Has anyone used a stand alone computer system?I would be thinking of one for a 04 4.6 L enigne.I've heard talk but dont know anything about them.where do you order them from and how hard are they to install? ANY knowledge would be greatly apreicated Thanks Larry

 

Try this link

http://www.bgsoflex.com/megasquirt.html

 

Yes you can run a stand alone engine only set up, but you must have a decent basic understanding of EFI System operation, computers in general, and digital management basics for engine operation & Fuel management to begin with. Also a breakout box and wiring diagram for the ECM & circuitry you are going to use. Also the right engine harness for the set up on the engine you have, IE Coil Pack vs TFI Module and so on.

I use "script" also called OEM hardware rather than aftermarket because I understand them. I can dial them in. I can get parts or sensors I might require either as I build the systems, or later on down the road, when I want to tweak or repair it.

I also know "Script" systems work & are upgradeable without some tech support help person trying to make a faulty system work right on line or over the phone. I do not have time for all that nonsense. I can not direct you to vendors like Grippo & Bowling for that reason. I can turn you on to PROM Chip Vendors and other upgrades to dial in a Script system tho. . . . .

Stand alone is application terminology meaning ECM is dedicated to running EFI only.And not running the rest of an entire vehicle thru integrated array ancillary systems. Because of that sort of a system configuration some circuits must be shunted or bridged, while others get eliminated completely. That is what requires a break out box, which will have 2X terminals as Pins on your ECMs' main connector ( a 60 pin connector req's a 120 pin break out box, a 40 pin connector needs at least 80 terminal pins in the breakout box, etc. etc.)
In addition these older vehicles need to have a common integrated grounding circuit. And ECMs Req' a dedicated power service (Hot) line & dedicated ground. Chips are power sensative and flucuations MUST be controlled if the system is to last.

A lot of people run stand alone digital engine & fuel management systems in all kinds and manner of non OEM EFI vehicles. It's not totally common because it takes some knowledge & skill, but it's only a "processor chip" not "Rocket Surgery" or Brain Science.
I would tell you this, if you have the knowledge & skill try it, and if you do not, pay somebody on the condition you get to watch &learn (notice I did not say have them teach you ) If I have to teach somebody it gets pricey because it takes a lot of time & effort to do, especially if the student is new and unfamiliar with the trchnology.

IMHO a good working MAFS/TP EFI system is the ONLY way to go, but I'll say a lot of folks disagree with that last notion completely, and that's Kewl. It just works for me, especiall at $2.00+ a gallon for fuel. . .

I hope this provides some insight & perspective for you here. . . . .
FBp

 

Thanks FBp. I can always reley on you for sound advice.I saved the complete wire harness and marked it well.from the 04 crown vic.I intend to use it on the 62 f100,I became a little scared when someone said the computers could have shorted when the crown vic wrecked.Thanks,I now know that a stand alone only controls fuel and eng management .( so I went to the doctor and told him I dont feel very smart,He said:take these pills 3 times a day and see me again in 2 weeks.When I went back I told him"these pills you gave me remind me of rabbit droppings" he said "see your getting smarter already" Thanks (sorry about the bad joke) Larry

 

Larry,
What causes all the confusion is folks half knowing, or half understanding how digital systems work in the 1st place. They over think it & then use that as their "explanation". If one doesn't have very much experience with digital automotive electrics, it's easy to make mountains out of anthills.

Probably the biggest mistake we all make early on is not remembering to start with the basics. I had a guy chasing all kinds of glitches in his system and two ECM modules later he found out he had a bad timing gear set. The nylon went away and the diecast gear frame "laid down" jumping time. That's a pretty basic concept, but he was cursing his EFI and buying "computer" stuff to try to repair it.

You can eliminate your revlimiter, or rewrite a red line, and alter other "hinky" things that do not apply to your application with a breakout box. FWIW, 4.7L has a longevity problem based on slotted R/H cam drive gear. Jasper Engines has found that if the gear is not slotted, like the OEMs are, engine tend to last 50%-75% longer.
I understand they will not sell their "modified" cam gear, but I think it is possible to weld one up solid with temp control & heat sinking, but I'd check with a metalurgical engineer before I did it.
I TIG the slots on the front pump disc of my C-5 A/T to make it solid and I can run it behind my 460 with that and a few other critical upgrades. Without TIG-ing the pump front disc slots closed I can destroy a front pump in an afternoon at a strip. Discs are much stronger when they are solid & not slotted. . . . probably the same deal with the Jasper Upgrade on the 4.7L engine. You may want to check into that.

As for shorting out in a wreck, I think that's a stretch. I can see the inertial Impact switch opening & killing a system by cutting power, or I can see fuselinks giving up the ghost if it gets grounded, but I can't see how a motherboard or chip can short out, unless 100% of the impact is on the ECM Box itself . . . . .ya Know what I'm sayin?

People can get real mystical about what we don't fully understand. Some mysticism over comp tech blows me away! It's as if we were dealing with some alien or artifical intelligence or something. It's a silicone chip that is either go or no go, if no go then---It isn't even "either - or".

The only way I know to kill a chip is cross power (reverse polarity) it or "over power" it like plug a 12v dc automotive system into a 24v dc aircraft source, or a wall socket with 110v ac. Shorting out systems does not cause reverse polarity flow or increased circuit power, it causes power flow directly to ground. Chips are not ground sources. They are inline circuit components. sounds like hooey to me.

Last but far from least read, read, & read somemore, and read manuals that matter, not opinions and dreams of others. . . Do installation/ retro-upgrade right & you will wonder why you waited so long to do it . . . . it's 12-14 year old technology now!

FBp

 

All good info, but one thing when you are talking about a 4.7 what make is
that , or do you mean 4.6 , he's using a crown vic engine.





P.S I was'nt sure if your comparing a 4.7 to a 4.6 cv engine.

 

I will remember that!THANKS.Can I run a few things by you to make sure I'm on the right track? I have a 62 SWB stepside not a uni.It's to bare frame.
1.I plan to use the crown vic's IFS with cross member.This is like the mustang IFS,motor mounts and ever thing.I will put this on the 62 frame.Mount the 4.6 eng/tranny.Iwill get a 97-01 explorea rear end and lower the leaf springs on the 62( from tech article 48-60 ford trucks) WILL THIS WORK ON A 62? REMOVING a few leafs and buying new spring shackles.Use the vic,s drive shaft, rework as required.Hope to buy a rear end from wheel to wheel.
Thats my basic mechanal plan. Please advise and correct.Sometimes I am prone to inverse ratio logic/ the more I know I'm right the more I'm wrong.
Thank You Larry