I don't know if this is possible or not, or has even been tried but I was wondering, since the pre-96 ECU use OBD-I and the Post-96 use OBD-II, is it possible to place an ECU from a later model GT to an earlier model GT ?
If it can be done, how ? If it can not be done, why not ?
I don't know if this is possible or not, or has even been tried but I was wondering, since the pre-96 ECU use OBD-I and the Post-96 use OBD-II, is it possible to place an ECU from a later model GT to an earlier model GT ?
If it can be done, how ? If it can not be done, why not ?
The 96 and newer GT's all had the 4.6 engine. I don't think it would be possible to adapt the 4.6 engine management to the 5.0, partly because the 4.6 uses distributorless ignition, and the 5.0 has a dizzy.
If you are just talking about swapping the ECU only from a later model 4.6 into a 5.0, it's definitely not possible in any way.
There is nothing to be gained by this effort. If you want data logging or the ability to modify the computer tables, buy a Tweecer and work with it. The Tweecer learning curve is rather steep, but it would be simple compared to what you are proposing.
To the best of my knowledge, there are no Mustang compatible wring harnesses to mate a OBDII computer to a 5.0. You might be able to use an Explorer wiring harness and later model Explorer computer, but it wouldn't use the distributor. Most of the late model Explorer engines use DIS (distributorless ignition system). Not only that, but it would require extensive knowledge of the wiring and computers of both vehicles to mod things and make them work.
I have heard of someone doing this, and running DIS on a 5.0.
However that was in a tuning forum, where the guy had access to the internal settings of the EEC.
Without a tuner and lots of patience it would yield poor results.
Thats what I thought but had to ask. I really don't want to spend the money for a Tweecer. Just want to be able to view what the ecu is seeing in terms of sensor outputs and of course datalogging. I found the OBDII and CAN to be easier to view the data stream. Is there a cheaper version of the tweecer or other data logger that will work with the A9L ECU ?
Thats what I thought but had to ask. I really don't want to spend the money for a Tweecer. Just want to be able to view what the ecu is seeing in terms of sensor outputs and of course datalogging. I found the OBDII and CAN to be easier to view the data stream. Is there a cheaper version of the tweecer or other data logger that will work with the A9L ECU ?
So far as I know the TwEECer RT is the most cost effective tuner/logger out there for the A9* cars.
You may also want to check into Moates however. They have some newer gear that may be comparable to the tweecer, but I am guessing the pricing would be similar as well. Look for the Ostrich and EMU, I think.
What is it you are wanting to monitor?
Knowing your goals/objectives will help us understand what you are after.
I have taken a digital volt meter and spliced it into the wiring harness for the tps/act/ect. You could also do the maf. If you know the correlation between voltage and temp/throttle position/airflow you can monitor these sensors pretty well.
You can't record however.
I guess what I am after is the ability to use a Laptop to monitor such things as TPS,O2,IAC,RPM and the such. I like Tweecer's GUI and am not looking to tweek on the ECU just yet, just more interested in looking at values. I guess my only option at the moment would be to invest in the tweecer RT.
If it's just data-logging you're looking for then you might also consider an Innovative LM-1 wideband with RPM converter. You can datalog 5 (?) sensors with the LM-1 so long as they are items that do not exceed 5V. You're still looking at around a $400 investment though but you'd also have an accurate air/fuel reading.
I guess what I am after is the ability to use a Laptop to monitor such things as TPS,O2,IAC,RPM and the such. I like Tweecer's GUI and am not looking to tweek on the ECU just yet, just more interested in looking at values. I guess my only option at the moment would be to invest in the tweecer RT.
You can see those things with the 94-95 GT computers as well. It might be less Rube Goldberg-ish to retrofit one of those computers vs a mod motor puter (I guess it would be like an anti-PIH conversion ).
But as everyone has said, the ends would not justify the means for what you're desiring. Embrace and enjoy the simpler computer - no need to add complicity to the mix.