Manufacturers instructions for SmartShift installation.

SmartShift

Installation Instructions for the Acura NSX

Model SS-300

DALI RACING

Designed and manufactured by Zublin Engineering

Copyright 1998 Zublin Engineering 900009-001 document rev 1.2 December 13, 1998

This document is available as an electronic file in Adobe Acrobat (pdf) format with color images. Please contact DALI RACING or Zublin Engineering for a copy. This document may be freely copied and distributed provided that it is done so in its entirety. Any change, modification or editing is strictly prohibited without the written permission of Zublin Engineering.

What is the SmartShift?

The SmartShift model SS-300 monitors the engine speed and tells you when you have exceeded a pre-programmed limit. A typical application would be for a up-shift indicator light or audible beeper, with the RPM threshold set to slightly less than engine redline.

How does the SmartShift work?

The SmartShift connects to the tachometer signal to determine the engine speed. When the engine speed exceeds the preset RPM threshold, it will activate the output. The output will typically be connected to a dash mounted indicator light or beeper. It is also possible to use an existing dash light such as the brake indicator light.

Application for the Acura NSX

These instructions will show you how to install the SmartShift� in your NSX. Once installed, the SmartShift� will remind you to up-shift gears by illuminating the brake light on the dash board at a specific RPM threshold.

Features

   RPM threshold can be set to any value from 4000 to 10,200 RPM, in increments of 200 RPM.

 
Accurate to within 1%, better than stock tachometers. 

 
Works on all 4, 6, 8, and 10 cylinder vehicles with fuel injection. 

 
Output mode can be steady state ON or ON/OFF blink.

 
Simple installation using common tools. No wire cutting required. 

Specifications

Note 1: If you plan to drive an inductive load such as a relay coil, mechanical buzzer or solenoid with the SmartShift� , please contact Zublin Engineering for further application information.

Programming the SmartShift

The SmartShift is programmed by the settings of a DIP switch which has 8 switches. To access the switches, remove the small Philips head screw in the center of the cover. Remove the cover to expose the circuit board. See Figure 1.

The switches are used to program the following items. Turn the ignition OFF while making changes to the switch settings.

   RPM Threshold: This is the engine speed at which the output will activate. The      output will remain active as long as the engine speed is above this threshold. The output      will de-activate when the engine speed drops 500 RPM below the threshold. 

 
Number of Cylinders: Set this to match your engine. 

 
Output Mode: When set to "blink mode," the output will alternate ON/OFF      when active. When set to "steady mode," the output will remain continuously ON      when active. 

The factory settings of the DIP switch select 7800 RPM, 6 cylinders, and blink mode. This is the typical setting for the Acura NSX.

See Figure 2 for details on how to select the settings of your choice.

Notes Regarding Tachometer Accuracy

Each SmartShift is tested prior to shipment to within 1% accuracy. You may notice that the shift light illuminates at an RPM indicated by your tachometer that is different that the threshold setting of the SmartShift . Most likely this is due to the error of your tachometer. For example, measurements performed on a 1992 Acura NSX indicate that the tachometer reads 3% low. This is an error of about 250 RPM at 8000 RPM which is noticeable.

Installation Instructions

These instructions will show you how to install the SmartShift in your NSX. Once installed, the SmartShift� will remind you to up-shift gears by illuminating the brake light on the dash board at a specific RPM threshold.

If you would like to use an external shift light or audible indicator, please refer to the document 900010-010 SmartShift� Model SS-300 User Manual and General Installation Instructions.

Contents

Verify that the following items have been included in the package.

Tools Required

   Flat blade screwdriver 

 
Philips screwdriver 

 
Long nose pliers

 
Regular pliers 

 
Wire cutters (to trim plastic wires ties, not for cutting wires) 

 
10 mm wrench

BE SURE TO TURN THE IGNITION OFF BEFORE INSTALLATION!!

Step 1 – Remove Rear Upper Trim Panel

Remove the rear upper trim panel by pulling out on the top edge and then push on the bottom edge in the upward direction (Figure 3). This panel is located behind the seats, just below the rear window.

Figure 3 – Remove Rear Upper Trim Panel

Step 2 – Remove Left and Right Rear Trim Panels

Remove the left rear trim panel with your hands (Figure 4). This is the square panel located behind the driver’s seat. Lift at the bottom and then at the top. There are two plastic tabs on the top and bottom of the panel. Repeat this process for the right side (passenger’s side).

Figure 4 Remove Left Rear Trim Panel

Step 3 – Remove Cell Phone

If your NSX does not have a cellular phone, proceed to Step 4.

Open the center armrest lid and lift the phone handset out of its cradle. Remove the two rubber plugs with the long nose pliers (see Figure 5). Remove the screw(s) under the rubber plugs, and the two other exposed screws from the cradle. Remove the cradle from the vehicle. Proceed to Step 5.

Figure 5 Remove Phone Cradle

Step 4

Open the center armrest lid. Remove the center armrest inner panel by carefully prying it out with a small flat blade screwdriver. (Skip this step if your NSX has a cell phone)

Step 5 – Remove Center Armrest

Remove the four screws in the center armrest (Figure 6). Lift the center armrest straight up and place it aside.

