EFI For Dad's 400

[NotEnoughTrucks]

Time for a couple of updates. First, I got the shipment from Ray today. Thanks, Ray!!! It has two EEC-V ECU's, one for an E4OD and one for a 4R100. And the engine harness, and power distribution block, and on and on and on..... Now I have most of what is needed to put MAF SEFI on Dad's truck.

Second, Tim posted on Facebook a few pics of my Trick Flow lower plenum mocked up with the Holley upper:

Enjoy the box of snakes!

 

[Gary Lewis]

Enjoy the box of snakes!

Thanks, Ray!

[NotEnoughTrucks]

Thanks, Ray!

Gary and I have been having an email discussion that probably belongs out here.

I'm going to cut and paste it here.

Ray

I was thinking that given the idea that you are mounting the ECM under the seat, it may make sense to duplicate the harness with appropriate lengths of wire and you could do that using pretty much any EECV harness. I think I have another one around here somewhere that I was modifying into standalone configuration much like that write up I sent earlier. Since the engine end will be on a 400, which will require some reconfiguration from a Windsor engine, possibly may make more sense?

Gary

Well, subsequent to my email my new-found friend Mark/Dyn Blin did go to the salvage in Sonoma and got the '96 CA 460 SEFI harness, MAF sensor and air box, power distribution box, and OBD-II connector. So, I'll use that for Big Blue's 460 and the stuff from you for Dad's 400 and will have two 1996 setups, both with OBD-II. 👍

 

However, he probably had to cut the OBD-II connector off with a bit of wiring on it as it surely was integrated into the snake/harness in the dash, so I'll have to lengthen those wires.

 

And, the EEC-V ECU was already gone and the connector to it cut off. But, as you said, I was going to have to lengthen the wires anyway, so what you suggested is what I'm planning to do - get another connector with as much wire as I can and graft in the right color wires to put Big Blue's computer where I want it. And, I'm wondering why I wouldn't put it in the same spot as on Dad's - under the seat. It is unused space and makes getting to the computer much easier. The only issue is in getting a water-tight seal on the wires coming through the floor. so I'm still pondering that one.

Ray

I have heard criticism of Ford's placement of the ECU in the 87 to 96 trucks in that the location is the first thing to get wet (if you are off roading and anticipate deep water crossing). That sort of use is not everyone's cup of tea, but it is worth considering. Given that, I can sure relate to your idea of mounting it under the seat. One possibility I am considering in my project is to relocate the ECU to the upper cowl area like the 97 and up trucks, or the Ranger. The Ranger uses a neat tray that can be scavenged from a parts truck to hold the ECU and mount it to the firewall.

Gary

As for the location, I've been wondering about it getting wet under the seat. And, I do expect to have water crossings, so maybe under the seat isn't the best choice, at least for Big Blue. I wonder about under the dash pad. I've been planning to put an alarm system there on Dad's truck, but there may well be enough room there for the ECU. And, if I'm lengthening wires......

What'cha think? And, why aren't we having this conversation on the forum where others could comment? 🤔

[Gary Lewis]

Gary and I have been having an email discussion that probably belongs out here.

I'm going to cut and paste it here.

Ray

I was thinking that given the idea that you are mounting the ECM under the seat, it may make sense to duplicate the harness with appropriate lengths of wire and you could do that using pretty much any EECV harness. I think I have another one around here somewhere that I was modifying into standalone configuration much like that write up I sent earlier. Since the engine end will be on a 400, which will require some reconfiguration from a Windsor engine, possibly may make more sense?

Gary

Well, subsequent to my email my new-found friend Mark/Dyn Blin did go to the salvage in Sonoma and got the '96 CA 460 SEFI harness, MAF sensor and air box, power distribution box, and OBD-II connector. So, I'll use that for Big Blue's 460 and the stuff from you for Dad's 400 and will have two 1996 setups, both with OBD-II. 👍

 

However, he probably had to cut the OBD-II connector off with a bit of wiring on it as it surely was integrated into the snake/harness in the dash, so I'll have to lengthen those wires.

