So my 86 5.0 EFI got swapped out to a new carb 302 motor. Since its pretty cut & dry on Carb setups is the factory ECU needed for anything else? I've got wires running everywhere so I'm trying to clean up & remove any extra disconnect plugs, wiring harnesses etc.

 

Don't think so. The electronic auto transmissions came out later.

 

So it was basically used for emissions for the most part?

 

Hey I did this with 1969 351w.
I cut ALL the Efi / emissions wires.
Used a 1970s wiring setup very simple.
Computer not used at all.
Had to jump out the FI relay on the fire wall to power the In tank pumps

 

On a efi engine like yours, it ran the engine. Had to time the spark and fire the injectors.