Lucky 8?s Project P38

seventyfive

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Jan 3, 2010
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crown14 said:
I have no idea what you are talking about here.

joel, what i meant is this:

you send me an ECU. i need to read the coding from my current ECU, put the ECU in that you sent me, then write the coding.
BUT i assume justin would want a 4.6 D2 ecu, which means he would need to find a non-lev D2 like my gold truck ('03 4.6 non-lev) to read and write the coding. then he would need to put that 4.6 D2 ecu into his P38 and perform a security reset so the truck would start. denny told me luke miles has done this to his D2, so i sent him one of my 3 spare ecu's so he can code it as a non-lev 4.6. I'm running a 4 liter ecu with my gems 4.6, and to be honest the long term fuel trim is actually fine, but i'd like to see how a 4.6 fuel map would compare. he has a customer that has a truck like my gold one, '03 4.6 non-lev, and he has a t4 so it's a lot easier for him to flash it than me.

like you said in your last post though, you still have the t-case, trans control module, etc to worry about. HOPEFULLY justin will take your advice and understand there is more to just dropping an ecu in. like you also said, simply changing market's is not the full proof approach either.
 

seventyfive

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Jan 3, 2010
4,280
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somebody find a way to start a P38 with the bcu disconnected. then tell us what you did! then do the same thing for a D2! i haven't locked my truck in over two years because I'm always afraid it won't unlock or start, luckily its a rover so nobody wants to steal it anyways.
 

crown14

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May 11, 2006
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Clayton, NC
seventyfive said:
joel, what i meant is this:

you send me an ECU. i need to read the coding from my current ECU, put the ECU in that you sent me, then write the coding.

Its been about 6 years since I have done one, but I think all you should need to do is a security learn. Using an autologic its done under the central locking menu in the BeCM section.

I am not an expert on this, but I think the immobilizer on the Bosch trucks works via rolling code. That is, there is a short code (only a few digits) in the engine computer and BeCM that must be synced in order for the BeCM to recognize the engine computer and allow the vehicle to start. The codes change, but change together or something, doesn't matter either way, because if the engine computer speaks jive to the BeCM it thinks "turkey" and will not start. Again, I haven't looked it up in the service manual so you may want to confirm this.

I know for a fact that using an autologic I could go into the engine computer, find the code, back out, go into the BeCM settings, see that the code did not match, manually enter the code from the enging computer, then the vehicle would start. I think the security learn procedure does the same thing, the difference being it changes the codes in both to match instead of just matching the BeCM to the engine ECU code.
 

seventyfive

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Jan 3, 2010
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JBradley said:
the idea is that by using testbook or some device one can switch to Aussie becm specs which allows EKA to
be disabled. This means the truck will start without considering if the ignition fob is there or not or synched to the becm which makes it much more reliable, provided the becm is otherwise content. Is this right ? Also means any becm can be swapped in so you can carry a spare becm if you so desired.. Is this right? If yes i will have this done by the local indy rover shop that has testbook.

A simple yes or no to each question if possible from someone who knows plz.

' seek truth from fact '

nobody really knows. personally, i would say you can disable immobilizer all day long but i guarantee you it will become active after a certain amount of key cycles or the first time you use the remote.

like i said before, unless somebody can start a truck with the bcu disconnected nobody will 100% know for sure if you can completely disable the alarm circuit.

the easiest approach would be getting some wire, a shitload of heat shrink sure connect butt connectors, a case of beer, and move the bcu to the headliner......as long as it don't get wet it should be okay, BUT you will still have to put up with the fucking beeps. i feel bad for any fighter pilots that had to ejct that have one of these trucks, they must shit their pants and reach for the eject handle every time they start the truck!
 

seventyfive

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Jan 3, 2010
4,280
100
over there
crown14 said:
.... because if the engine computer speaks jive to the BeCM it thinks "turkey" and will not start.

joel, you need to come up with a way to replace the fuckin beeps with a turkey gobble!!! that would be perfect. gobble, gobble, gobble, gobble, gobble, .......!!!!!

or the door chime from I'm gonna git you sucka 24 seconds into it, turn the speakers up.

justin needs to drop a diesel in that truck and be done with it.
 

