Can my 85 ECU be reprogramed?

[soldthedart]

Since I cant seem to buy a PE for my car, can I have my ecu in my 85 reprogrammed?
I was looking to do a simple swap and the LA3 has the knock sensor issue so this is where I currently am at.
I would be happy with going to the 35# injectors and swapping the ECU at this point.

[svono50]

Unfortunately the answer is no. You have to add a piggyback tuner to perform any reprogramming, it isn't like just downloading a different program.

Have you looked into the reman ECM's out there? I don't have any experience with them, but it could be an option. Looking on Advance Auto's site shows a BWD brand unit for an 86 SVO for $84+$70 core charge, so $154 if you don't want to turn your old one in. Looks like the Turbo Coupe ECM's go for ~$10 more. Not sure if anyone else here has used one, but I would have to believe they should be a viable option.

[SVOeric]

The LA3 computer (from a 87-88 turbo coupe) is a good alternative to the PE, and are pretty plentiful. Only takes about 15 minutes (in a hotel parking lot) to repin the harness to work with the LA3.

[SVOPerformance]

Hi, long time away and still the original owner of my 1985. I've done no internal mods to the car, and wondering other than injector size if there is anything else I need to do to run the PE ECM? Pins are the same, right?

Thanks and glad to be back!

[SVOeric]

I'll answer your question, but best way to get info like this is to start a new thread. Kinda rude to jump into someone elses computer questions and throw your own questions in.

PE swap does not require a re-pin, however the knock sensor setup is quite different in square vs in-line configs.

[Laredo]

Hi, long time away and still the original owner of my 1985. I've done no internal mods to the car, and wondering other than injector size if there is anything else I need to do to run the PE ECM? Pins are the same, right?!

Also - Your 84-85 boost control module will not work with the PE, so you will have to go with manual boostcontroller. Be careful with the MBC, your computer can no longer back off boost when it senses detonation. It will only retard timing. Retarded timing and full boost = high cylinder/exhaust temps = bad!

[Laredo]

...can I have my ecu in my 85 reprogrammed?
....

...You have to add a piggyback tuner to perform any reprogramming, it isn't like just downloading a different program.....

Like this...

https://www.moates.net/quarterhorse-for-fords-p-199.html

This option would eliminate the need for any mechanical parts swapping. But...don't try this unless you are somewhat familiar with ECM tuning, fuel maps, etc. Technical support is somewhat limited.