Another silly LA3 swap question... don't pummel me

[JonProphet]

Ok, so, I just got my LA3 from fleeBay and I did the research a while back. So, looking again I'm a little cornfused. Since I have an '86 w/ the PE computer do I have to change pins that are referenced at:

http://ourworld.cs.com/_ht_a/cobra30197/svo/la3/la3.html?mtbrand=CS_US

or is it plug and play? I thought I would have to follow the pin outs, if not, which ones do I need to move. Unfortunately, I can't check it because I'm w/o a tensioner pulley and a timing belt.

-JD-

[JonProphet]

Well I bought this before I found a post stating that the PE is almost as good as the LA3. Not to mention if you want to use TweECEr it supports logging and all the good stuff from the LA3 whereas the PE does not. Also I see that the LA3 has a better idle. Which I got a lil bit of a lumpy idle. I think I have a miss too. Still working... still working on it....

So do I have to do the rest of them too? The EGR shut off and the Octane Switch? Logic would point to yes, but I've seen a post or two that say otherwise.

-JD-

[under pressure]

Search my friend and what you seek will be found!

[JonProphet]

I did. Yes or no would suffice. Most posts have to do with 84 or 85's.

-JD-

[svoman2300]

I did. Yes or no would suffice. Most posts have to do with 84 or 85's.

-JD-

It will be the same for 84-86.

[JonProphet]

Thank ya much! Close and lock!

-JD-

[JonProphet]

Mike, very good post. You duh man. You always have good posts. This is exactly what I was looking for. The search didn't reveal what you just said. Instead of saying simply search for the answer to a fairly (imho) complex question. Most of the swap info had to do with the '84 and '85 and now I know why. And it should be available for anyone now, via the search. I may still swap, but not right now. I have it available to me and I always have the spare ECU.

I'm still in the process of getting the engine to run correctly (Oil problem, minor noises, a small miss and possibly an exhaust leak) before any major mods happen. I have an MBC but I'm running stock boost (15 lbs) and have no desire to turn it up till I know its safe.

Right now, the only thing I'm changing is from this crappy TMIC to a FMIC. It should be here this week, but won't be going in this week, but hopefully next.

[SVOBart]

The octane switch does need to be repinned to switch from the PE to LA3. The LA3 uses pin 30 like all other EECs do, its the neutral gear switch. I don't recall where the octane switch wire has to be moved to. I just laid my EEC wiring diagrams side by side and made the necessary changes.

In my case I installed a LA3 after letting the smoke out of my PE. Maybe one day I'll have it rebuilt if I just don't ditch the Ford electronics and go with a Megasquirt.

[JonProphet]

But don't you need the base ECU to slap on the MS?

-JD-

[SVOeric]

But don't you need the base ECU to slap on the MS?
-JD-

Nope -- Megasquirt is not a tunner, it's a stand alone system.

[SVOBart]

Chris Roth has put together a chart showing the assorted stock pin locations for the PE, LA3, etc. available at:

http://rothfam.com/svo/reference/PEtoLA.pdf

Thanks Mike. In this case, the octane switch wiring needs to be moved from pin 30 to pin 24 to set the premium fuel setting in the LA3. I knew it was on a nearby pin, I just couldn't recall which one.

Alternatively I have read that some people will just tie pin 24 to 46 to leave the computer in the premium fuel mode all the time. Personally I like having the capability of switching to regular gas for long road trips and then fill up with the good stuff for having fun.

[JonProphet]

Gosh, with words like that you could be immediately qualified to hold Pats beer [and mine] at the reunion.

Sometimes I try to be helpful, and sometimes I just mock and pummel. You musta caught me on a bad day.

You know, I could have been mean and just called you a post whore outright!

-JD-