Engine Mgmt Sytems/Accel DFI

[BonesDT]

I have the 4.0L SOHC and I recently swapped out the automatic transmission for a manual. I am still using the original computer (with some wires jumped) and am able to drive, but I am desperately in need of a change. I am aware that I have choices of a new stock computer or a custom burnt chip especially from Apten but I would like to explore an entire engine managment system instead.

I have always wanted the ability to be able to control my entire engine computer off of a on-board lap-top computer, and have the ability to control/re-program anything. Up until recently, I thought there was no chance to find such a set-up especially for a V6 Ford Explorer. But I read in a 4.6L Mustang Performance book that there are a few companies that make such a thing and they may be compatible with any engine!

The one set-up that stood out to me was the Accel DFI (www.mrgasket.com). Based on the pictures, I see a beautiful lap-top screen covered in gauges and user-input numbers that I don't yet understand. There isn't much basic information on the site and I just had some very basic questions.

First of all, is this what I think it is, and can it actually work with my truck? I am assuming if it does, I will have to research every single detail of my engine in order to plug in the values to the computer. It seems as if I need to replace all engine sensors with ones that are compatible to the computer, which is even more dreamy for me.

I am not worried about the possible extreme price and over-kill of such a system for my near stock engine. I plan on keeping my explorer for my entire life, and such a system is considered an investment. I have future plans of supercharging the V6 and/or swapping in an EFI performance 302 V8, so a computer than I can simply 'quickly' re-program for all and any modifications is ideal for me.

I am a 100% DIY'er and I am very big in EFI and computerizing everything possible. I never liked the idea of carbing engines just to avoid the super complexity of computerized fuel injection. I would love to spend the money and time to learn and tackle my engine controls, and be in full knowledge and control of everything going on in the powertrain, versus simply adding on an unknown computer chip.

Thanks for replies,
-James

 

[V8BoatBuilder]

Here are some links to check out:
- www.fordfuelinjection.com
- http://www.tweecer.com
- http://www.v8mustang.com/

Systems like the one you posted are very cool, but VERY expensive and take a LOT of programming to get right. Controlling an engine isn't easy stuff, and there is a lot of programming in there, dealing with all sorts of variables. It will take a lot of time to even get close to stock, starting from scratch.

 

[BonesDT]

Thanks for the informative reply. that TwEECer looks excellent as well. does anyone here have one?

 

[BonesDT]

I just checked with TwEECer, they say that my EEC is not supported. Looks like I'm going to have to look into the more expensive Accel DFI.

 

[rydinhigh]

Go with the accel DFI I know alot of people using it around here and they all praise it highly.

 

[BonesDT]

using it around here? do you mean explorers? i have searched for it, but i can't find anything on this site. do you know anybody in particular that has it for their explorer/ranger?

 

[rydinhigh]

I dont know anyone using it on an explorer/ranger. A friend of mine is using it on his 95 cobra that is turbo charged and runs low 10's with a stock bottom end. He thinks very highly of the accel system and I will be putting it in my truck when the time comes.

 

[BonesDT]

so this would work on an explorer then?
what is involved with installing it?
do i need to get it professionally installed?
do i need all new engine sensors, wiring harnesses, etc.?
how do i program it, what engine information do i need?
do i need to get it dyno tested?
how much money am i looking at here?
thanks for the replies,
-James

 

[rydinhigh]

It should come with everything you need to install. Only you know your mechanical capabilities be forwarned it is not an easy job and if you screw up your truck well there is no one to blame but yourself. I would deffinately get a dyno after you get it in besides how else are you going to tune your truck? For installation you are probably looking at $500 to $1000 depending on exactly what you want done and for dyno time.

 

[V8BoatBuilder]

More links for you:

MustingTuning: Devoted to ECM control, has a dedicated forum on the Accel system:

http://www.stangtuning.com/

Also, the ECM section of the www.corral.com forums is pretty full of info.

A competitor to the Accel DFI is the SDS system:
http://www.wmsracing.com/wmsweb/sds.htm

A large thing to consider is Emissions testing. Most state inspections plug into the OBD-II port on cars equipped with such systems (all vehicles made after 1996). They will flunk you if your CEL is on, and will definitly flunk you if your OBD-II connector is not functioning.

Make sure these aftermarket systems are OBD-II compliant - i have a feeling they are NOT, though I would love to be wrong on something like this. If these are not OBD-II, then your only options are a chip for the J3 port or a custom burned EEC-V