RS Blog 17 - Holy Haltech Batman!

We are getting some sweet sweet technology for this build. More than double the $$ of my initial goals for the project, but as I continued to ponder the build it just made more and more sense. Original chassis setup is for fuses, relays and switches. This doesn’t support some safety features I’d like to implement. I want to have ECU know about current status of the clam shell to name one, if the clam isn’t latched I want to limit throttle/speed along with warning driver. A small light on dash doesn’t cut it.

A few key functions I’ll be implementing:

• clam shell status (open/closed)

• tire pressure monitoring/warnings

• front suspension lift control (raise while below xx mph)

• intelligent interior lighting control based on door status

• traction control via 4 corner wheel speed sensors

• suspension travel monitoring

• air conditioning control

• full control of exterior lighting (headlights/indicators/brakes)

Finding homes for these guys

Goal is to maintain accessibility for future repair/replacement while not just taking up the tiny amount of storage in side pods. This has proven to be quite difficult as Ultima kinda built this as a racecar with almost no extra space. Hmmmm… Time for cardboard mock ups and lots of staring. Still not quite happy with placement of all items. Sharing my prototyping thought process.

Cardboard Chassis Boundaries

I could just reinstall the center section of bodywork for this part to get exact areas for mounting parts. Instead I’ll be using carefully cut out cardboard chunks. They give me full visibility to ponder and are way lighter.

Left piece represents dash front and top.

Right identifies the side profile of shell at the corner. Also captures the profile for access panel with sharpie marks.

Bottom-right piece is just the lower shape of center section.

Don’t touch the cardboard!

NOTE: This spot for Nexus R5 will not work due to interfering with HVAC hoses.

Bracket Mockup

For the PD16 module things are easier. The small spot besides steering column appears to be free of HVAC ducting and heater lines, plus keeps it close to most chassis wires originally destined for the fuse panel. Planning to mount with 3 aluminum clamps.

PD16 Mount

This location as you can see provides visibility of the module and thus I’ll be able to confirm any faults without removing body panels. Also keeps the module out of elements and should be high enough that my legs cannot interfere with it.

Wiper Motor

As part of mock ups around dash I needed to see approximately how much space this would use. It takes up just enough that I can’t fit Nexus R5 in front of HVAC.

Made in Poland?

Didn’t know they had a manufacturing industry. Looks well made.

Ultimately I’ll need more time to find a proper home for the Nexus R5, tentatively thinking it will fit into the front portion of passenger side pod. This loses me storage space, I’m just struggling to find any other home that is accessible once body is attached. Other items to mount include the TPMS box and Lift Kit control. They look like they will have a good spot on passenger side to mirror the Raptor mounting.

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Wiring & Wrong Parts

I’ve been on a streak of apparently ordering the wrong damn part. Leading to way too many trips to UPS and FedEx. Need to get over this curse. For anyone looking to use Haltech, do not order the LSx DBW or non-DBW harness. It is far too short and would require major extension for our chassis. I ended up going with the universal harness, it has plenty of power and ground references in all portions of the loom and is still biased for a standard engine installation.

Some Sexy Lighting for Viewing Pleasure

As part of my chassis re-wire I needed to know the current draw for all components. Across the board maximum draw for any light front or rear is approximately 2 amperes.

Brake - 0.6A

Tail - 0.1A

High Beam - 2.2A

Dipped Beam - 1.5A

"Side" - 0.3A

Daytime Running Light (DRL) - 0.5A (2A during powerup)

Rear Indicator - 0.35A

Front Indicator - 1.9A

Powering Up!

All this was exciting to first see the upgraded lighting. I need to keep on the progress train and get this baby on the road.