Dash swap

Smokey · 25-11-12, 11:20 PM

I know this is a little outside the box, but I was thinking....

....if you look at the dash of newer cars, the only things that vary are vent locations, centre console switches and the dials (rev/speedo etc)

Now, I have proven that rewiring switches is possible. Redirecting vents would be fairly straightforward as they are usually in a similar place.

The only issue is, if you take the dials from, let's say a new Ford Focus. Can they be rewired to provide the correct information?

And in expansion to that, can they display more than currently available in the ZS...ie miles in tank, mpg etc.

Obviously I'm aware you would need sensors etc but does all this info require the ECU? Is it 'possible but pointless due to expense' or is it 'possible and should be tried'?

Just something to throw in the mix!

Maxxed_Ross · 26-11-12, 12:03 AM

sounds extremely complicated!

andys1981 · 26-11-12, 12:06 AM

speaking to goldie yesterday,the ecus arent that great mate,dont hold much info

Ritchy · 26-11-12, 06:35 AM

nah not really tbh, not a simple wire up

Dan1971 · 26-11-12, 07:17 AM

I think a man of your skill and dedication would find a solution. Do it .....

Nobrainer · 26-11-12, 07:32 AM

I reckon youd be better spending your time and money perking up the track car or doing more track days

sneekyparrot · 26-11-12, 07:51 AM

Cheaper and less hassle to get an LCD dash like a stack.
Wiring is not a prob but calibration etc would be a pain.

P.

Smokey · 26-11-12, 11:10 AM

Sounds possible though

When converting to VVC, don't you change the ecu? Could you not reprogram a focus ecu with its extra sensors and info to have the mg data plus the extras?

KevG · 26-11-12, 12:07 PM

Totally and utterly pointless mod to do.

Lets put it this way, most if not all new cars today work on a CANBUS system, in which all the ECU's in the car talk to each other, it isnt as simple as reprogramming the ECU to make it work, apart from the other sensors etc, you will need access to the electronic diagnostic equipment in which to see what problems and why the all various ECU's arent working.

More hassle than the MGZS is worth mate, even for bespoke dash/instrument build.

petet16 · 26-11-12, 12:34 PM

It would be a lot cheaper and easier to use a Scangauge 2 blended into the existing dash.