What computer?

[TheSVTKid]

What computer Runs my 84? I have heard that the TC intercooled Computer is the way to go? Is this true. Or is their better?


Erik Andre

[svobud]

Yeah - the LA3 from a 87-88 TC is a better computer. You'll need to change out the injectors as well and add a ACT sensor to the intake.

Your stock computer would need to changed out if you start seriously modifying your car's engine - as the 30lb injectors limits what modifications can be done with it...and it's "suppose" to only good to the 250hp mark (meaning the limit of what the base programing and 30lb injectors are worth).

Of course - there's always the SDS system.

[richsvo]

Okay,
What about 86's? Is there any benefit to using the LA3 there as well?
Just wondering...

[svobud]

my understanding about comparing a LA3 to a PE (the 86 ECU) - is this; they pretty much have the exact same programing - but the LA3 is faster at processing. GT350R (who's now on this forum) has some great "how to's" on installing a TC ECU listed on his website.... hopefully, he'll get involved in this discussion.

The bottomline would be price and the small added hassle of adding ACT sensor - but try doing a price comparison on the two.....PEs are hard to find and damn near unaffordable.

[richsvo]

Yes,
I had seen his website, and the instructions for installation. Looked pretty easy, just wondering if the benefits are enough to warrant the time and effort of finding one, and installing it!
Thanks for your input, Bud, and GT350...where are you, your input, Please!
Rich

[GT350R]

Ok, I would say that ANY 87-88 Tc computer is the way to go. The PE's are too expensive , but if you have the cash (I dont) and want a straight swap while still looking correct , then go for the PE.

The LA,LA2,LA3, LB,LB3, 8UA all all great compters. They will all do what you need, but the LB series and 8UA are for an automatic tranny car and will show codes when you run the codes since it cannot "see" the tourque converter. But all will perform the same. Too much is put onto the LA3 as being the best. You would NEVER notice a difference with any of the installed.

Going with one other than an LA3 is a great way to save money.

The biggest difference with the 87-88 computers ( I usually just call them LA series) is that it will idle better than the PE. Thats about all the faster processer does.

It has been said that the PE has "slightly" more aggressive timing tables, but I have never been able to nail down RS450 to answer that (The guy that builds the EEC tunner).

For the money its a no brainer.

Another tid bit of info;

The LA series use a VSS in the tranny for the speedo and the computer. (Vehical speed sensor). Your Mustang just uses a cable. Well it is the same sensor. If you look where your cable snaps into it IS a VSS, its just not hooked up and has a red plug in it where the electrical connector would go. So you can use what is in your tranny now. Just pull the plug and find teh connector on a late 80's Ford in the junkyard. Then hook it up to the computer with some wire and you will get even better gas mileage with NO cost to performance. The LA series will put out an error code if this is not hooked up but it will drive fone without it.

[richsvo]

GT350R,
So, what you're saying is this:
I have an 86 with a PE now. If I want it to idle better, and possibly get a little better gas milage (the tranny plug) then, get an LA, if I can live with the idle, then there really is no difference?
Is this correct? Like I said I have a PE now, and I'm happy with everything. The question is do I want to upgrade to the LA? Is it worth the time/effort...doesn't sound like it. If I had an 84, sure sounds like a good idea!
Let me know, and thanks for all the info!
Rich

[GT350R]

If you already have a PE its not worth it. The idle is not a miracle cure (They just seem to idle go or not)

If your happy with the PE and there is no "gain" to be "noticed" then yes, it would just be too much work. On the other hand, if you ever need acomputer, it would be a logical choice as all the others would not perform as good as what you have.

[svobud]

aaahhh....sorry there richsvo - I was in a misunderstanding for a sec - I didn't notice you currently own a "86" SVO and therefore have the PE processor "in" your SVO. The conversation started with SVTkid in relation to his 84 car w/30lb injectors and would it be a benefit to upgrade computers so I wasn't thinking about someone wanting to change out their PE for a TC ECU.

I'm under the same opinion as GT350R on this - in the idea of swapping out a PE computer for the LA series - is not worth it. If you ever get to the point where you 'may' need to upgrade your computer because of serious modifcations you've done in an effort to increase HP on your SVO - an EEC tuner or SDS may be how you'll want to proceed from there....but IMO, that would be after you cross that "300hp" level.

[richsvo]

Bud and GT350r,

Thank you for your responses! You both have been a wealth of knowledge! You completely answered my questions. I was really looking for the benefits of one versus the other. Now I know what the deal is.

Also, I will not be changing the comp. just yet. I have a long way to go before that is necessary. I just hear everyone talking about these LA's and was just wondering what the deal was.

Again, thank you both so much, and I'm sure others reading this have learned a lot as well!

Take care!

Rich

[Fletch]

Does anyone burn a high performance chip for the SVO Mustang?

Fletch

[TheSVTKid]

Thanks guys for all the advice. I just got a set of 36 pounders for Free from a buddy... and I'm just tracking down a computer. now.

It will be running off what ever computer I find first, and a EEC pigback system running off my laptop, for the tunning, and data logging.

My 4.6 power FOX bodied GT runs off a EECV with a Lap top running/tunning it. And doing the nice duties of the data logging.

So I just have to wait to find the computer i need for the SVO then the program can be added to my Lap top... so I can switch between both cars.

So yes the pile of parts is getting bigger, but the car remains stock. I also tracked down SN-95 take off suspension parts for the Front. SO the 98 Cobra wheels I have laying around with ZERO miles on them. Will have a place to go when I'm back from the WFC.

I hope I see a few of you all around there.

Erik Andre