Superchips' line of computer...
Superchips' line of computer chips is available from one end of the Ford car and truck spectrum to the other. Call up the folks at Superchips and see what they can do for your Mustang or Ford vehicle.
We're deep into the computer age, and for the most part, we're better off for it. As I write this, computer magazines are touting 1-GHz CPUs, car stereos can now check your e-mail, and you can buy and sell stocks via your pager. These are just some of the conveniences that today's computer technology have awarded us. We've come quite the distance when you realize that your typical handheld electronic Rolodex has more processing power and memory than the earliest desktop computers.
The computer age has affected our Mustangs in the same manner. Early fuel injection systems were unforgiving and ill-adapted for performance use. Ford was able to make the components smaller, work faster, and cost less. This allowed more advanced processing systems into the Mustang, so the early EEC IV (even in the later years with MAF) was replaced with the more advanced EEC V in '94 V-6 applications, and then in '96 modular V-8 Mustangs. The EEC V computer has more processing power and a broader range of adaptability for performance use.
But no matter what system you have (EEC IV or EEC V), you can still easily surpass the performance window these computers have. When you do, the result is poor driveability, increased emissions, greater fuel consumption, and more. To fix these concerns would require reprogramming the powertrain control module. Unlike the EEC V, the EEC IV PCM is not flash-upgradeable. Unfortunately, only Ford's own SBDS, SBTS, or other device can download the PCM upgrade and flash your PCM at the dealer, and that's only if Ford requires a change (as in a TSB or recall). So what do you do? Your choices are slim. You can invest a large sum of money in a stand-alone engine management system, a laptop computer (if you don't have one now), and spend hours trying to figure out how to tune your combination without hopefully grenading the entire thing on your first full-throttle run. Your second choice would be to have a custom computer chip burned for your specific application to get rid of all your problems and even slightly enhance your performance.
We opted for the latter so we could enjoy the reliability our stock EEC V system offers and, of course, the price differential. We're lucky enough to have the Superchips headquarters only about 90 minutes from us. The company can direct you to its nearest dealer in your area, who will directly tune and burn a chip for you. Mail-order direct applications are also available via an owner-supplied spec sheet. Read on as we get rid of the spark knock, add some fuel, and keep our engine cooler in our Vortech-supercharged V-6 Mustang project car
The first order of business...
The first order of business is getting to the PCM. The SN-95 PCM is located in the right-front kick panel area-the same location as the earlier Fox Mustangs. Remove the trim panel and then remove the self-tapping bolt that secures the PCM retainer.
Slide the PCM out for clearance,...
Slide the PCM out for clearance, and then remove the harness connector from the PCM. Though a small, battery-powered handtool is used here, do not use any power tool with excessive torque, as it can break the connector or damage the retaining bolt.
With the harness out of the...
With the harness out of the way, the PCM can be removed from the kick panel area.
On the rear of the PCM is...
On the rear of the PCM is the access port where the Superchips module will be installed. Some model years have nothing more than a piece of tape over them, but EEC V PCMs use this plastic plug. You will also see the PCM calibration number on the plug. Superchips will need this if you're having a mail-order direct application.
In order to remove the plug...
In order to remove the plug mentioned in Step 4, the PCM cover will need to be removed. This will also allow quick and easy cleaning of the PCM contacts for the Superchips module.
The PCM now has the cover...
The PCM now has the cover removed and the plug has been discarded. Notice the protective layer of grease applied to the contacts of the PCM main board.
The contacts need to be clean...
The contacts need to be clean and dry, so use a clean, lint-free rag with cleaner applied (don't spray into the PCM) to wipe away all the grease.
The gentle use of a Scotch-Brite...
The gentle use of a Scotch-Brite pad is the next step. This further cleans the metal contact strips of the circuit board and removes all the clear spray-on coating that protects the circuit board.
These next few steps will...
These next few steps will be seen only if you take your Mustang directly to Superchips or to one of its dealers for a custom chip (as we did), but we wanted to show you what occurred in these instances as well. The crew at Superchips reinstalls the PCM to the vehicle harness, and then connects this adapter pigtail to the PCM.