stock ECU limitations

BeaverMeat · Nov 29, 2020

Most likely having my engine rebuilt... depends if the block is still good.

While its under the knife I'm wanting to do some upgrades. How far can I go until the ECU needs to be upgraded?

Im wanting to go with a new cam for sure. Possibly heads and intake. As for heads. I still have the stock heads with headers... what heads will still work with the headers? I know there may be a difference in spark plug placement. I don't think Explorer GT40 type heads are the way to go.. interested in going with the GT40X type.

TOOLOW91 · Nov 30, 2020

We have got my buddies car to go 8.51-8.55 with a stock ecu and an Anderson pms.
You’ll be fine .

Dan02gt · Dec 1, 2020

The factory ECU with the addition of a Moates Quarterhorse can do some amazing things for over 30 year old technology.
Any head but GT40p should work with your headers. For a mild street build, I would recommend a quality head like the Trick Flow 170s or AFR 165s.

Decipha · Dec 1, 2020

I usually cap the fox ecu's off at around 1,200rwhp. Anymore and things happen too fast. At that point swap to an 03/04 ecu with EDIS ignition and your good to 2,150rwhp no problem.

revhead347 · Dec 1, 2020

BeaverMeat said:
Most likely having my engine rebuilt... depends if the block is still good.

While its under the knife I'm wanting to do some upgrades. How far can I go until the ECU needs to be upgraded?

Im wanting to go with a new cam for sure. Possibly heads and intake. As for heads. I still have the stock heads with headers... what heads will still work with the headers? I know there may be a difference in spark plug placement. I don't think Explorer GT40 type heads are the way to go.. interested in going with the GT40X type.

We did the 58cc GT40X heads with a Tmoss ported Cobra intake on a 306 engine. The engine was 0-decked to get it to 9.7:1 compression ratio. I can find the cam grind for you if you want. The engine runs terrific, and made 302rwhp.

Kurt

BeaverMeat · Dec 4, 2020

Not wanting to go hardcore. Not looking for strip times or anything. Just wanting some more “snap”.

It seems the bottom end is “OK”. The oil pump failed. So... while the engine is pulled I might as well do the bottom end, rings and the cam. Going basic with a B cam as my car is a 5-speed and I prefer mid to high range power... or if I can find somthing similar to the B but cheaper.

I’ll leave the heads, rockers, and intake for later because getting the engine in and out has become the big money burner. Will have to live with a B cam and OE rockers for a bit. Atleast I can do heads while the engine is in the car.

the 5.0 is in a Volvo 240... the mechanic is a bit over the usual 10 hour mark.

90sickfox · Dec 4, 2020

I'd highly recommend upgrading your valve springs.

revhead347 · Dec 4, 2020

Skip the cam until you can afford to do heads and intake. A cam on an otherwise stock engine is of no value. The 306 we put in the Cobra idles smooth. It's a great street car engine.

Kurt

stock ECU limitations

BeaverMeat

Member

TOOLOW91

If you're the village idiot what's that make me?

Dan02gt

mazing how much gas smell came from that tiny hole

Decipha

Active Member

revhead347

Apparently my ex-husband made that mistake.

BeaverMeat

Member

90sickfox

Wasn't a pretty sight...and I've got big hands

revhead347

Apparently my ex-husband made that mistake.

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stock ECU limitations

Member

If you're the village idiot what's that make me?

mazing how much gas smell came from that tiny hole

Active Member

Apparently my ex-husband made that mistake.

Member

Wasn't a pretty sight...and I've got big hands

Apparently my ex-husband made that mistake.

Similar threads

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