86 Turbo Thunderbird Motor in OBD2 Range -. HELP!

[ShotnVA777]

You are insane for asking about running to computers, but that is beside the point. Take care not to read too much into anything I have told you to do, and to read nothing into what I haven't told you to do. I have not told you to remove any of the old system yet, but that doesn't mean it will be used.

You are running a manual trans right? That means the only thing the PCM is doing is controlling the engine. You don't need the 97 computer to run the Turbo-coupe engine, it has it's own computer for that, which is what you need to use. You unplug the 97 computer and leave it unplugged. I don't want it deciding to try and do something and end up interfering.

Yes, beefed up stock 97 Ranger manual transmission, so your assumptions are correct! I apologize, I was thinking the PCM and ECU were the SAME thing for some reason. I'm wrong. Again. Do you mind explaining the difference or how they work together? (A link would suffice) Just so I can learn MORE about what "we're" doing here! Haha.... Once running and I have everything UNDERSTOOD, I should be able to do as I please. Once I do something ONE time mechanically, I never forget!

Also, I guess I should point out that most of the gauges, the tach, oil pressure, engine temp, etc won't work with this wiring. Those need to be connected separately, but they aren't needed just to run the engine. Fuel gauge should keep working though.

These can just be tapped into SONEWHERE via "pickup wire", power, ground, etc.... correct?

THANK YOU! You're the man!!!! Sounds like PERFECT instructions WITH wiring diagrams! Couldnt ask for anything more and couldnt be more appreciative!

So myuestion STILL IS, after everything is spliced in where need be, do I plug the PCM BACK IN? OR DO I LEAVE IT UNPLUGGED? Kind of a grey area that doesnt make much sense, but thats why im trying to get AWAY from this FOR NOW!!!

(And the PCM is the box on the passenger side, engine side, upper firewall.... Correct?)

 

[adsm08]

The PCM and what you call the ECU are the same thing. PCM (Powertrain Control Module) is Ford's term for it. ECU (Electronic (or Engine) Control Unit) is a more generic term.

The signals for the coolant temp, oil pressure, etc will need to be tapped individually. Not knowing off the top of my head the similarities or differences between the connections for all the sensors I would try use as much of the original gauge wiring as possible. If you find the connectors are wrong it may be easier to just splice the wires together from the two vehicles.

 

[ShotnVA777]

The PCM and what you call the ECU are the same thing. PCM (Powertrain Control Module) is Ford's term for it. ECU (Electronic (or Engine) Control Unit) is a more generic term.

The signals for the coolant temp, oil pressure, etc will need to be tapped individually. Not knowing off the top of my head the similarities or differences between the connections for all the sensors I would try use as much of the original gauge wiring as possible. If you find the connectors are wrong it may be easier to just splice the wires together from the two vehicles.

Lord.... Now I'm REALLY confused! Lmao!

 

[adsm08]

Confused about which part?

 

[ShotnVA777]

You are insane for asking about running to computers, but that is beside the point. Take care not to read too much into anything I have told you to do, and to read nothing into what I haven't told you to do. I have not told you to remove any of the old system yet, but that doesn't mean it will be used.

You are running a manual trans right? That means the only thing the PCM is doing is controlling the engine. You don't need the 97 computer to run the Turbo-coupe engine, it has it's own computer for that, which is what you need to use. You unplug the 97 computer and leave it unplugged. I don't want it deciding to try and do something and end up interfering.

The PCM and what you call the ECU are the same thing. PCM (Powertrain Control Module) is Ford's term for it. ECU (Electronic (or Engine) Control Unit) is a more generic term.

OK, so what I was thinking IS correct! There ESSENTIALLY will be two ECU's, one will just be unplugged. .. correct? Haha.... Once this beast is up and running and I have everything UNDERSTOOD, I should be able to do as I please. Once I do something ONE time mechanically/electronically, I never forget!

Also, I guess I should point out that most of the gauges, the tach, oil pressure, engine temp, etc won't work with this wiring. Those need to be connected separately, but they aren't needed just to run the engine. Fuel gauge should keep working though.

★Ok, so...lemme see if I got this figured out and you can let me know! Please.

1. Disconnect entire STOCK 97 OBD2 wiring harness from ANYTHING holding onto the motor and unplug from PCM on Passenger side Firewall, on the Engine's side. (after the battery is OBVIOUSLY disconnected and out of the truck (I need as much room as I can get!)

2. Remove stock 2.3L 8 Plug 97 Motor out of Ranger, leaving the stock PCM wiring all in there AND the stock PCM itself (which is NOW unplugged and lonely wires are lying around the engine bay)

3. Drop in the T-Bird motor, and mount it's LA3 PCM inside the cab (up against the interior pass. side firewall is what I had in mind!?)

4. Make ALL the connections that you explained and sent me Diagrams for.

5. (Bolt up my transmission somewhere in this process as well!)

6. Now plug the FULL wiring harness back into the LA3 and after everything is aligned/connected/bolted down.

7.*WHERE I'M CONFUSED* I DONT CONNECT THE STOCK PCM, JUST LEAVE IT UNPLUGGED, RIGHT? leave the stock PCM plug "dangling" with spliced wires into it?

OR

Do I plug BACK IN the stock PCM (I'm assuming no, after rereading your post(s)) ONLY THE LA3 SHOULD BE CONNECTED NOW!


DO I HAVE THIS RIGHT!? LOL! I apologize for the questions left after right... Just don't wanna DOANYTHING wrong on the setup! Also, I'm sure I can track down the lines for the Gauges and so forth, I'm "OK" @ reading wiring diagrams and taking instructions....

