Just joined because I have a build on my hands that I want to execute as best as I can.
I’m exploring a project where a classic Porsche Tiptronic TCU needs to operate correctly with a modern drive‑by‑wire standalone ECU.
I’m looking for an automotive embedded systems engineer who can design a small CAN/analog signal gateway to emulate the factory ECU signals expected by the TCU.
This is an electronics/signal‑level project only (no transmission internal work).
I’m currently scoping feasibility and the right approach.
For context, it’s a 1995 Porsche 993 Tiptronic, where the TCU will only talk to the factory DME. Would it be possible for a new ECU to be able to provide the TCU with the signals it expects? Or would this be along the lines of a microcontroller patching the ECU to the TCU?
Please guide - lol, it took me hours to be able to formulate what I wanted to ask… so, I’m not very technical. Just hopeful.
You’re looking for something to take in CAN (from an ECU) and send out a 0-5v value for ingestion into the TCU?
I’d bet a PDM could do something like that. I’ve not seen a PDM that can do analog out, but you can mimick that by using PWM to feed another ‘block’ that puts out 0-5v (or whatever is desired)
My questions - how do we deal with signal lag, error states, and shift quality?
So, the signals the TCU receives from the factory DME are as follows:
-RPM signal
-Fuel consumption signal (Ti-signal/injection signal)
-Throttle potentiometer signal
-Ignition retard command (TCU to DME)
-Emergency mode
I’ve written to quite a few places (KC Performance, Adapt Motorsports & Motec - I’m located in the UAE), and no luck as yet.
Would an AFM ECU like ECUMaster Pro 8 or Motec be able to send the correct signals to the TCU?
FYI - no standalone TCU option available for the ZF4HP22 transmission as it’s the earlier electro-hydraulic version. This would breathe new life into 964 & 993 tiptronic cars.
The problem is not if an ECU like Emu or extension device can send it…sure it can. But the problem is to have the detailed informations what to send…what the TCU is expecting. U need a CAN description file for this vehicle.
Do u have the informations what needs to be emulated?
But the problem is to have the detailed informations what to send
I completely agree with this.
This is a large undertaking for even someone more technical.
A trans swap might be in your future - labor to figure all this out isn’t going to be very economical. It’s an interesting problem. I’d love to see your solution come to life somehow!
I want to execute as best as I can.
I wish there were more people like you in the world!