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Topic: Connecting to OBD 1984 3.8L (Read 2021 times) previous topic - next topic

Connecting to OBD 1984 3.8L

Hey, not terribly knowledgeable on this subject, but if I wanted to connect to the ECM to play around with the calibration on my 84 Tbird, what do I need to do this??

Thanks.


Connecting to OBD 1984 3.8L

Reply #2
Quote from: jcassity;457402
you dont,, its not like that on EECiV

Not entirely true. Moates sells devices that plug into the J3 port on the EEC itself. The issue is that there is no software support for the EEC in your car. Honestly, unless you intend on doing a full EFI conversion, it wouldn't be worth the time to do much in the computer.
It's Gumby's fault.

Connecting to OBD 1984 3.8L

Reply #3
Quote from: Tbird232ci;457407
Not entirely true. Moates sells devices that plug into the J3 port on the EEC itself. The issue is that there is no software support for the EEC in your car. Honestly, unless you intend on doing a full EFI conversion, it wouldn't be worth the time to do much in the computer.

as i was doing my reply,, i wondered to myself,, who are these geeks who refurbish or make aftermarket computers?  like,,, they must have the software and goods to crack it,,

what i meant in my reply above was theres nothing to change in the program"unless" someone knows how to log into it and do that.
Where is bondocougar when we need him?

Connecting to OBD 1984 3.8L

Reply #4
I doubt they have any software to crack anything... Probably more of station of sensors with fixed values and the eec responds to input... Likely also have a variable RPM dist that would allow checking advance, fuel pump activation etc... When I converted my TC for V8 I laid the harness in engine compartment and did a KOEO(there was no engine), ECM reported no fuel pump signal and no transmission selector, neither were present...

The '84 is somewhat crude and likely computer is slower vs say a '87 CFI for 3.8... I say that as I have 5.0 '85 truck ECM that runs at 8Mhz compared to 16Mhz(if memory serves) of later units...

Connecting to OBD 1984 3.8L

Reply #5
So theres no way to go in a alter values in calibration?

Connecting to OBD 1984 3.8L

Reply #6
Nope. Only option is for that is standalone ECU or engine swap.

 

Connecting to OBD 1984 3.8L

Reply #7
Most aftermarket ecu are simply dumbed down and stripped of emissions controls.

You can slightly tweak fuel settings using the fuel pressure regulator to give ya a bit more, but overall it's much more trouble then it's worth.
Quote from: jcassity
I honestly dont think you could exceed the cost of a new car buy installing new *stock* parts everywhere in your coug our tbird. Its just plain impossible. You could revamp the entire drivetrain/engine/suspenstion and still come out ahead.
Hooligans! 
1988 Crown Vic wagon. 120K California car. Wifes grocery getter. (junked)
1987 Ford Thunderbird LX. 5.0. s.o., sn-95 t-5 and an f-150 clutch. Driven daily and going strong.
1986 cougar.
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