Figure 6 Remove Center Armrest

Step 6 – Remove Rear Center Trim Panel

Remove the single screw at the bottom of the rear center trim panel (Figure 7). This panel is located between the seats and contains the center loudspeaker. Disconnect the electrical connector attached to the loudspeaker and remove the panel.

Figure 7 Remove Rear Center Trim Panel

Step 7 – Install Black (Ground) Wire

Remove the 10 mm bolt that secures the PGM-FI main relay (Figure 8). The PGM-FI main relay is located in the center of the rear bulkhead. Grab the SmartShift unit and locate the black wire with the ring terminal on the end. Insert the bolt through the ring terminal and re-install the bolt so that the black wire is pointing to the right.

Figure 8 Install Black (Ground) Wire to the Chassis

Step 8 – Install Red (Power) Wire

Locate the fan control unit (just to the right of the PGM-FI main relay, see Figure 9). Locate the yellow wire with a black stripe, and separate it from the rest of the wires in the bundle. This wire will be energized with the battery voltage (12 volts) when the ignition is ON.

Locate the red wire from the SmartShift� unit. Install the Electro-Tap connector at the end of the red wire to the yellow wire with a black stripe. This is performed by folding the top cover half over the wire to meet the base. Squeeze on the top cover and base with ordinary pliers until the latch locks. Use one of the small plastic wire ties to fasten the red wire to the existing wire bundle. Trim the excess plastic with the wire cutters.

Figure 9 Install Red (Power) Wire

Step 9 – Locate ECU Tachometer Wire

Locate the PGM-FI Electronic Control Unit (ECU) which can be found on the right side of the rear bulkhead, behind the passenger’s seat. Locate connector C156 which is the third connector from the top (see Figure 10). Remove the connector from the ECU by inserting a small flat blade screwdriver into the connector tab, pushing forward and gently prying it out.

Locate the solid green tachometer wire and separate it from the rest of the wires in the bundle (see Figure 10).

Warning: Do not confuse the solid green wire with the green/yellow wire.

Figure 10 Locate ECU Tachometer Wire

Step 10 – Install Green Tachometer Wire

Locate the Electro-Tap connector at the end of the green wire from the SmartShift� unit. Install the Electro-Tap connector to the green wire from connector C156 (Figure 11). This is performed by folding the top cover half over the wire to meet the base. Squeeze on the top cover and base with ordinary pliers until the latch locks. Use one of the small plastic wire ties to fasten the green wires to the existing wire bundle. Trim the excess plastic with the wire cutters.

Re-install the connector into the ECU.

Figure 11 Install Green (Tachometer) Wire

Step 11 – Install Yellow (Output) Wire

Locate connector C485 (see Figure 12). This connector is at the rear of the parking brake. The connector has a green wire with a yellow stripe connected to it. Remove the connector by pressing on the plastic tab.

Figure 12 Locate Connector C485 (Parking Brake Switch)

 (as viewed from the passenger’s seat) 

Pull the black electrical tape away from the end of the connector (C485) to expose the green wire with the yellow stripe (see Figure 13).

Locate the yellow wire from the SmartShift unit. Install the Electro-Tap connector at the end of the yellow wire to the green/yellow wire (Figure 13). This is performed by folding the top cover half over the wire to meet the base. Squeeze on the top cover and base with ordinary pliers until the latch locks. Use one of the small plastic wire ties to fasten the two wires together. Trim the excess plastic with the wire cutters.

Re-install the connector (C485) into its receptacle.

Figure 13 Install Yellow (Output) Wire

Step 12 – Secure Yellow Wire

Route the yellow wire to the rear bulkhead as shown in Figure 14. Use the small plastic wire ties to fasten the yellow wire to existing anchor points. Trim the excess plastic wire ties with the wire cutters.

Figure 14 Secure Yellow Wire

Step 13 – Secure the SmartShift

Locate the large diameter wire loom just below the ECU. Fasten the wires from the SmartShift� to the large diameter wire loom with the large plastic wire ties (see Figure 15). Trim the excess plastic wire ties with the wire cutters.

Figure 15 Fasten SmartShift� to Large Diameter Wire Loom

Step 14 – Test the SmartShift

Before re-installing the trim panels and center armrest, verify the operation of the SmartShift� by driving your NSX. Once the engine has reached operating temperature, select 1st gear and accelerate to redline. The dash board brake light will illuminate (blink) when the engine reaches 7800 RPM. If you desire to adjust the RPM threshold, refer to the section Programming the SmartShift.

Notes Regarding Tachometer Accuracy

Each SmartShift is tested prior to shipment to within 1% accuracy. You may notice that the shift light illuminates at an RPM indicated by your tachometer that is different that the threshold setting of the SmartShift� . Most likely this is due to the error of your tachometer. For example, measurements performed on a 1992 Acura NSX indicate that the tachometer reads 3% low. This is an error of about 250 RPM at 8000 RPM which is noticeable.

Do It Yourself