GM or Ford

[boxerhips]

I have a 1995 Land Rover D-90, with a 3.9L. It uses a Lucas 14cux ECM and Lucas distributor. The only wire that connects them is the (-) coil wire. The distributor "still" has vacuum and weights, can you believe that in a '95 car. I just bought a Rover 2001 4.6L. It does not have a distribtor, but has a cam sensor(3 wire HAL) and a crank sensor (2 wire that reads teeth on the flywheel). The 14cux will not run the 4.6. I think I will use the EDIS system for spark, but need something for fuel and spark advance. I say something because I don't know what to use. I could go Megasquirt, but would like to use a MAS. I know they have an analog input you can use, but nobody seems to like using it. Megasquirt is just made for MAP. I am open to allmost anything(of course would like to spend nothing). Could I use a GM or Ford ECM? I know a little about the EEC-IV and nothing about the EEC-V or GM ECM'S. Just learned some GM's have fuel saver, but don't know if Ford has anything like this. I also have a Mustang 351/EEC-IV(stock ECM). Is using MAP instead of MAS a big deal. Not looking for a rocket, but would like to run the best it can. The only piece I have is a LM-1. Any input would be great. Tim

[dex]

It's probably as broad as it is long this one. People will generally suggest you go for what they have expeirience of. For example I'd say Ford as I know it can do what you want and I am using a Ford ecu to go onto a MR2. It would probably be a good idea to set out exactly what you want the ecu to do, eg the EDIS and MAF you've already stated and add the other things you are looking for (sequential injection, ALDL or whatever) and see which ecu can provide this.

[Mangus]

What Dex said. In fact, he's right. I'd suggest GM because it's what I have the most experience with. Dex has a good idea, though - outline what it is you need the ECM to do. Do you ever plan on upgrading to, say, boost? Supercharger? Is highway spark/fuel important to you? Etc.

[boxerhips]

First, thanks for the replies. I have two cars that I need to tune. The first is a 5.8L Mustang EEC-IV w/Prochager and other things. So, I need to learn how to program the EEC-IV. I don't care what ecu (Ford/GM) I use with the Land Rover. The Land Rover ecu has Inj #1 and Inj #2, thats it. I think I would like sequential injectors. Also, would like to be able to change highway AFR. Can you do this with a Ford and GM ecu? The truck has no cats, so I can run a higher AFR. I will never upgrade engine. The cam, intake ect. are all factory, and will never change. The Land Rover engine has around 180-190 HP, has MAF, and 22lbs injectors. I have the stock injectors and MAF meter from my Mustang, that I can use. As far as the sensors go, can I use the Land Rover sensors? It has O2(2), fuel temp, air temp, knock(2), MAF, cam position, TPS, and crank( I think 60-2). The cam has 3 wires and the crank 2 wires. It has vss which is analog(2 wires). It does not have a coolant temp or a distributor. I know this is long, and mabee still to general of a question, but what should I use. I would like to use a Ford EEC-IV, so I will have to only learn one system. Will the Ford work for me? If I go with a Ford EEC do I have to use a EEC-V, for the EDIS? I apologize for the "newbie" questions. I can answer any questions on car audio, home audio or home theater, but don't know crap about programing ecu's. Thanks Tim

[dex]

If you are going to play with the Mustang then I would say go for the eec, as you say there's only one ecu to learn. I'm not sure if eec-iv's allow the knock sensor to be used so if you consider this critical it might mean going eec-v or other ecu. Some of your sensors will need changing for eec too, ie crank is 36-1. I think some of the later v8 eec-iv's do run external EDIS, if I'm right this will leave you the option of eec-iv or v. Sequential is possible on later eec-iv's and also there is a mode called MFA (Managed Fuel Air) which I believe is the 'economy' mode for highway cruising.