 

And, the EEC-V ECU was already gone and the connector to it cut off. But, as you said, I was going to have to lengthen the wires anyway, so what you suggested is what I'm planning to do - get another connector with as much wire as I can and graft in the right color wires to put Big Blue's computer where I want it. And, I'm wondering why I wouldn't put it in the same spot as on Dad's - under the seat. It is unused space and makes getting to the computer much easier. The only issue is in getting a water-tight seal on the wires coming through the floor. so I'm still pondering that one.

Ray

I have heard criticism of Ford's placement of the ECU in the 87 to 96 trucks in that the location is the first thing to get wet (if you are off roading and anticipate deep water crossing). That sort of use is not everyone's cup of tea, but it is worth considering. Given that, I can sure relate to your idea of mounting it under the seat. One possibility I am considering in my project is to relocate the ECU to the upper cowl area like the 97 and up trucks, or the Ranger. The Ranger uses a neat tray that can be scavenged from a parts truck to hold the ECU and mount it to the firewall.

Gary

As for the location, I've been wondering about it getting wet under the seat. And, I do expect to have water crossings, so maybe under the seat isn't the best choice, at least for Big Blue. I wonder about under the dash pad. I've been planning to put an alarm system there on Dad's truck, but there may well be enough room there for the ECU. And, if I'm lengthening wires......

What'cha think? And, why aren't we having this conversation on the forum where others could comment? 🤔

Ray - Thanks for doing that.

All - Please chime in on your thoughts. What is the best location for the ECU? Can I get it sealed under the seat? Time to brainstorm.

[85lebaront2]

Ray - Thanks for doing that.

All - Please chime in on your thoughts. What is the best location for the ECU? Can I get it sealed under the seat? Time to brainstorm.

Ford EECs are not sealed, at least not the older ones. On Dad's, I wouldn't be super concerned, I don't anticipate that one being much of an off-road vehicle ever, other than parking lots and shows. Big Blue, if you are worried about overlanding, the stock 1985.5-1986 location is up beside the steering column and since you are going to have to build a harness anyway it would solve a few things.

(a) OBD-II port, mount it near the EEC.

(b) Relays, power and fuel pump, again, in the 1985.5-1986 location, just use a dual socket Bosch pattern instead of the early relays.

© Engine to EEC/Chassis connection, the 1985.5-1986 trucks have an oval hole in the firewall (seen here) that could be used and a 42 pin engine harness connector and bracket from a 94-96 E-series used.

[Gary Lewis]

Ford EECs are not sealed, at least not the older ones. On Dad's, I wouldn't be super concerned, I don't anticipate that one being much of an off-road vehicle ever, other than parking lots and shows. Big Blue, if you are worried about overlanding, the stock 1985.5-1986 location is up beside the steering column and since you are going to have to build a harness anyway it would solve a few things.

(a) OBD-II port, mount it near the EEC.

(b) Relays, power and fuel pump, again, in the 1985.5-1986 location, just use a dual socket Bosch pattern instead of the early relays.

© Engine to EEC/Chassis connection, the 1985.5-1986 trucks have an oval hole in the firewall (seen here) that could be used and a 42 pin engine harness connector and bracket from a 94-96 E-series used.

(d) Ignition module would still have to be located somewhere on it's heatsink, the Taurus one is in the cowl inlet area since it is a sealed unit and I have an extra heatsink for one.

Bill - Good thoughts. But, let me ask a few questions:

1. Where beside the steering column did the EEC go? Would it be best to find an 85.5/86 5.0L and get the ECU, assuming it is still there, the connector, the mounting tray, and as much harness as is possible? I need the connector and harness anyway.

2. You would change out the fuel pump relay? I was planning to use the stock one and leave the whole original system in place but have the ECU monitor it. After all, I did a bunch of wiring to get it in service, so why not use it. No?

3. Tell me more about the 42 pin engine harness connector and bracket from a 94-96 E-series?

Thanks!

 

[85lebaront2]

Bill - Good thoughts. But, let me ask a few questions:

1. Where beside the steering column did the EEC go? Would it be best to find an 85.5/86 5.0L and get the ECU, assuming it is still there, the connector, the mounting tray, and as much harness as is possible? I need the connector and harness anyway.

2. You would change out the fuel pump relay? I was planning to use the stock one and leave the whole original system in place but have the ECU monitor it. After all, I did a bunch of wiring to get it in service, so why not use it. No?

