need computer help!!

Discussion in '2.3L (N/A & Turbo)' started by svopwr, Feb 5, 2007.

  1. svopwr New Member

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    i have an 84 svo and im having some issues with it and i figured since i was going to do some performance work to solve the problem and just to make more power i figured i would possibly upgrade the computer. if i do this what computer would be best for my application and intentions, and roughly what would it cost? i was thinking a computer from an 86 svo might would do but im runnin blind on this. i was told i should get an e6 computer (i believe) but i just dont know? thanks!
  2. mr_woodster Active Member

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    Guidance you need, here you will find it. www.turboford.org . Do a search.

    I have not brushed up on the svo stuff in awhile, being an 84 i believe it came with smaller injectors(green top, 30lb ) and weaker computer(maybe a PK computer?). Later svo's came with a more desirable computer ( code PE ) and brown top (35lb) injectors. The PE is a common upgrade, sometimes a little pricey.
    A cheaper , performance oriented alternative is the LA/LB 3 series computers or the 8UA found in the 87-88 turbocoupes.
    You may have to repin a few wires (more than likely) , but that is simple enough if you do a little research.
    I'm sure someone with more SVO oriented expertise will chime in~
    -Hope this helps...
  3. bhuff30 Founding Member

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    well, what kind of issues are you having?

    Yeah, you can try the computer swap, but it could become even more difficult to work out the issues after that if they weren't related to the computer.
  4. svopwr New Member

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    well my issue is spark knock and im thinking that my timing is off, so really im just thinking about changing the computer for more power! a friend of mine told me that a better computer would add more power and i figured a new computer wouldnt be all that much $, now am i wrong about that? the guy who told me this has an 86 svo and has had it for a while now, so.... just let me know what u guys think and ill go from there.
  5. bhuff30 Founding Member

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    A different computer will be more aggressive with the timing (hence, worse spark knock). I'd suggest you check and set the timing, or otherwise figure out the problem before trying to make more power.
  6. svopwr New Member

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    hopefully here soon ill have the car on a dyno so that i can get the timing right and get rid of the spark knock, but im still wanting a new computer and im not sure that if i fix the spark knock now that when i put in the new computer it wont happen again.
  7. svopwr New Member

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    roughly how much more power output were the later computers than the earlier computers?
  8. Keasbey New Member

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    what's the problem with the PK serie?
  9. svopwr New Member

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    to be honest i dont even know what computer is in my car?
  10. mg man Member

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    PK used on I know for sure on 86 Cougar. It is nonintercooled engine . smaller injectors and uses small vam no intercooler. But a good intercooler never hurts. Plus the way I understand LA series uses a faster processor and more agreessive fuel curve and supports incooler. LB is for automatic cars is a less agressive fuel curve and supports OD trans. There is some wiring difference but not much as far as pinouts.
  11. Stinger Founding Member

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    As stated, the later computers are more agressive in every aspect because they were made to work with intercoolers (which cooled the air and allowed for more timing and boost).

    You'll probably pick up 15-20hp if you swap to the LA series ECU. As stated, you'll need to swap to the brown top 35lb injectors at the same time as the ecu. LA series ECU's can be had for 50-70 bux and injectors are 35-40 bux used...
  12. svopwr New Member

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    where can i get an LA ecu? if u know of ne1 who has 1 for sale please let me know, im very interested in getting 1. also with the LA ecu's will i have to repin the harness?
  13. Stinger Founding Member

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    Yes, you'll have to move 4 wires I believe.

    Look on ebay...you can use an LA3, LA2, LA, LB3, 8UA as they are all functionally the same.
  14. SVO1 Lord of The somethin' somethin' somethin', hell, I

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    The early SVO ECU's are TE.
    You definatley need to fix the issues you have currently before trying to swap stuff around.
    Check the obvious stuff (plugs wires, injectors, timing) have you pulled the plugs?
    Are the valve seals leaking? etc etc etc.
  15. svopwr New Member

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    do either of ya'll know what the code for the 84 svo's computer would be, cause in order to get the car dyno tuned i have to have the 4 digit comp. code thats on the sticker where the wiring harness plugs into the comp. for some reason my car dosent have this sticker and the dyno man said that without that code he cant do anything, which means im ****ed! the car spark knocks and i would like to get it dyno tuned to fix the problem! is that code a universal code for all 84 svo comp. or is it comp. specific? if i cant get that code or 1 that would help my situation then i need a new comp., so if ne of u could help me, i would greatly appericate it!!!!
  16. Stinger Founding Member

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    As stated, 84 SVO's used the TE ecu...
  17. svopwr New Member

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    k! well, the guy at harris racing wanted me to find out the 4 digit code, (consisting of 1 letter and 3 numbers) and he stated that without that code the dyno guy could not tune or dyno my car! what should i tell him or what should i do?
  18. Stinger Founding Member

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    I've never heard of a 4 digit code...nor do I know why he needs it.
  19. robbo1987*2.3* Founding Member

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    i got some computers

    i have an 87 t-bird auto cpu and i think i still have one from a 5 speed but i know i have 2 or 3 of them ill check for the actual type when i get home
  20. svopwr New Member

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    id like to know what u got as far as computers. maybe interested in 1.

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