ATESSA ETS-Pro Nissan Skyline GT-R Center Differential Torque Split Controller for R32 R33 R34
ETS-Pro Center Diff Torque Split Controller for R32 / R33 / R34 Skyline GT-R and GTS-4
New for 2017 is the addition of optional wheel speed sensor inputs on their dedicated microprocessor board. This was requested by high power Drag racers looking for faster 4WD response at launch (more traction at low vehicle speed).
ETS-Pro is engineered specifically for use with the R32, R33 and R34 Skyline GT-R ATTESA system. Designed to give you complete control over Nissan’s multiplate transfer case, ETS-Pro easily adjusts active torque split percentages on the fly – allowing you to switch from 4WD to RWD and all points in between. It also allows proper control for using an AWD Skyline GT-R transmission in non-OEM race applications or swaps (such as Escort Cosworth)
ETS-Pro R32 GTR Installation Guide: Click Here!
ETS-Pro Universal Install Guide: Click Here!
ETS-PRO Technical Details:
-Advanced Microprocessor Based Unit
-Dual-axis high resolution G-Sensor
-Advanced microprocessor based system
-Water resistant and dust proof enclosure (IP65)
-Custom firmware with driver adaptive capability
-Several internal modes (programs) based on driver throttle and G-Sensor behavior that switch on the fly automatically
-Torque split calculations use advanced formulas instead of static mapping or lookup tables
-Optional Wheelspeed inputs on 2nd microprocessor board for aggressive Drag launches
The above video shows Steve Arnarellis setting the new GT-R track record 1:36 at Phillip Island using ETS-Pro
Here we see Paul Cahill, beating his Personal Best time at Sandown by over 2 seconds, using ETS-pro
Features:
-ETS-Pro can be in MANUAL mode which controls pressure directly off the knob setting OR AUTO mode which uses the TPS and g-sensor inputs, working off the algorithm and the knob for “gain”. The Auto mode is able to respond immediately with very little lag and precise pressure control.
-The ETS-PRO unit requires connecting (6) wires. The installer has the option to hard wire the ETS-PRO to the ATTESA Solenoid (located on ATTESA pump) or to connect the ETS-PRO to the OEM wiring harness.
-USB tuning is available for hardcore tuners but most setups can use ‘Auto mode’ and work entirely off of the “gain knob” (this is what we are doing at Full-Race on our R14 builds)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What advantages are there in your Auto Mode controllers vs. Manual Mode and Semi-Automatic controllers available on the market?
A: We believe this automatic controller is one of the most advanced aftermarket Center Differential control systems on the market today. It is rivaled only by a few very expensive systems on the market in its ability to persistently try to give you the best traction in any given situation. What makes the difference? The use of high resolution G-Sensors and the mathematical formulas developed that are used to convert the measured data into usable locking forces. Utilizing a physics approach to calculating the locking forces required using algorithmic formula’s instead of the “static mapping” method usually combined with basic logic trees that are so popular with competitor products. Auto controllers can calculate and set the locking force with a 10 bit output range – that’s 1024 steps of locking percentage and the rate of change is “fluid” in that it doesn’t jump in large increments like static mapping tables simply have to. The formula’s were “mapped” and then tweaked using tarmac and rally drivers in real-world racing conditions as alpha and beta testers. Their input into the feel of the car was exclusively used to tweak the formula’s to shave time in the accelerating, cornering and braking programs. In Auto Mode the controller can shave literally seconds off of each lap.
Q: The OEM system interfaces to the ABS system, why don’t you have any interface to the ABS system?
A: The ABS sensors are used on the OEM system to provide a method to increase the engine braking force and also open the diff in emergency braking situations. Using the g-sensor input, the ETS-PRO system knows when you are braking and comes with a “braking mode” program which uses full engine braking energy, and it has an additional emergency braking routine built into that braking program, allowing the diff to go totally open – so the brakes at each wheel can act independently in relation to the ABS in an emergency. We have weighed the option allowing customers to cut and splice into the ABS system in order to integrate the controller into it, and decided that it was high risk with no benefit.
Q: How do I adjust the internal Settings with USB programming?
A: The stock map is very good and 99% of our customers do not need to make any changes. If you are among the 1%, USB Tuning Instructions are located Here and you can download the USB Tuning software Here
Q: Does ETS-PRO work on all year Skylines?
A: R32 is a straightforward simple installation, with only one solenoid. On R33 and R34 which have a second failsafe “safety solenoid” – this failsafe must be disabled for the ETS-Pro to control the primary ATTESA solenoid. Giving the failsafe a switched +12V constant signal will keep the safety solenoid closed but the oem 4wd ecu may throw an error code if it remains in place. see below
Q: Does ETS-PRO work on V-Spec vehicles with A-LSD (Active Rear Differential) :
A: In addition to the failsafe solenoid, Vspec R33/R34 has an additional third solenoid for A-LSD control. In V-spec installations there are 2 options:
V-Spec option 1: We recomend to install a mechanical diff in place of the active diff. Use ETS-Pro to control the single A-LSD solenoid. Using the A-LSD solenoid (which is currently blocked off due to your mechanical LSD) wire the ETS-Pro outputs to this solenoid (instead of the attessa side) and connect the transfer case hose to this solenoid. This is how most of our track car customers choose to plumb. Blocking off transfer case outlet on pump housing and connecting the old A-LSD solenoid to transfer case instead of differential leaves 100% OEM connections in place for the attessa pump and solenoid/failsafe solenoid. Blocking off the pump outlet lets this system run like stock, controlled like stock, but to a dead end on the pump. Also the MFD works.