3. Tell me more about the 42 pin engine harness connector and bracket from a 94-96 E-series?

Thanks!

The 1985.5-86 EEC will not work, the bracket will as the EEC cases are the same size externally, just different connectors.

EEC locations, 1982-84? under the driver's seat

1985-86 right side of the steering column between the radio and cruise control amplifier

1987-1991 recess in the driver's side air box (huck)

1992-96/7 next to driver's side air box behind the column support casting.

[Gary Lewis]

The 1985.5-86 EEC will not work, the bracket will as the EEC cases are the same size externally, just different connectors.

EEC locations, 1982-84? under the driver's seat

1985-86 right side of the steering column between the radio and cruise control amplifier

1987-1991 recess in the driver's side air box (huck)

1992-96/7 next to driver's side air box behind the column support casting.

location with a TwEECer inserted into the J2 port

Your fuel pump relay might work ok, on EFI the relay coil is powered by the PCM power relay, the EEC grounds it to run and monitors the output from it. As long as you can wire those in you will be OK. The reason I suggested mounting it where the 1986 one sits is it is protected inside the cab.

On the later (pre mod motor) E-series there is a square 42 pin connector in the center underhood that the engine wiring other than the alternator connects to, it is mounted on a metal bracket. Other sources for the connector and bracket, Explorer, Mountaineer, Taurus, Sable that I know right off. Ford used these on a lot of cars. The reason for suggesting an E-series, if you can get that and the engine side of the harness you should have pretty much what you need.

For the EEC plug (C1027 in the 1996 EVTM) If you stick with a truck one, possibly even an E-series, the wire colors should match. Cars are different colors on some circuits.

Bill - I don't know what I was thinking, but I should have remembered that the 1985.5/86 ECU won't work as it is EEC-IV. Duh!

And thinks for the run-down on where the normally sit. Is the pic of Darth? And where are we looking?

On the fuel pump relay, is there any reason to have the ECU pull it in? Why not just let the 1985 factory system pull it in and then wire the ECU's monitoring pin to it tell it that the relay "picked"?

And, I think I now understand on the van harness. Thanks.

[85lebaront2]

Bill - I don't know what I was thinking, but I should have remembered that the 1985.5/86 ECU won't work as it is EEC-IV. Duh!

And thinks for the run-down on where the normally sit. Is the pic of Darth? And where are we looking?

On the fuel pump relay, is there any reason to have the ECU pull it in? Why not just let the 1985 factory system pull it in and then wire the ECU's monitoring pin to it tell it that the relay "picked"?

And, I think I now understand on the van harness. Thanks.

That was Darth when I was going to use an EEC-IV and the TwEECer is one of the ways you "adjust" them.

On the FPR, I am not sure doing that would necessarily be a good idea, the EEC commands the relay then looks for the response of the relay closing. It might continually set a code for the pump relay.

On the van harness, the normal routing is to the front of the van near the 5.0 and 5.8L throttle body area. Since you are going to have to modify the harness anyway, turning it around so the connection is near the firewall. The one concern will be making sure it won't hit the EGR tube where it comes up over the valve cover area.

[Gary Lewis]

That was Darth when I was going to use an EEC-IV and the TwEECer is one of the ways you "adjust" them.

On the FPR, I am not sure doing that would necessarily be a good idea, the EEC commands the relay then looks for the response of the relay closing. It might continually set a code for the pump relay.

On the van harness, the normal routing is to the front of the van near the 5.0 and 5.8L throttle body area. Since you are going to have to modify the harness anyway, turning it around so the connection is near the firewall. The one concern will be making sure it won't hit the EGR tube where it comes up over the valve cover area.

The EGR tube has an insulated cover when installed.

I don't have a picture showing the relationship to the oval harness hole.

Good point on the FPR - if it is already on before the computer tells it to then it may get its knickers in a twist. So, it needs to control the FPR. Got it.

But, the EGR tube shouldn't be a problem as I don't plan to run EGR. Didn't you say that can be disabled?

And, while we are talking about disabling, can the transmission code be disabled? In other words, can I use just any ECU with a manual transmission? (This is for Big Blue, not Dad's truck, but is part of my learning.)