97 Cobra, change to a different EEC?

[Fanged03]

Hi guys,

I picked up a bone stock 97 cobra and have plans to turn it into a streetable race car. Going to go turbo build, for tuning would it be best/easiest to switch to a different year (simplified) computer ? Down the road would like to go Holley.

Thanks,
Brent

[timiacobucci]

I'm no expert myself but I've recently got my 96 working pretty well after lots of reading on here and trial and error. I've also tuned a few big power turbo cars just not with the stock ford system before. Just to explain my perspective on this.

I would say if you are looking for a simplified system the mods that Decipha describes in his write ups and the way the base maps are already setup in the bins he has publicly shared on here already do a great job of that. The 97 year is probably the sweet spot for functional ability of the computer system and simplicity of emissions and obd2 compliance. Trying to use and older obd1 system on a 97 will not pass inspection in many places and the requirements and emissions equipment are more complex on newer stuff. I don't know the details of Indiana inspection but in my experience Florida is the only place I could get away with a stand alone on a legal daily driver. The Holley system will not pass an inspection anywhere as far as I know (no inspection in FL) so you would at least need to keep the factory system at 97 spec and functioning well enough in at least a piggy back function to be legal.

I know discussing modifying engine function in relation to emissions and legality can be a tricky subject so I understand if any of this discussion is unacceptable and needs to be removed but I am simply trying to point out the realities involved and how to maintain legality and emissions compliance.

[motorhead1991]

I'm no expert myself but I've recently got my 96 working pretty well after lots of reading on here and trial and error. I've also tuned a few big power turbo cars just not with the stock ford system before. Just to explain my perspective on this.

I would say if you are looking for a simplified system the mods that Decipha describes in his write ups and the way the base maps are already setup in the bins he has publicly shared on here already do a great job of that. The 97 year is probably the sweet spot for functional ability of the computer system and simplicity of emissions and obd2 compliance. Trying to use and older obd1 system on a 97 will not pass inspection in many places and the requirements and emissions equipment are more complex on newer stuff. I don't know the details of Indiana inspection but in my experience Florida is the only place I could get away with a stand alone on a legal daily driver. The Holley system will not pass an inspection anywhere as far as I know (no inspection in FL) so you would at least need to keep the factory system at 97 spec and functioning well enough in at least a piggy back function to be legal.

I know discussing modifying engine function in relation to emissions and legality can be a tricky subject so I understand if any of this discussion is unacceptable and needs to be removed but I am simply trying to point out the realities involved and how to maintain legality and emissions compliance.

Most of Idaho, and Eastern WA fit that bill as well, just so you know

[decipha]

emissions are good, but just for the record; In the USA the only ecu's that are allowed to be used on any vehicle "that is capable of being driven on the street" are factory equipped ecu's running the factory emissions qualified calibration.

Just because florida doesn't enforce the federal emissions standard as some states do all the same laws apply anywhere in the 50 states california or elsewhere.

The 2 bank 96-97 cdan4 ecus used on most fords in that year range work perfectly fine. No reason to get rid of it unless u want to easily upgrade to an 03/04 luxury sedan ecu to gain coil on plug.

[Fanged03]

Thanks for the feedback guys. Didn't really put thought towards the emissions legalities, as I don't need to worry about inspections and such in my part of IN.

Decipha, thanks. Thats exactly the info I was looking for.

[timiacobucci]

Decipha is correct, I said get away with, not legal. That's why I said it's a sticky topic. We know the laws but if no one is checking in certain states...IN, FL, ID, WA, AK. I think south Dakota. I think only SD and FL are statewide though.

I believe a newer factory system with all its emissions equipment functioning should be legal too if you wanted to go to 03/04. I do know the egr system at least is different, you will need all the associated emissions equipment from a junkyard / donor too if you grab the pcm and wiring harness to be completely legal.

Personally I belive if you maintain the spirit of the law in maintaining or equalling the emissions standards even with a stand alone somewhere its not being inspected it is ok. I know for certain older obd1 cars I've put standalone systems on with fast, accurate, modern closed loop fueling and quality high flow cats have had better emissions than they did stock. I do actually believe in the spirit of this particular law even if I don't believe in the particular letter.

Decipha, other than cop are there other benefits to the 03/04? I've actually got an entire setup from a donor 03 cop car I've been using as a cheap flow bench. I'm using the dpfe pressure sensor to test the depression the flow is at. I actually wondered if that input could be used as a real map input for speed density or at least as a direct load reference. I've noticed tuning fn035 it varies by gear/loading and thought it might be nice if it was just actually a sensor measurement vs estimated.

[decipha]

the ecu itself can be upgraded to a newer ecu no problem which falls under the same guidelines as a refurbished or parts store replacement ecu the kicker is that it has to be running the oem factory calibration

no, emissions is based on the specific vehicle year make model and trim (engine). The original emissions controls are all thats needed.

thats not really relevant to your turbo setup tho.