Hi everybody, my first post here. Would it be feasible to install a computer in an older truck like a 79 4 x 4? I believe I'd have to change much of the wiring, install multiple sensors and so forth as well as getting a computer from another truck but would it be a benefit?
Thanks for any responses.

 

Dwayne ! Its not impossible. I never worked on a truck with a computer before.But I did just what your thinking,and now i am
glad I did. I installed a 460 EFI with a 5 speed in my 1952 Mercury pickup. It was not easy,far from it. Even though I bought a complete truck for the motor and wires. First do yourself a favor by yourself a case of asprin you will need it. Also get yourself a Haynes repair manual on the year of the truck with the computer. It will help a lot. Usually you can find one at the auto parts store. Also don't do the job without having everything from the same truck from the start. Like the complete wireing harness,with the computer and sensors. Your also need to change your gas tank. Fuel injected engines have a special in tank hi-pressure fuel pump and lines. If the engine does not have high constant fuel pressure it will not run. To me it was like going back to school with your service manual being your teacher. I even toward the end got answers from guys on the FTE web site. At this point the truck is up and running great ! But several times I almost gave up. YA ! I thought about jerking off the top and putting on a regular carb and manifold. You will to ! But don't! I have learned a lot by doing the work myself. And I was asked if in time,if I had it to do over or again would I ? I think I would. The power,the way it starts,(quick) and the way runs is great ! Once a person understands a computer engine, its not bad at all. Yes with all the trouble I had I'm glad I did. GOOD LUCK !!!!!!


1952 Mercury 460 EFI 4-door 1-ton dually p.u.
1940 Ford 460 p.u.
1950 Ford F-5 flatbed
1998 Ford F-350 powerstroke

 

Thanks, TryMe. Unfortunately I've already rebuilt the 460 so I was hoping to be able to use it. Perhaps I could get the EFI components required and use them on my engine??? And of course getting the whole truck wiring harness etc. would be the right way to go.
It appears I don't have a firm enough grasp of the scope of this conversion and it's not only adding a few sensors and a computer. I'm going to ask around to see what a truck will cost with these components.
In the meantime thanks a lot for your help, you and others like yourself are extremely helpful and the site is a god send.

 

As said earlier, this isn't a conversion for the faint of heart.

You're looking at MAF sensors, O2 sensors, fuel pump, etc. Plus the computer and wiring harness with it.

Have you considered a compromise of sorts and checking out the offering Mallory has?

 

No to be honest I haven't done much research on it at all. I was trying to get a feeling for the scope of the job first, and as mentioned it's quite a scope. I'll see what Mallory has to offer, and longer term look to see what a donor truck would cost for all the equipment.
Thanks for all you help.