I just spliced a wire onto the wire for the solenoid that controls the VI and ran that to an LED, then connected it to a 12v source (I'm using the cigarette lighter in my setup). The ECU supplies 12v current whenever the VI is closed (to keep the solenoid closed), and grounds it when it's open (which makes perfect sense). I have the LED mounted right behind the plastic grille that is to the left of the stereo.
Here's a quick video of it in operation: http://launch2k.com/maxima/vi/.
10-23-2003, 11:00 PM
#2
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Join Date: Nov 2002
Posts: 249
Originally Posted by davebond007
Hello,
MrGone & I have rigged up an LED for the variable intake on our cars. You guessed it, it lights up when the valve for the VI is open, and turns off when it's closed.
Wiring wasn't too difficult, as I just spliced a wire onto the wire for the solenoid that controls the VI and ran that to an LED, then connected it to a 12v source (I'm using the cigarette lighter in my setup). The ECU supplies 12v current whenever the VI is closed (to keep the solenoid closed), and grounds it when it's open (which makes perfect sense). I have the LED mounted right behind the plastic grille that is to the left of the stereo.
Here's a quick video of it in operation: http://launch2k.com/maxima/vi/.
MrGone & I have rigged up an LED for the variable intake on our cars. You guessed it, it lights up when the valve for the VI is open, and turns off when it's closed.
Wiring wasn't too difficult, as I just spliced a wire onto the wire for the solenoid that controls the VI and ran that to an LED, then connected it to a 12v source (I'm using the cigarette lighter in my setup). The ECU supplies 12v current whenever the VI is closed (to keep the solenoid closed), and grounds it when it's open (which makes perfect sense). I have the LED mounted right behind the plastic grille that is to the left of the stereo.
Here's a quick video of it in operation: http://launch2k.com/maxima/vi/.
10-23-2003, 11:04 PM
#3
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Originally Posted by Julio
Let me be the first to say awesome job. That gets a 10 on the cool factor. Just another thing that seperates us from the far inferior 4th gens out there.
It's late and I'm lazy. I don't want to go outside in the freezing cold to take pictures.
10-23-2003, 11:38 PM
#4
yeah guys, its pretty cool because you know more about whats going on inside your engine. I am also thinking about making a switched VTC ground (Spipedong90 did this recently too), and also possiably a LED for the VTC's just to see whats up with them
I'm not too sure yet, but I suspect the VI works more on engine load/throttle position than it does based on engine RPM (like the 4th gens). I try doing the same thing to a 5th gen because it is factory, while a US 4th gen isnt.
Really though, it is really cool. I dont think the video captures its functionality because you cant pickup the engine load/throttle position from the camera. Also the LED is brighter than the camera shows, I think the stereo took away from the intensity of the LED.
I'm not too sure yet, but I suspect the VI works more on engine load/throttle position than it does based on engine RPM (like the 4th gens). I try doing the same thing to a 5th gen because it is factory, while a US 4th gen isnt.
Really though, it is really cool. I dont think the video captures its functionality because you cant pickup the engine load/throttle position from the camera. Also the LED is brighter than the camera shows, I think the stereo took away from the intensity of the LED.
10-24-2003, 12:44 AM
#6
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10-24-2003, 05:02 AM
#8
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could even wire it into that spare orange light onthe dash that craig brace explains about on his site!
Nice work though guys!
Be sure to post if you get an LED going for the VTC's, cause that would be a cool light to have for us plebs with autos
Nice work though guys!
Be sure to post if you get an LED going for the VTC's, cause that would be a cool light to have for us plebs with autos
10-24-2003, 07:35 AM
#9
yea i just thought of that. GREAT idea. ill wire an LED to the one of the spare spots in the dash, you know, where the high beam, abs, seatbelt, ect lights are..humm that would be sweet think ill do either a red or white led.