Rover Mac

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Feb 7, 2006
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Los Angeles
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JBradley said:
the idea is that by using testbook or some device one can switch to Aussie becm specs which allows EKA to
be disabled. This means the truck will start without considering if the ignition fob is there or not or synched to the becm which makes it much more reliable, provided the becm is otherwise content. Is this right ? Also means any becm can be swapped in so you can carry a spare becm if you so desired.. Is this right? If yes i will have this done by the local indy rover shop that has testbook.

A simple yes or no to each question if possible from someone who knows plz.

' seek truth from fact '



I would be interested in the answers to your questions....
My BECM is set to AUS and EKA disabled, but I still carry a spare BECM and matching engine computer.

 

crown14

Well-known member
May 11, 2006
6,288
4
Clayton, NC
I guess toting a spare is always a "solution". Might as well install studs in the RH floorboard and mount the passenger seat with wing nuts too.
 

redhawkrovers

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Aug 19, 2010
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Grand Junction Colorado
Where can I down load the wiring diagrams for the p38 becm and
the rest of the truck. It would not be hard to control most systems with relay's
activated by the switches and control the t-case by switches and relay's.
I've had to do this with some 4Runner limited's over here in Afghanistan,Plus I have time to
research this in my off time.
Also Saudi spec trucks don't have cat's or rear O2 sensors
 

crown14

Well-known member
May 11, 2006
6,288
4
Clayton, NC
To many computers. When you are driving cross country and your megaquirt ECU takes a dump in Gump, Alabama you will regret it.

Trying to control all the goofy LR shit it the problem. Keep the vehicle and gut it.

Most GMT800 GM SUVs not only have the best engine/transmission for the job, they also have factory hydroboost brakes.
 

Rover Mac

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Feb 7, 2006
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Los Angeles
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crown14 said:
Ill say it again: GM LSx engine/transmission swap is the most appealing option. Why would you do all this work to simplify a vehicle that is eventually going to blow a head gasket, slip a liner, need a valve job, or put a couple rods through the block?? I priced a 6.0LQ9 from an Escalade yesterday, under 100K- complete engine, with harness, ECU, air intake and transmission is under $4k. These engines simply do NOT have any of the typical rover engine problems, can last 300K easily in 7000lb SUVs, will run on 87 octane all day long, and are much more easily tuned than any rover ever will be. If you don't want an automatic, OK get a bulletproof NV4500 5 speed.

Once you no longer need to trick a LR computer module into performing ANY function on a P38, well just think of the possibilities.

My biggest hurdle now is I have to figure out what transfer case to use that will bolt up and have outputs on the correct side of the vehicle. As far as I know, the common NPwhatever cases output on the RH side, and on the P38 the diffs are offset to the LH side. An atlas is clockable I think, but is over $2k, and that kills the affordability.

Then the question is, how much power will the P38 diffs hold?

If you still need convincing, look:

http://youtu.be/fkAdd1H2yoE

I would be tempted by a small block Chevy transplant, as Overfinch did.
http://ls1tech.com/forums/lt1-lt4-modifications/854295-1996-range-rover-overfinch-570-a.html

In regards to the diffs, some LR based "specials" in the UK use the P38 axles (flipped over) and were the diffs used in certain 110's ?
 

crown14

Well-known member
May 11, 2006
6,288
4
Clayton, NC
That's an L98 (LT1 type engine) and what I am throwing at the wall is an LSx

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GM_LS_engine

If you are used to LR engines, with little more than a tune even the 5.3's performance will blow you away. Also, don't want to run cats anymore? Tired of seeing O2 sensor codes? That same shop that does your tune can simply delete the rear O2 sensors with the click of a mouse.
 
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Just a quick update on the P38 project

I think we have the suspension dialed in. The last set of test shocks from Terrafirma really suit the truck in my opinion. They feel more appropriately valved to retain good road manners and handle off road duties.

