both actually did have an ecu type box. sits on the right hand side. the turbo version however has one or two more plugs on it to sense pressure. All they do is control when and how the ignition is advanced and retarded. the rest is up to the carb.
Before the EFI days, Ford progressively rolled-out electronic feedback carburetors on their 2.3L motors for better efficiency and less pollution. The implementation was done in the 1980 thru 1982 timeframe and California cars likely saw it first. These updated "standard design carbs" (not variable venturi) simply had an electronically-controlled intermediate throttle jetting. Basically an O2 sensor was bolted onto the exhaust manifold to moinitor A/F mixture in real-time and a simple electronic module was added to feed a solenoid-controlled part throttle mixture jet in the carb. These systems were somewhat trouble-prone.
My 49 state (non-Calif) N/A 1981 2.3L Fox car with manual tranny had one of these electronic feedback 2bbl carbs on it and the larger 3 way cat. My 1979 2.3L Turbo did not have an electronic carb. I suspect that none of the 1979 2.3L cars have this electronics and by 1982, they probably all do. The turbo vs non-turbo issue is somewhat separate.
My cars are opposite your claim, as the turbo did not have electronic carbs while the N/A did.
If you're referring to the distributor ignition control, the reply above should be adequate.