10-24-2003, 02:36 PM
#11
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I was going to move the LED up to the console so I could see it easier, but then it'd be coming on every time that I would be more than half throttle in the low end. That might get kind of annoying
10-24-2003, 02:53 PM
#12
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Join Date: Mar 2002
Posts: 797
You so craaazay!
Next mod I'm gonna do is a light in the dash that tells me if the turn signal bulb is on......oh....wait.
I can see how this would be irritating if it were in the dash cluster, but it would be totally bling if it were, say integrated with another gauge in a gauge pod.
Also, I thought the 3rd gen VI was controlled by vacuum, not electrical signal... obviously not.
edit: here's craig's howto as well: http://www.geocities.com/craigbraceg...uge_light.html
and finally, I've been thinking about the VTC light for a while, and I think I've figured it out. I'm getting off work early today and I'm going to test the idea. It's a bit strange to accomodate my manually switched VTC's.
Next mod I'm gonna do is a light in the dash that tells me if the turn signal bulb is on......oh....wait.
I can see how this would be irritating if it were in the dash cluster, but it would be totally bling if it were, say integrated with another gauge in a gauge pod.
Also, I thought the 3rd gen VI was controlled by vacuum, not electrical signal... obviously not.
edit: here's craig's howto as well: http://www.geocities.com/craigbraceg...uge_light.html
and finally, I've been thinking about the VTC light for a while, and I think I've figured it out. I'm getting off work early today and I'm going to test the idea. It's a bit strange to accomodate my manually switched VTC's.
10-24-2003, 10:57 PM
#13
Originally Posted by Spipedong90
Also, I thought the 3rd gen VI was controlled by vacuum, not electrical signal... obviously not.
But, an easier way to rig up this light would be to find the wire going into the ECU harness connector. All the ECU does when it wants to activate the VI, is to ground the wire just like Shawn said. So, you can do it all from that single wire going into the ECU.
I wired up my cooling fan switch this way ever since Jime gave me this great idea. Check out the schematic in a FSM and how the ECU activates it, then you will be able to figure it out. But most of the ECU functions are by grounding the source. Others are by changing the voltage, which is another issue.
10-24-2003, 11:11 PM
#14
Originally Posted by Julio
Just another thing that seperates us from the far inferior 4th gens out there.
10-25-2003, 01:49 AM
#15
All 5th gens have a VI, VQ30 or VQ35 does not matter, they have VI's. Also the VE30DE-k (00-01 5th gen) as a composite intake manifold that is actually is better than the 4th gen MEVI (Middle Eastern Variable Intake).
Next on the list is to wire up LED's so I know when each coil is firing, and then I might do the same for each injector.
Next on the list is to wire up LED's so I know when each coil is firing, and then I might do the same for each injector.
10-25-2003, 10:19 AM
#17
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All 5th gens have a VI, VQ30 or VQ35 does not matter, they have VI's. Also the VE30DE-k (00-01 5th gen) as a composite intake manifold that is actually is better than the 4th gen MEVI (Middle Eastern Variable Intake).
Next on the list is to wire up LED's so I know when each coil is firing, and then I might do the same for each injector.
Next on the list is to wire up LED's so I know when each coil is firing, and then I might do the same for each injector.
10-25-2003, 11:16 AM
#18
Originally Posted by dmontzsta
If the LED is plugged in to the ECU wire...then the ECU could be sending the signal but how do you know that it is "really" opening?
But it's the same wire. Also, as I was flipping through my FSM last night, I found something I've never seen before. The VI opens at 4K on the VE.
10-25-2003, 12:30 PM
#19
Originally Posted by Julio
Just another thing that seperates us from the far inferior 4th gens out there.
10-25-2003, 01:14 PM
#20
Pervis Anathema- read my last post
Aaron- I read that too and thought it was interesting, but last night we were able to get the VI to open before 3000rpm. Just quickly jabbing the gas pedal (and this was before we were messing with the light, not that it changed anything). I think the VI is controlled based on throttle postition/engine load or something. The car was just running in neutral, I was outside watching the VI, Dave was in the drivers seat. hmmmm.
