88 computer swap questions

[Friendly_RangerMan]

Alright, I’ve got an 87 ranger xlt with the 2.9, 4x4, manual transmission, and an emissions delete. Egr has been removed and plugged, with all other vacuum holes sealed. But, as I’m sure you guys could have predicted, it runs like trash now. After doing some reading on here I started thinking about the 88 computer swap to fix the problem. But with that comes a load of questions.
1. Is it plug and play or do I have to bring any other parts from an 88 to the party?
2. How specific do I need to be with the part numbers? I know transmission and engine matters but beyond that, what else do I need to compare?
3. Will I need to do anything else to the engine/wiring or can I just slap the computer in there and start it up?
4. Who should I buy it from? Rock auto has stuff for $80 but people on eBay are selling for $150 plus.
5. If I’m going to buy this thing is there a better swap/out there or is this the best bang for my buck without changing little to any hardware?

I’m so ready for my truck to run well. I’m close, I can taste it.

 

[Friendly_RangerMan]

Alright, I’ve got an 87 ranger xlt with the 2.9, 4x4, manual transmission, and an emissions delete. Egr has been removed and plugged, with all other vacuum holes sealed. But, as I’m sure you guys could have predicted, it runs like trash now. After doing some reading on here I started thinking about the 88 computer swap to fix the problem. But with that comes a load of questions.
1. Is it plug and play or do I have to bring any other parts from an 88 to the party?
2. How specific do I need to be with the part numbers? I know transmission and engine matters but beyond that, what else do I need to compare?
3. Will I need to do anything else to the engine/wiring or can I just slap the computer in there and start it up?
4. Who should I buy it from? Rock auto has stuff for $80 but people on eBay are selling for $150 plus.
5. If I’m going to buy this thing is there a better swap/out there or is this the best bang for my buck without changing little to any hardware?

I’m so ready for my truck to run well. I’m close, I can taste it.

Also, what is the difference between California Emmis and federal emmis? Would one be preferable over the other?

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

8DT is the 1988 2.9 manual trans non egr federal emissions catch code for the PCM.

Can't remember the California emissions one.

Cali emissions is MAF. more parts to find, but rumored to run better. MAF is much more precise vs MAP.

YMMV, watch for uneven tire wear.

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

As far as your questions go...

1. I believe it is just a computer swap. No wiring. However, i am a terrible mechanic, and implore you to not listen to me.

2. See above post. However, i am a terrible mechanic, and implore you to not listen to me.

3. See #1. However, i am a terrible mechanic, and implore you to not listen to me.

4. The Labyrinth of Thilsivrass contains several scattered throughout. Take heed though, as The Pale Lodge has assigned the Labyrinth a composite lethality rating of 8.7 IIRC.

5. Megasquirt or Speeduino is by far the best computer. I have done it. It is a PITA but is worth it. You will be several days working on it and it is quite difficult. However, i am a terrible mechanic, and implore you to not listen to me.

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

88 computer is plug and play, you just have to match your emissions, engine and transmission.

The emissions sticker under the hood will tell you if it meets Federal or California emissions.

I’m not sure how early the MAF appeared in the Cali models but it was a thing. I was going to experiment with the conversion at one point but now I’m leaning towards an aftermarket computer to run things.

The computers on Rock Auto would be remanufactured which is a good thing if they replaced the problematic capacitors

 

[Friendly_RangerMan]

Alright, seems simple enough I guess. If I run into any problems I’ll be back lol

 

[ryan445]

I have an 87 with California Emissions.

I can not tell you what the difference is as mine does not have a MAF. Still MAP based.

I have wondered what would happen if I put a fed based ECM in as I would think it would gain a little power and or fuel economy as California emissions are usually a killer on those kinds of things in the early days trying to cut back on SMOG. However, this is my speculation and not a fact that i know of.

Edit: I went down a rabbit hole (like I usually do). The difference i am finding is, CA ECM is programed to lean out fuel mixtures sooner and retard the timing slightly to keep certain emission down and keep the cylinders slightly hotter so it burns cleaner.

Disclaimer: This info was gathered off multiple sources and interpreted by me. I am not a expert on this nor should you treat this info as reliable or solid information.

I would like to try to put a FED one in mine and see if it runs different. I would think the FED one is better based on what I found.

 

[bobbywalter]

91 plus for maf

just use a 3.0 for maf


i might have an 88 ecm.....was using it for a backup to run the 300-6

since you obviously dont have to worry about emissions i suggest speeduino.

 

[bobbywalter]

you might put a point or three of timing in it