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  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • 1994 - 1995 Specific Tech

Computer and Distributor better off a pre 93 mustang?

  • Thread starter Thread starter 95Vert
  • Start date Start date Aug 17, 2005

95Vert

New Member
Aug 19, 2004
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North Mexico (deep south Texas)
Aug 17, 2005
#1
  • Aug 17, 2005
  • #1
I was told by a local shop that our computers suck and whenever we do any type of upgrading, it would be best to get a pre 93 computer. How true is this? I've seen guys on here with SC, Turbos, and strokers and have not mentioned anything about switching out their computer. I have read about tuning and crap but not switching. Another thing I was recommended was to change out my distributor for a pre 93, something about better timing or something like that. Ever heard of it?
 

illwood

Member
Apr 3, 2004
636
1
19
Worcester, MA
Aug 17, 2005
#2
  • Aug 17, 2005
  • #2
Yeah, this is one of those beat to death questions.

Our computers don't suck, they're just different. Alot of guys with SC/TC/strokers are running either a custom chip tune, or a TwEECer/PMS setup.

The '94-'95 GT computer is faster than the A9L (89-93 GT 5-speed computer), but it has some "features" that aren't so desireable. The first of which is that it is pulls timing during shifts (which is only a big deal because it doesn't immediately return the timing when you release the clutch). Reading your sig, I see that you have an auotmatic which I have heard is worse at returning the timing to the motor. You can take maters into your own hands with a chip tune or self tuner, and if you really want all the control of your computer you can get a stand-alone (aftermarket PCM).

As always, be cautious with "word of mouth" tech info.
 
W

wytstang

Mustang Master
Mar 14, 2004
4,988
4
78
Summerville,SC missing South Fl. weather :(
Aug 17, 2005
#3
  • Aug 17, 2005
  • #3
There is nothing wrong with our dizzys, they are powering plenting of spark to high hp/tq motors with no issues. I've read more issues with the MSD dizzy failing then ours.
 

illwood

Member
Apr 3, 2004
636
1
19
Worcester, MA
Aug 17, 2005
#4
  • Aug 17, 2005
  • #4
wytstang said:
There is nothing wrong with our dizzys, they are powering plenting of spark to high hp/tq motors with no issues. I've read more issues with the MSD dizzy failing then ours.
Click to expand...
I haven't heard anything bad about MSD distributers

The only thing I've heard is that some people think that they should be getting more HP for some reason with and MSD distrubuter when they're not. I would have thought that to be common sense.
 
W

wytstang

Mustang Master
Mar 14, 2004
4,988
4
78
Summerville,SC missing South Fl. weather :(
Aug 17, 2005
#5
  • Aug 17, 2005
  • #5
Nope I've been reading in corral quite a few people have had them go bad in less then a year. One guy was on his 3rd then said screw it, when back to stock never looked back.
Link- http://www.corral.net/forums/showthread.php?t=684035&highlight=MSD*
 

HISSIN50

"How long does it take to get help in here?
15 Year Member
Nov 29, 1999
31,179
33
129
Aug 17, 2005
#6
  • Aug 17, 2005
  • #6
Again, the factory 'tune' of the puters suck, not the puters themselves.

A tune/tuner can circumvent these issues and can be cheaper than a conversion (which is a step backwards IMHO).

Good luck.
 

RIO5.0

15 Year Member
Feb 16, 2001
6,892
8
128
N.H.
Aug 17, 2005
#7
  • Aug 17, 2005
  • #7
Could you use a Fox dizzy and not have TFI issues since we have different set-ups? I would think you'd have some wiring issue's and whether or not the EEC would respond could be a another trip to boot???

A fox dizzy has the TFI on the side...ours is on the passenger fender, separate...I know Ford had lotsa issues with TFI module's...whether the SN95 change to the fenderwall was a fix I have no idea??
 

kck6894

Advanced Member
Mar 18, 2004
0
0
66
Paradise
Aug 17, 2005
#8
  • Aug 17, 2005
  • #8
If I remember right the reason the TFI is no longer on the Dist. is due to heat. When they were still mounted on the DIST. they had a very hight failure rate. Depending on the vehicle in around 92 Ford started relocating the TFI modules off of the Dis and mounting them to a heat sink to solve the problem. I think going to a fox style dist would only be asking for a problem
 

HISSIN50

"How long does it take to get help in here?
15 Year Member
Nov 29, 1999
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Aug 17, 2005
#9
  • Aug 17, 2005
  • #9
AFAIK, all foxes have the TFI mounted on the dizzy. SN95's seem to perhaps get more PIP issues though (I chalk it up to less room under the hood); both foxes and SN's have PIP's in the dizzy, but foxes might not quite be as hot or confined.

As fodder, one can use a TFI from a van on a fox dizzy in order to give a fox a remote mounted TFI.

The TFI issue is not normally that huge on foxes, IMHO. Many many folks get 100-150K miles out of a TFI, which is great for any ignition module as far as I am concerned.

There are also two different styles of PIP for foxes - one like SN95's (reads the rising and falling edge) and the earlier version which only catches one edge.

Not that any of that info helps.
 

95Vert

New Member
Aug 19, 2004
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North Mexico (deep south Texas)
Aug 18, 2005
#10
  • Aug 18, 2005
  • #10
Thanks guys, I just wasn't sure if I should've believed him since he had nothing but foxes in his shop.
 

kck6894

Advanced Member
Mar 18, 2004
0
0
66
Paradise
Aug 18, 2005
#11
  • Aug 18, 2005
  • #11
HISSIN50 said:
AFAIK, all foxes have the TFI mounted on the dizzy.
Click to expand...

That is correct! I guess I should have clarified. In 92 Ford started Relocating the TFI modules on some of thier cars. They did not move on the mustangs till 94. I know for sure the full size trucks changed in 92 along with the taurus's.
 
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