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Sorry for this short video but it will let you see that the back of the truck is no longer bouncing with the current version of shocks.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TUjC7b4vPss&list=UUUnCLXtAqip_9qd-T1NenbA&index=1&feature=plcp

Now all we have to do is finish the head gasket job with the new Lucky8 ARP stud kit.

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Some good news, we should have our hands on the new Ashcroft heavy duty rear shafts any day now.
 
Project update
Last weekend we had a chance to test out the suspension and tires. In short I was very happy with the way the P38 performed on the trails. Whether the truck was off camber or on hills it remained stable and solid. When pushed over whoopie doos and hidden obstacles under the mud the truck didn't do anything out of the ordinary and the shocks absorb the rim smashing impacts.

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Side note, a passenger that took a ride in the P38 said "its unbelievably comfortable for this big of a lift"

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This weekend at Howard's Guyfulks event the extra wheelbase came in very handy with all the elevation changes.

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One thing that I noticed With the P38 compared to the other Land Rover products of the same Era was the Transfer case. In order to get it to engage you really have to stand on the pedal. This is a huge disadvantage when you're trying to gently crawl over an obstacle. In short this means you have to go faster and risk breaking more things to do what a D2 or Defender with a locking T Case could do with ease. We really need to double our efforts in finding an economical way to get a lockable Tcase.

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On a good note I was impressed with the way the traction control was able to help get the P38 through the sticky ducks snot mud.

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More updates Soon
We will have the truck at Roush Creek next week for Rovers on the Rocks
 
Project update

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The P38 was challenged for the first time last week at Rovers on the Rocks. We showed up to the event with just a lift and tires. No armor, no traction aids and headed out with the big boys to see if we could keep up.

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The Terrafirma lift did quite well over all the train that Roush creek had to offer.

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We were running a little bit late for the rock competition so I had to hotfoot it back. Showing no mercy to the suspension tires or rims. The big girl bounded over rocks and crevices while we hit speeds of 20 miles an hour. To make things more interesting there was 3 adults in the truck. The suspension absorbed the torture with out showing any sign of wanting to quit. I don't know how they would've handled flying overwash board roads in 110 deg Arizona heat but for this little test they did more than expected for a direct bolt in shock.

Take a look at this video of the P38 balancing on two wheels. You can see the brake being spiked trying to get the truck to pitch and roll but the shocks are keeping it under control.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IaUhLNmBrnE&feature=plcp

An interesting P38 thing happen when we were on the trail.
The new HD bumpers were not here in time so we were stuck with stock. Attached to the stock rear bumper was the trailer wiring harness. This will be relevant soon.
The trails of Rockcreek quickly eliminated the wiring harness. The remaining wiring shorted out and blew the brake light fuse. On most trucks this would not be a big deal but the P38 is not most trucks.

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Unfortunately this fuse was also linked to the ABS

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And without ABS you don't have any of this

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The P38 was in a deep gully with rocks on either side. This made the doors impossible to open and prevented anybody from reaching the fuse that was so inconveniently located under the passenger seat. We decided to winch it out and when i jumped back in the truck to put it in drive it was stuck in park.

So quick recap of fuse number 17
Can't take the truck out of park
No ABS
No traction control
Oh yeah and no brake lights

Aside from the above issue of fuse number 17 I was extremely happy with the truck. The brakes are fantastic when compared to a Disco or Defender of the same generation

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The pictures never look as steep as it really is

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We use the P38 to set up the rock competition course

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Bill AKA ArmyRover was able to jump in and run the course without doing any damage and give us is wonderful wheel stand picture.

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Coming next will be rock sliders. We should have them in hand on Wednesday but I think we're going to have to do some work on the fenders.

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The true 33 is a bit tight for the wheel well. I'm going to try some of Terrafirma's new fender flares. They were designed for the D2 and do not require you to cut the fender but extends the arches. We will have to see how they fit.