Large Elec. Connector Thru Firewall

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Nov 26, 2022 | 10:31 AM

Cougar54

Thread Starter

Laughing Gas

Joined: Oct 2012

Posts: 831

Likes: 7

From: Milford, Michigan

Large Elec. Connector Thru Firewall

I am looking to see if there is a better way to get my large ECM electrical connector thru the firewall short of just cutting a large hole and then making a sheet metal "plug" to close it back down. I have a Edelbrock multiport fuel injection system and the instructions state the ECM must be installed in the cab. The connector for the ECM (as well as two other connectors) are about 2" x 1" and won't fit thru the factory wire hole. I thought about trying to remove the wire from the connector to get it through but there are about 30 wires in the connector. Not sure I want to try that . . . Any suggestions?

Nov 26, 2022 | 02:22 PM

SRGN

Mountain Pass

Joined: Dec 2021

Posts: 102

Likes: 38

From: Central NJ

Deutsch HDP20 Bulkhead 47-pin Connector kit, 14, 20 AWG Solid Contacts https://a.co/d/2Fq1I4K

We use these or similar on the higher end builds.

Nov 26, 2022 | 02:58 PM

5851a

Logistics Pro

Joined: Oct 2006

Posts: 4,029

Likes: 891

From: East Central Ia

Ford did make a good-sized oblong grommet for the EEC IV plug. Personally, never thought it looked much out of place and never caused any problems, was easy to deal with for r&r or swapping. Your truck probably already has that large hole grommet and retainer up top firewall drivers' side. Make a duplicate for the FI wiring. Just a thought.

Nov 26, 2022 | 03:07 PM

Cougar54

Thread Starter

Laughing Gas

Joined: Oct 2012

Posts: 831

Likes: 7

From: Milford, Michigan

Quote:

Originally Posted by SRGN

Deutsch HDP20 Bulkhead 47-pin Connector kit, 14, 20 AWG Solid Contacts https://a.co/d/2Fq1I4K

We use these or similar on the higher end builds.

That's an interesting solution. It may end up being the best solution. I would need a good wire crimper for those pins. Any suggestions? Thanks!

Nov 26, 2022 | 03:12 PM

Cougar54

Thread Starter

Laughing Gas

Joined: Oct 2012

Posts: 831

Likes: 7

From: Milford, Michigan

Quote:

Originally Posted by 5851a

That idea might work if I was to mount the ECM on the inside of the firewall with the connector still on the outside of the firewall like Ford did on many OEM vehicles. The issue I have now is that the ECM plug is large so I need a large hole but once it is thru the firewall, the hole needed is small. Thanks for the suggestion . . .

Nov 26, 2022 | 05:57 PM

SRGN

Mountain Pass

Joined: Dec 2021

Posts: 102

Likes: 38

From: Central NJ

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cougar54

That's an interesting solution. It may end up being the best solution. I would need a good wire crimper for those pins. Any suggestions? Thanks!

The crimpers are on Amazon for a good price. We have used these connectors often with Holley EFI. It's also nice to be able to unplug one main connector when you want to pull the engine for anything.

These look like a decent deal.
ABN Deutsch Closed-Barrel D-Sub Crimper 12-20 AWG with Ratcheting Action https://a.co/d/3VwWdue

Get extra pins to practice on. There's different pins for different gauge wires, once you get the hang of it, you will be very happy with the end result. It's clean, professional, and durable. Just make sure to leave enough strain relief to allow for engine movement, and they last for many years.

Nov 26, 2022 | 06:30 PM

Old F1

Cargo Master

Joined: Feb 2008

Posts: 2,795

Likes: 129

From: Windermere Valley,B.C. Ca

I like the Deutsch.
But the older I get and closer to only having time for probably one last project I have to prioritize my build so that I will still have some time to drive it.
So no power windows and other fun cool things that take forever to do and because it is going to be a keeper and not built for resale I will have to use the "keep it simple stupid" rule.
So as fun the Deutsch looks I think for me this will be better and faster.:

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Nov 27, 2022 | 07:44 AM

jniolon

old and in the way

Joined: Jul 1997

Posts: 5,921

Likes: 1,052

From: Lovely Hueytown Alabama

looking at that 40 pin connector makes my head hurt...I'd have to have a pin-out chart in one hand and the connector in another and the wire in ano...... wait a minute????
plus at 75 with some essential tremor... close work like this ...or soldering is getting harder and harder to do
john

Nov 27, 2022 | 12:23 PM

#10

Cougar54

Thread Starter

Laughing Gas

Joined: Oct 2012

Posts: 831

Likes: 7

From: Milford, Michigan

Quote:

Originally Posted by jniolon

I hear you! At 68 I'm a bit concerned which is why I need a crimper because I'm not soldering those tiny pins. I'll still need to write out a pinout and make sure I don't mess up. Now I have a headache!