Standalone ECU vs Piggyback Programmer
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Elder User
Joined: Mar 2013
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From: In my house..
Standalone ECU vs Piggyback Programmer
Prior to 96 Ford used OBD I, after 96 they used OBD II, even though piggyback programmers are available for the OBD I and OBD II systems it is not recommended because processor technology was very slow when these systems were implemented, the processor in your average cell phone is more powerful and runs circles around processors manufactured in the early days of both systems, you would be worlds ahead by using a modern standalone ECU to control your fuel and ignition maps, if you build your own using a kit such as the one from Bowling and Grippo you can probably do it for less than the cost of a piggyback programmer or add-on main-board with a flash tool, computers have come a long way since the 90's so if you want world class performance from your tunable EFI system then you don't want 90's lame processor performance and speed, i am one of those people that believes in doing something right the first time, even though there are tools that let you modify the stock ECU i just don't recommend it... enjoy..
FTE Legend
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 31,930
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From: Ottawa, Ontario
And how much experience do you have tuning these old EFI systems? I can't argue that computer processing power has come a long way since the '90s but you really don't need a lot of it to control a motor.
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2008
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Prior to 96 Ford used OBD I, after 96 they used OBD II, even though piggyback programmers are available for the OBD I and OBD II systems it is not recommended because processor technology was very slow when these systems were implemented, the processor in your average cell phone is more powerful and runs circles around processors manufactured in the early days of both systems, you would be worlds ahead by using a modern standalone ECU to control your fuel and ignition maps, if you build your own using a kit such as the one from Bowling and Grippo you can probably do it for less than the cost of a piggyback programmer or add-on main-board with a flash tool, computers have come a long way since the 90's so if you want world class performance from your tunable EFI system then you don't want 90's lame processor performance and speed, i am one of those people that believes in doing something right the first time, even though there are tools that let you modify the stock ECU i just don't recommend it... enjoy..
I have not heard of anyone needing a faster response time even in some of the high horsepower (600 and above) motors. The ECU does just fine. It's true, faster is better but only when it's needed. If the Space Shuttle can still get into orbit on 8086 processors, I think the Ford fans will be OK on this older technology.
Old School Hot Rodder
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 6,472
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From: Exmore, VA
The OBD-II EEC-V is way ahead of the EEC-IV system, I was amazed at the difference between the SD/BF 460 and what I have now with MAF/SEFI. Power went up, economy seems quite a bit better (10 mpg as built with Holley 4180 and C6, 11.5 - 11.7 mpg with SD/BF system and E4OD and looks to be 12-13 with MAF/SEFI and E4OD). I can reflash my processor with a tune change in 2-3 min. My investment after the initial conversion to EFI, which cost $845 for the parts truck, was $875 for the EEC-V box and the hardware and software from Core Tuning. Still a whole lot cheaper than any standalone system out there, and on many you need a second box to control the E4OD. If my EEC takes a crap, I can find one in BFE, all I need is the correct hardware type.
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 2,379
Likes: 2
The OBD-II EEC-V is way ahead of the EEC-IV system, I was amazed at the difference between the SD/BF 460 and what I have now with MAF/SEFI. Power went up, economy seems quite a bit better (10 mpg as built with Holley 4180 and C6, 11.5 - 11.7 mpg with SD/BF system and E4OD and looks to be 12-13 with MAF/SEFI and E4OD). I can reflash my processor with a tune change in 2-3 min. My investment after the initial conversion to EFI, which cost $845 for the parts truck, was $875 for the EEC-V box and the hardware and software from Core Tuning. Still a whole lot cheaper than any standalone system out there, and on many you need a second box to control the E4OD. If my EEC takes a crap, I can find one in BFE, all I need is the correct hardware type.
Side question, what year/config ODBII systems could the PCM be programmed via the ODBII port? When did that start?
Old School Hot Rodder
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 6,472
Likes: 11
From: Exmore, VA
1996 is the first year on the trucks. If you go to Motorcraft Service dot com and look under quick guides at the bottom is a link to VECI labels you will find a link to the labels and a related calibration parts list. All of the EEC-V processors are listed as flashable.
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