Though you wouldn't believe it from THIS THREAD! LMAO!

 

[adsm08]

That's close enough. You don't have to leave the 97 computer in the truck, and I don't know where you are going to mount the 86 computer. I'm not sure where it was on the t-bird, so I don't know where your plug will land.

Again, once you have all this together the 97 computer is going to do nothing and should be left unplugged.

 

[ShotnVA777]

Confused about which part?

Is there a way you can just post a pic of your engine bay? Or how you have both PCM's "hooked up"? I would just like to see the END result! I'm stoked!

Also, AGAIN... I would like to think you from a professional standpoint! Your obviosusly VERY good at what u do and I SINCERELY APPRECIATE ALL THE ADVICE!!!

 

[ShotnVA777]

That's close enough. You don't have to leave the 97 computer in the truck, and I don't know where you are going to mount the 86 computer. I'm not sure where it was on the t-bird, so I don't know where your plug will land.

Again, once you have all this together the 97 computer is going to do nothing and should be left unplugged.

Thank you very, very much sir!!! I will be working on my engine today and starting to get everything put BACK together after some sandblasting/paint/etc....

I also want to paint my Engine Bay, so I'm going to be doing THAT as well, when the motor is out of the truck!

Pretty much, it'll be a dented up 97 Ranger, with about 200+ HP off gate....

... The only thing that'll look good are the Mustang Seats, my wheels/tyres and the way it sits. Other than that, she'll be a COMPLETE sleeper!

 

[stmitch]

You don't need to keep the 97 PCM in the truck at all. It won't be used or connected to anything.

I'd try to put the TBird PCM where the Ranger PCM originally was. It will make wiring easier, and you won't have to worry about it getting damaged or beaten up by road vibrations. Plus it will be a much cleaner looking install.

 

[ShotnVA777]

You don't need to keep the 97 PCM in the truck at all. It won't be used or connected to anything.

I'd try to put the TBird PCM where the Ranger PCM originally was. It will make wiring easier, and you won't have to worry about it getting damaged or beaten up by road vibrations. Plus it will be a much cleaner looking install.

That was kind of the plan. Though the hole for the Ranger ECU looks to be much smaller, as the old 87 LA3 ECU looks like a thick ass iPod! Lol!

Nonetheless, I WILL fab something up, I just want it to get fresh air pulling over it - so it never gets TOO HOT! Maybe a small Desktop fan, from Radio Shack attached SOMRHOW??

Also, the LA3 ECU WILL HAVE places/wires to splice in all of those gauges correct? UNTIL I can get my "Pillar Pod" with ALL my separate, stand alone gauges...???

 

[ShotnVA777]

My LA3 AND Wiring Harness Seller backed out!!! B*****d!

So if anyone is selling or knows ANYONE selling an LA3 ECU and/or a wirng Harness for an LA3 ...

.... PLEASE POINT ME IN THE PERSONS DIRECTION OR VICE VERSA!!! LAST ITEM(S) to BE DONE!

 

[ShotnVA777]

Bump for an LA3/LA2 ECU AND WIRING HARNESS!!!

 

[Hammermechanic]

Hello my friend. Perhaps I can help. I don't check in here very often,so I just saw this thread. I have 2 ideas for you. 1) Come join us at Turboford.org . I'm known as Speedracer over there. Once you join,post an ad in the "Wanted to Buy" section for a Merkur XR4ti harness AND an LA3 ECM. As long as you are courteous and sincere,someone will help you,and sell you what you need at a reasonable price. Why the Merkur harness??? Because it is by far the simplest harness for a swap. And...2) check this link: http://www.blindchickenracing.com/How_to/T-bird_install/t-birdwiring.jpg This is all you need to do. Leave the rest of your trucks wiring alone.
Good luck to you!

 

[adsm08]

While the diagram he posted is basically what I said to do, ^THAT^.

 

[ShotnVA777]

Hello my friend. Perhaps I can help. I don't check in here very often,so I just saw this thread. I have 2 ideas for you. 1) Come join us at Turboford.org . I'm known as Speedracer over there. Once you join,post an ad in the "Wanted to Buy" section for a Merkur XR4ti harness AND an LA3 ECM. As long as you are courteous and sincere,someone will help you,and sell you what you need at a reasonable price. Why the Merkur harness??? Because it is by far the simplest harness for a swap. And...2) check this link: http://www.blindchickenracing.com/How_to/T-bird_install/t-birdwiring.jpg This is all you need to do. Leave the rest of your trucks wiring alone.
Good luck to you!

Turbo Ford is actually the site that won't let me join for some reason, NOT TURBO RANGER! Thoughtless to contact an administrator and everything. All I get is emails sent back to me with errors, I've been trying to become a member of that site since I started this build! They absolutely just ignore my request, its been over a month now and I've yet to be able to login! Though they sent me my password and my username that I chose and now it says "FYI: YOUR ACCT HAS NOT BEEN ACCEPTED/VERIFIED YET, SCREW YOU!" (In a nutshell!) EVERYTIME I try to login!!!
.
Would someone be kind enough to let them KNOW over there or help me out? I DESPERATLY NEED THESE PARTS and this is where my "Guru" gets all of his parts as well! Hes the one that TOLD ME about it!

My email I used is cgentry3@cox.net and my username I chose was "shotnva777" (go figure!
)

HELP IS APPRECIATED AND THANK YOU TONS FOR THAT DIAGRAM! IT'S BASICALLY THE SAME