Looking for a computer for a lightning
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Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2015
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From: Maryville, TN
Looking for a computer for a lightning
I'm in search of a computer for my FIL's 94 lightning. It had a blown capacitor, and my wife replaced it, and on eye inspection, she recommended replacing the entire thing. (cut me a break guys, she works at denso and her job is inspecting and hand repairing boards that the robots screw up, she probably solders as much or more as anyone on here she was upset with this repair, but she was using a cheaper butane solder gun instead of her good one at work). Sure enough, that circuit is bad. Was hoping someone may have a used one laying around or can point me in the right direction for one at a decent price. Cheapest I've found so far is eBay at 299. Anyone that I can send it to for rebuilding with quick turn around. Site sponsor maybe?
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2011
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You can use any computer calibrated for 19 lb injectors, your trans configuration, and injection system (maf or sd). If you find a lightning computer, great....if not, sticking in whatever you find will get you going. Jy computers are dirt cheap.
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Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2015
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From: Maryville, TN
I was under the impression that the lightnings had bigger injectors, but after some research, a lot of people thought they had 24's but did I fact come with 19's. So any 351 SD truck with e4od will work? How about a 302 e4od truck? No repining involved? What is the difference in all the computer numbers then, and why is the Lightning computer unique?
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2011
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You should try to keep the year close, there were some subtle differences through the years....mainly two vs 3 digit codes.
Technically yes, 302 e4od computer would work if that's all you can find for now....you won't be finding many of those though.
Technically yes, 302 e4od computer would work if that's all you can find for now....you won't be finding many of those though.
Fleet Owner
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 21,437
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From: Gilbert, PA
I'm glad I have a spare for mine.
I suggest going to a Lightning forum and looking in the for sale section
I suggest going to a Lightning forum and looking in the for sale section
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Aug 2010
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From: Chillicothe
I've heard that chassis cab computers are programmed more aggressively as well. There was a thread on here awhile ago that went over it, but I can't find it.
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Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2015
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From: Maryville, TN
Originally Posted by Mudsport96
I've heard that chassis cab computers are programmed more aggressively as well. There was a thread on here awhile ago that went over it, but I can't find it.
Thanks for the insight on other computers, he has gone looking at a couple local salvage yards, I'm going to look on the lightning forums for an actual lightning computer.
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 3,342
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From: Laramie, WY
That's funny, newer cab and chassis actually come detuned. I've driven a cab and chassis 6.2 gas, and it was a dog compared to mine. I believe they are about 50 hp less. I guess they are doing it for longevity.
Thanks for the insight on other computers, he has gone looking at a couple local salvage yards, I'm going to look on the lightning forums for an actual lightning computer.
Thanks for the insight on other computers, he has gone looking at a couple local salvage yards, I'm going to look on the lightning forums for an actual lightning computer.
Lots of misinformation out there...mind your sources.
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Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2015
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From: Maryville, TN
Well, found a computer out of a supposedly 351 e4od truck. Truck started and ran, then would not go into gear. Pulled it down into first and first is all it had. I'm guessing pulling it into 1st manually engages it vs drive being electronically controlled. After it ran for a few minutes, it began to miss. Threw the original computer back in and it ran fine and shifted through all gears, just extremely hard.
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Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2015
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From: Maryville, TN
Auto zone says they can send it out for a rebuild for 130. Only catch is, if it's not rebuild able they still charge 75. My guess is if they can't just solder in a capacitor or diode, they will say its unbuildable, and I'm guessing that's what they will say about this computer.
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 5,800
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That's a strange set of symptoms you've developed, the "351 e4od" computer may not be for e4od at all, pulling codes would shed some light on that.
Hard shifts are a result of a miscommunication with the tranny...can be a bad sensor, bad computer, or perhaps a computer that isn't designed to control it. I've never put a non computer controlled computer into a computer controlled trans so I dunno what the results would be for that.
Hard shifts are a result of a miscommunication with the tranny...can be a bad sensor, bad computer, or perhaps a computer that isn't designed to control it. I've never put a non computer controlled computer into a computer controlled trans so I dunno what the results would be for that.
Fleet Owner
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 21,437
Likes: 76
From: Gilbert, PA
Well, found a computer out of a supposedly 351 e4od truck. Truck started and ran, then would not go into gear. Pulled it down into first and first is all it had. I'm guessing pulling it into 1st manually engages it vs drive being electronically controlled. After it ran for a few minutes, it began to miss. Threw the original computer back in and it ran fine and shifted through all gears, just extremely hard.
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 5,800
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I've never heard that the sd lightning is sequential, but even if it were it would still run fine with a normal batch fire computer.