Aaron- I read that too and thought it was interesting, but last night we were able to get the VI to open before 3000rpm. Just quickly jabbing the gas pedal (and this was before we were messing with the light, not that it changed anything). I think the VI is controlled based on throttle postition/engine load or something. The car was just running in neutral, I was outside watching the VI, Dave was in the drivers seat. hmmmm.
10-25-2003, 02:16 PM
#21
Originally Posted by MrGone
Pervis Anathema- read my last post
Aaron- I read that too and thought it was interesting, but last night we were able to get the VI to open before 3000rpm. Just quickly jabbing the gas pedal (and this was before we were messing with the light, not that it changed anything). I think the VI is controlled based on throttle postition/engine load or something. The car was just running in neutral, I was outside watching the VI, Dave was in the drivers seat. hmmmm.
Aaron- I read that too and thought it was interesting, but last night we were able to get the VI to open before 3000rpm. Just quickly jabbing the gas pedal (and this was before we were messing with the light, not that it changed anything). I think the VI is controlled based on throttle postition/engine load or something. The car was just running in neutral, I was outside watching the VI, Dave was in the drivers seat. hmmmm.
But I'm very sure it has to do with throttle position and how aggressively you stomp on the gas. This is good info to know since I am going to put a VI on my VE Auto one day and probably use a Harlan switch. OR I can just flip a switch manually and I won't have to buy that expensive Harlan switch.
lol
10-25-2003, 04:32 PM
#22
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Posts: 554
Originally Posted by MrGone
Next on the list is to wire up LED's so I know when each coil is firing, and then I might do the same for each injector.
10-26-2003, 01:24 AM
#23
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Well, I have spent a bit more time tinkering with the VI and LED setup I have in my car. Here's some of my gatherings:
Regarding the throttle position comment made above: For those of you with VE 5spd's and have a pop-charger like intake (or just simply a cone filter attached to the MAF sensor, like me), and have heard the intake whistling whenever the throttle is at like 1/3 (just guessing here), well, it's related to the VI. The VI opens when you hear that whistling.
You may also notice that between 3000 and 4000 rpm the whistling disappears, then comes back after 4000. My theory is that intake geometry in our cars just happen to whistle when it's working most efficiently (at 1/3 throttle). So, the whistling happens at 1/3 throttle, with the VI on, in the low end, and in the high end, with the VI off, also at 1/3 throttle.
Also, to hopefully rid all misinformation about this in the future, the VI is for low-end power only. If my setup is correct (and I am pretty sure that it is), if the throttle is more than 1/3 (or close to), the ECU grounds out the power control valve solenoid, (and my LED turns on), "opening" the VI, then around 3500-3600 (not exactly sure, can't keep an eye on the tach, LED, and the road at the same time) the ECU puts 12v back to the solenoid, turning my LED off and "closing" the VI. My LED does not come on after 4k RPM or if the throttle is less than 1/3 depressed.
So, in closing, I think it's safe to assume that the VI, and the VTC's too, help the VE kick *** in the low end power range.
Regarding the throttle position comment made above: For those of you with VE 5spd's and have a pop-charger like intake (or just simply a cone filter attached to the MAF sensor, like me), and have heard the intake whistling whenever the throttle is at like 1/3 (just guessing here), well, it's related to the VI. The VI opens when you hear that whistling.
You may also notice that between 3000 and 4000 rpm the whistling disappears, then comes back after 4000. My theory is that intake geometry in our cars just happen to whistle when it's working most efficiently (at 1/3 throttle). So, the whistling happens at 1/3 throttle, with the VI on, in the low end, and in the high end, with the VI off, also at 1/3 throttle.
