QUESTION ABOUT ECM'S (COMPUTER)
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QUESTION ABOUT ECM'S (COMPUTER)
I have a 351W out of a 1995 F-150 want to put in my 89 that has a 302. Do I have swich out ECM's(computer)? Or they the same ECM's? Both were manual transmissions. What does the ECM in my truck control? Does it determine firing order? cuz it has a distributor not coil pack, or its just for the amout of fuel deliver base on what the O2 sensor is telling it.
Thanks for the info
Thanks for the info
Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2009
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From: Des Moines
You'll want to keep both the computer AND the engine wiring harness (meaning all the sensors and related connections) for the 1995 motor.
The computer for the 1989 (OBDI) will not work for the 1995 (likely OBDII).
I'm no expert, but that's what I've gathered after being on this forum. I am sure someone will confirm it.
The computer for the 1989 (OBDI) will not work for the 1995 (likely OBDII).
I'm no expert, but that's what I've gathered after being on this forum. I am sure someone will confirm it.
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However, some 1995 mid and late models had OBDII as a pretest to make sure it would meet the mandated federal requirements when the 1996 deadline arrived.
So like was said earlier, make sure you get the whole wiring harness, engine computer and ALL the sensors for the 95 motor or it will throw all kinds of codes.
So like was said earlier, make sure you get the whole wiring harness, engine computer and ALL the sensors for the 95 motor or it will throw all kinds of codes.
FTE Legend
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From: Ottawa, Ontario
No.. he doesn't want the wiring harness at all. Changing engine wiring in these truck has got to be the #1 cause of engine swap problems, and in cases like this it's completely unnecessary so my suggestion to the OP is don't go there. All that is required for this swap is a 5.8 PCM for a manual or C6 auto truck and an older 5.8 distributor with the TFI module on the side.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2009
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From: Des Moines
For the sake of discussion, and not being completely knowledgeable about the electrical side of things- why isn't the harness necessary?
It seems to me that things would change enough between 89 and 95 that this would be necessary. Again, not being completely knowledgeable, wouldn't some sensors be added/deleted/changed between those years? And wouldn't such changes require the computer to receive input from those sensors? And if the computer isn't getting input from those sensors, won't it cause operational issues?
I'm just trying to understand this.
It seems to me that things would change enough between 89 and 95 that this would be necessary. Again, not being completely knowledgeable, wouldn't some sensors be added/deleted/changed between those years? And wouldn't such changes require the computer to receive input from those sensors? And if the computer isn't getting input from those sensors, won't it cause operational issues?
I'm just trying to understand this.
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FTE Legend
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From: Ottawa, Ontario
Yes lots changed in those years but it wasn't the number or type of sensors it was just the location of a couple of them. It's still the same OBD-1 EFI system with all the same inputs, the TFI module moved from the distributor to the fender and in some cases the IAC sensor moved from the intake to the airbox, but the way the wiring harness is constructed changed a lot and that is the BIG problem. For example there is no under hood fuse box on the older trucks so the engine harness doesn't take any detours it is almost totally self contained with 4 (or 5) small bulkhead connectors between the motor and PCM, while in newer trucks it is integrated with the chassis harness and not easily seperated.. you have to cut wires to get it all(engine to PCM) out, and it has a pair of larger block connectors between the engine and chassis portions so it won't just "plug in" to the '89 truck. As a result of all this changing the harness vastly complicates the swap and as mentioned it's completely unnecessary since the motor will run perfectly on the '89 harness with the correct PCM and distributor plugged in.
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