V-Spec option 2: if the user must retain A-LSD and must retain stock functionality with a working Failsafe solenoid in place, in order to maintain initial startup with oem system so it would not cause an error with the ECU you will need a double pole double through switch for this purpose. The poles (common pin pair, pin2 and pin 5 for switch above) of the switch will be connected to the ETS solenoid. One pair of through pins (pin 1 and pin 4)will be connected to OEM ETS output and ground. The other pair (pin 3 and pin 6) will be connected to ETS-Pro +/- output (black and while on 6 wire 18 AWG cable). Make sure that when switch is in on position, only OEM ETS output and ground connect to the solenoid pins and when flipped only ETS-Pro +/- pair connects to the solenoid. Caution: If the OEM and ETS-Pro connect to the coil at the same time by error, both controllers will be damaged.
Q: What about vehicles with HICAS:
A: This system is compatible with HICAS, however most high performance Skylines typically disable HICAS from the rear subframe. Converting to fixed rear toe links is recommended when tuning this chassis for higher power applications.
Notes:
-Compared to OEM or modified OEM, the ETS-Pro firmware holds more pressure at the bottom end (to reduce system lag) and at the max top end it produces a hair more than full lockup of the clutchpack. The reason for this is that if the solenoid takes the pressure down below our minimum, there is a large amount of lag present in the system. This lag is what the stock ATESSA ecu allows for and why many experienced drivers complain about “delay” in the stock GTR. For this reason it is very important to remove the front driveshaft any time you plan to use your 4WD car on a 2WD dyno.
-both R32 and R33/R34 GTR ATTESA pumps were tested and we found virtually zero difference in performance between the pumps or solenoids. The functional difference is that R33/R34 GTR may have an additional failsafe solenoid. This solenoid should be disabled, by giving it a constant 12V any time the pump is on.
-The ATESSA-ETS primary solenoid is remarkably similar to the Subaru STI solenoid in terms of control and response/output. However, the GT-R has a lot more amperage draw than the Subaru and if we keep a low base pressure of ~20+psi, the response is instantaneous and can hit 250psi in less than a second…maybe tenths of a second even. Response times with ETS-PRO are noticeably faster than the factory system. This is much quicker than anything else that has been tested previously. The testing was performed on a 21 year old R32 GTR atessa pump, from a salvage yard, 100k KM on it. We were surprised that a hydraulic system go from nothing to basically 240psi in less than a few tenths of a second with some clever programming.If allowed, the pump can produce up to ~350psi+ *instantly* which is interesting (scary) on the least!
-After charting the curve of duty cycle vs pressure, it is very manageable and we can get an amazing resolution from the ETS-Pro maps (It can control the pressure to approx. 0.83 psi increments.)
-The original G-sensor and ATTESA computer have to be connected for the stock ABS and stock 4WD gauge to work -In order to keep the OEM ATTESA ECU intact (except the disconnected wires for the Solenoid) and keep the 4wd light off with a functioning torque split gauge – add a 20-Watts 8-ohm resistor across the output during installation. The resistor can be found by clicking HERE. -To 100% disconnect power to the transfer case, ground the ebrake wire either by pulling up the ebrake one click or an external switch. It is still a good idea to remove the front driveshaft anytime you are using a 2wd dyno
Testimonial:
“The unit worked flawlessly and was an unbelievably good improvement to the car. I bettered my previous best lap time by 2.34 seconds. A little info on the car: Track only 1300 KG, Soft racing slicks, Modified transfer case by adding an extra clutch plate to give a little more preload. First thing I noticed was that the traction gain dial only need to be turned about a quarter on. Later in the day I dialed in a little more. The car blew a head gasket latter in the day and is now being put back together for more testing. We pulled the transfer out of the car for an engine rebuilt and checked it over everything was still ok. The oil was as new no burning or evidence it had gotten too hot. All in all the product in its current form is really very very good and I would suspect that for the average user all they would ever need. Also the ability to change the curves will take care of the die hards. If there is anything in particular you may need please let me know if I can help.” – test reviewer, Paul Cahill
“Car is much more tunable (handling) with the ETS-Pro. We used to use the stock G Sensor and TSC-Evo…. that was good but the ETS-Pro is better. Less understeer into corners, easy to dial ‘control’ out of corners – normally using in full auto.” Adam/Fee Kindness, R32 GTR dedicated track race car
“This controller is amazing. I could feel it working far better than the factory system with piggyback type controller I had previously… With completely worn out A050s (and I mean they were bald and had no visible tread at the completion of the event) I managed to knock 1.5 seconds off my best time from last year with no other change to the car (the tyres were new last year as well!). Final result – 5th outright from 150+ competitors. Most competitors in the top 20 had either special compound hill climb tyres / or new super soft semis or slicks. I am confident new tyres would have resulted in another second or so of time reduction, however the race budget has taken a hit lately with house renovation underway!” — Andrew / Blue32