Also, to hopefully rid all misinformation about this in the future, the VI is for low-end power only. If my setup is correct (and I am pretty sure that it is), if the throttle is more than 1/3 (or close to), the ECU grounds out the power control valve solenoid, (and my LED turns on), "opening" the VI, then around 3500-3600 (not exactly sure, can't keep an eye on the tach, LED, and the road at the same time) the ECU puts 12v back to the solenoid, turning my LED off and "closing" the VI. My LED does not come on after 4k RPM or if the throttle is less than 1/3 depressed.
So, in closing, I think it's safe to assume that the VI, and the VTC's too, help the VE kick *** in the low end power range.
10-26-2003, 01:31 AM
#24
Tell me something I didn't already know 
hehehe, just joking bud, hehe. That's kind of wierd how the whistling is related to the VI. I wonder what would happen if you put the stock air box back on, maybe it muffles it. Actually better yet, maybe it has something to do with the resonator?
Hmmm. I need to wire up a light and play around some.
[edit]oops, I forgot to attach my spectacular sig to this post.[/edit]
hehehe, just joking bud, hehe. That's kind of wierd how the whistling is related to the VI. I wonder what would happen if you put the stock air box back on, maybe it muffles it. Actually better yet, maybe it has something to do with the resonator?
Hmmm. I need to wire up a light and play around some.
[edit]oops, I forgot to attach my spectacular sig to this post.[/edit]
10-26-2003, 07:11 AM
#27
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Originally Posted by davebond007
Well, I have spent a bit more time tinkering with the VI and LED setup I have in my car. Here's some of my gatherings:
Regarding the throttle position comment made above: For those of you with VE 5spd's and have a pop-charger like intake (or just simply a cone filter attached to the MAF sensor, like me), and have heard the intake whistling whenever the throttle is at like 1/3 (just guessing here), well, it's related to the VI. The VI opens when you hear that whistling.
You may also notice that between 3000 and 4000 rpm's the whistling disappears, then comes back after 4000. My theory is that intake geometry in our cars just happen to whistle when it's working most efficiently (at 1/3 throttle). So, the whistling happens at 1/3 throttle, with the VI on, in the low end, and in the high end, with the VI off, also at 1/3 throttle.
Also, to hopefully rid all misinformation about this in the future, the VI is for low-end power only. If my setup is correct (and I am pretty sure that it is), if the throttle is more than 1/3 (or close to), the ECU grounds out the power control valve solenoid, (and my LED turns on), "opening" the VI, then around 3500-3600 (not exactly sure, can't keep an eye on the tach, LED, and the road at the same time) the ECU puts 12v back to the solenoid, turning my LED off and "closing" the VI. My LED does not come on after 4k RPMs or if the throttle is less than 1/3 depressed.
So, in closing, I think it's safe to assume that the VI, and the VTC's too, help the VE kick *** in the low end power range.
Regarding the throttle position comment made above: For those of you with VE 5spd's and have a pop-charger like intake (or just simply a cone filter attached to the MAF sensor, like me), and have heard the intake whistling whenever the throttle is at like 1/3 (just guessing here), well, it's related to the VI. The VI opens when you hear that whistling.
You may also notice that between 3000 and 4000 rpm's the whistling disappears, then comes back after 4000. My theory is that intake geometry in our cars just happen to whistle when it's working most efficiently (at 1/3 throttle). So, the whistling happens at 1/3 throttle, with the VI on, in the low end, and in the high end, with the VI off, also at 1/3 throttle.
Also, to hopefully rid all misinformation about this in the future, the VI is for low-end power only. If my setup is correct (and I am pretty sure that it is), if the throttle is more than 1/3 (or close to), the ECU grounds out the power control valve solenoid, (and my LED turns on), "opening" the VI, then around 3500-3600 (not exactly sure, can't keep an eye on the tach, LED, and the road at the same time) the ECU puts 12v back to the solenoid, turning my LED off and "closing" the VI. My LED does not come on after 4k RPMs or if the throttle is less than 1/3 depressed.
So, in closing, I think it's safe to assume that the VI, and the VTC's too, help the VE kick *** in the low end power range.
It is RPM not RPM's...grrrrrrrr
