In this blog post, we go over the options for how you can see what the iDCCD Controller is doing to the output of your center differential.
One advantage of the iWire iDCCD Controller is that you have more than one way to see what the DCCD system is doing. Depending on your Subaru build, you can display DCCD information directly on an STI gauge cluster or use the iWire app's live display on your phone.
So which one should you use?
The best choice usually comes down to how factory you want the car to feel, how much additional wiring you want to take on, and how much information you want to see while driving.
The Three Main iDCCD Display Options
With iDCCD, there are three primary ways to display DCCD operation:
- iWire Connect App live display for an easy-to-add digital display with more flexibility and more data points like TPS, RPM, Speed, Steering Angle, Brake Pressure, Wideband, DCCD Lock %, etc.
- STI gauge cluster display for a factory-style OEM+ experience.
- Digital Dash for cars that want a more modern asthetic.
Both allow you to see what the iDCCD system is doing, but the installation and overall driving experience are very different.
Option 1: iWire App Live Display
Best For: Newer Subarus where a gauge cluster install isn't possible, customers who want live data readouts while driving, and customers who want to save time and money by not installing the cluster.
The iWire app provides a live display of the iDCCD system directly on your phone. This gives you a straightforward way to see what the controller is doing without replacing the factory gauge cluster or taking on the wiring associated with a cluster conversion.
Plug in your iDCCD and start enjoying the experience immediately. Please note the iWire App does not have to always be open to use iDCCD. You can configure the settings to your driving style and put the phone away.
Why Choose the App Display?
The biggest advantage is simplicity. If you've installed an STI six-speed into a WRX, Impreza, Forester, or another Subaru, you may have no reason to replace a perfectly functional gauge cluster just to gain a DCCD display.
The app gives you that information without redesigning the rest of the dashboard. It also gives you more freedom in how and when you view the system. You can mount your phone when you want the DCCD display visible and remove it when you don't.
More Than Just a Display
The iWire app also has an advantage that the factory cluster doesn't: it is connected directly to the configuration side of iDCCD. The same app you use to view DCCD operation can also be used to adjust the controller. That makes the app particularly useful when setting up the car, testing different settings, or making changes to the DCCD tuning profile.
Option 2: STI Gauge Cluster Display
Best For: OEM+ street cars, STI-style conversions, and builds where you want the DCCD system integrated into the factory dashboard.
For customers building a clean Subaru that still feels factory inside, an STI gauge cluster is hard to beat. Instead of adding another screen to the interior, iDCCD can use the factory cluster's DCCD display so the system looks and behaves much more like an original STI installation. This is especially appealing when you're already performing an STI drivetrain conversion or upgrading the interior of a WRX.
Why Choose the STI Gauge Cluster?
The biggest advantage is integration. The DCCD information appears directly in front of the driver in the same place Subaru originally intended it to be.For the right build, it creates a very clean OEM+ experience.
The Important Part: An STI Cluster Is Not Plug-and-Play
Installing an STI gauge cluster into a non-STI chassis involves more than plugging in the cluster. Additional wiring is required to make the cluster function properly in the vehicle. Depending on the chassis and cluster being used, this may involve adapting power, ground, CAN communication, immobilizer indicator circuits, vehicle signals, or other cluster-related wiring. That work is separate from simply installing the iDCCD controller.
Learn more about swapping a CANbus STi cluster into a CANbus WRX.
Option 3: Digital Dash
Best For: Race cars, track builds, restomods, and vehicles already using an aftermarket digital dash.
If your car already has a digital dash, you may not want to add another display just to see DCCD operation. iDCCD gives you the ability to bring the center differential output into the dash you are already using.
The iDCCD Controller has two 0–5 volt outputs that can be used to display the DCCD output percentage on a compatible digital dash.
This allows the dash to show what the iDCCD Controller is commanding in real time, letting you incorporate DCCD operation alongside the other vehicle information you already have in front of you.
Why Choose a Digital Dash?
The biggest advantage is integration. If you're already using a digital dash for RPM, speed, temperatures, pressures, or other vehicle data, adding the DCCD output lets you keep that information in one place rather than mounting another dedicated screen.
It also gives you more freedom over how the DCCD information is presented. Depending on the capabilities of your dash, you may be able to display DCCD output as a percentage, gauge, bar graph, warning area, or another custom display element.
More Digital Dash Integration is Coming
Right now, the digital dash integration focuses on the DCCD output percentage through the 0–5 volt outputs.
In the near future, we plan to expand this capability so iDCCD can send additional vehicle and controller information to compatible digital dashes. That means the digital dash option will continue to become more useful for customers who want iDCCD to be part of a fully integrated motorsports or performance display.
Which Display Should I Choose For My Car?
The question is whether you want the cluster conversion itself as part of the build.
iWire Connect App
If you’re project doesn’t need the expense or time of the cluster install, then the iWire App is your best bet. You’ll use it to configure the iDCCD Controller and then adjust it as you go or leave it in auto mode and let it do all the work for you. You’ll also get a live read out as you drive so you can see how your car is behaving in real time.
The best part, with iDCCD you can change your mind at any time. Start off with the iWire App and decide to install the STI cluster later? Just configure your iDCCD with the update and your STi Cluster DCCD display will work.
STi Cluster
If you’re building a complete STI-inspired car and want the cluster specifically because of the factory appearance then go for it! iDCCD is the only DCCD Controller that works with 2008+ STi clusters so it’s a great option for people looking for an OEM look.
Digital Dash
If your car already has a digital dash, integrating the DCCD output into it may make the most sense. Instead of adding another display, you can use the dash that's already in front of you to see the commanded DCCD output percentage.
This is especially useful for track cars and other builds where the digital dash is already the central location for vehicle data.
You Can Use Any Option and Change Your Mind
Choosing an STI cluster or digital dash doesn't mean giving up the app. In fact, using both can give you the best of each system.
The STI cluster or digital dash can provide the permanent DCCD display while you're driving, while the iWire app can provide live information and access to additional iDCCD settings when you want them.That means you can keep the interior looking OEM without giving up the features of the app.
Our Best Tip - Think About the Whole Build, Not Just the DCCD Display
The biggest question isn't really, "Which DCCD display looks better?"
It's:
"Does an STI gauge cluster or digital dash make sense for the rest of my build?"
If the answer is yes, integrating iDCCD into the factory cluster can create an incredibly clean installation.
If the answer is no, you don't need to perform a major cluster conversion just to gain DCCD information. The iWire app live display gives you an easy way to see and configure iDCCD without changing the rest of the car.
Either way, the iDCCD system gives you the flexibility to build the car the way you want it instead of designing the entire car around the controller.
