Which Computer to Use

[GregOwen]

Hi Guys

I need a little guidance on the best Mustang ECM to use on my Roadster build.

Basically, here is what I have: -

2013 MK IV Roadster 'No Donor' Basic Kit with some upgrades
2005 3V 4.6L Never Used Modular Engine with OEM wiring Harness
Tremec TR3650 Re-manufactured 5 Sp Transmission
The Factory Five 'Ron Francis' Chassis Wiring Harness
Used 94 Mustang brake and Clutch Pedals
Factory Five Racing Electric Gauge Set

This is only my second ever build and I would not exactly call myself an engineer. I work in Real Estate so this is more of a hobby. The previous build was based on an old Carburetor Ford back in the UK some years ago and therefore I have little knowledge of Mustangs or the respective computers used in the past on this side of the pond.

Simple even if a little more expensive is the order of the day. Therefore, here is my list of questions: -

• What is the best ECM to purchase?
• Which Model year?
• I assume used off Ebay or Craigslist would work but if I do this or go for a new one what should I be looking for?
• Does the Factory 5 complete kit get supplied with an ECM and if so can I get one?
• Ford only or will aftermarket work well?
• Which gas pedal should I use as that is one of the things I have still to purchase?
• Which sensors will I need to add? Will the ones I have on the stock engine work and will I need others for the tranny?

I am about to move my car to a local pro to install and hook up the brake lines as besides paint, that is one of the items I would prefer a specialist to do, but when it comes back I want to get the engine and tranny fitted so this step is me planning ahead for the next few weeks.

Here are my pics.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/5612406...7636053324054/

Any help would be very much appreciated as I know you guys will help me avoid making the wrong decision.

Greg in Orlando

[Gale K]

Hi Greg,

Thought I would give you a free bump back to the top...

Couple of thoughts for you (as I don't know the answers to many of the list items). I would think starting with model year ECM for the engine would not be a bad place to begin. Many products out there to tune/update the computer. Probably Ford used the same ECM in several model years through that range, so one is like the other. This was true on the older Fox-bodied Mustangs.

I doubt FFR would supply an ECM. If there are aftermarket ECM's, probably would be fine, but my personal preference would be to start with OEM.

The mod motor forum on the "other" site has many guys running the newer stuff, and it might not be a bad place to pose the same question.

Hope this helps!

Gale

[MPTech]

• Which gas pedal should I use as that is one of the things I have still to purchase?

Greg in Orlando

I installed a '95 Mustang Pedal box, but bought the Russ Thompson gas pedal after many recommendations on the forums.
I HIGHLY recommend it. I've driven a couple Roadster with modified donor gas pedals and didn't like the way they operated. I've also heard the F5 gas pedal is not good either.
Do yourself a favor and buy RT's gas pedal. GREAT product!

[acth4347]

Congrats on starting your build. Gas pedal is easy, Russ Thompson's.
That motor and trans look real nice. I am in the process of building one with a 98 DOHC. I am in the same situation as you to a degree. I have been researching for a couple of years now and still haven't decided how deep I want to go into programming. There are many ways you can go on the ECM (starting with OEM and working your way up in $$$ and complexity). You will have to do some research as there are many variables to consider.

1) PATS: Newer cars have a built in ant-theft component in the OEM computers. The computer interacts with additional parts in the car that you won't/don't have and will need to be deleted from its program.
2) Depending on where you live, you may need smog equipment working EGR, catalytic converter, evap recovery, etc. This also requires programming consideration.
3) Will you want to "tune" your engine? Will you be including power adders (cold air intake, super charger, turbo, meth, larger injectors, etc.)?
4) All these programming changes can be done with tools available through the forums but have a huge learning curve (may or may not be you cup of tea),

Knowing what I know now, if I were in your shoes using a new motor with all of its associated sensors, I would go with the OEM computer for that engine and have someone knowledgeable program the computer with what you want/don't want in your car.
Hope this helps, Bill

[3yearplan]

My drivetrain is from an 04 Mach 1. I got the whole kit and kaboodle from the auto dismantler. The entire engine with all accessories, sensors, wiring harness, computer etc. I will have a local tuner delete the PATS and the after cat 02 sensors. You might want to find out what vehicle the motor was intended for. I believe (but may be wrong on this) that the motor was NOT a one size fits all, Mustang, F-150, etc. The basic architecture is obviously the same but the differences may be with cams, or specifically the cam grind. The power band for a truck is way different than a Mustang. If you know what vehicle the motor was intended for I would go for that ECM, even if it was for a truck. A Mustang computer may cause fits with a truck motor and vice versa. Hopefully someone with a little more knowledge on this subject will chime in. The majority of my knowledge with different computers and engines is Dodge based. If you have any Supercharged 360 Dakota questions, in a truck that only came with a 318, I can probably answer those.

Mike

[GregOwen]

OK, so here is how I resolved. I have gone for the Ford Racing Control Pack (M6107-4.63V). A little pricey compared to some options I know.

I wanted to be able to bypass the Passive Anti Theft System (PATS) and the wiring will integrate well with what I have. Additionally it includes the MAF and O2 sensors, gas pedal and diagnostic port so really everything needed to get the motor started. I may still have a problem with the engine wiring harness though as only certain ones will work with this kit and I have no clue as to whether the OEM harness was designed to work with a manual transmission.

Progress report - This weekend I finished the trunk aluminum and have the front and rear harness in. I am going to drop the engine and tranny in over the next couple of weeks then I have made plans for a local brake shop to run the fuel lines, brake lines and e-brake cables then test for leaks and lube it all up. They can raise it up and access it all from underneath. Besides paint, braking is the one area I need a pro to help for safety reasons if for no other. I have limited experience when it comes to running lines so I have conceded to the fact I need help in respect to this plus this gives me the push to getting the thing running.

I hope to have this puppy running by the end of November that is if my polished stainless side pipes arrive in time.

Many thanks to all for reading and posting.