I'm on my way to the salvage yard tommorow in search of a computer for my 86' 3.8 Bird. I figured I could use one from any 86' 3.8 cfi T-Bird/Couger, but I've been told that there are a few different types. I also had one person tell me that I could use any 3.8 computer, but I had to use a chip from the computer I'm taking out of my car. I find that to be very unlikely. The yard only wants $14 for the computer and you have to strip your own parts, so even if I can't find one it's going to be interesting to see what else I can find! A salvage yard that let's you get your own parts "cheap" & they are open on Sunday. Is this heaven or what? ( U-Pull-It, West Alexander P.A.)
Grab one from an 86 so you have no issues at all.
Dont listen to that person, there is no "chip" in these cars. Sounds like a carburator guy trying to speak about fuel injection.
Thanks man, on my way there now!!
Technical Service Bulletin 85-24-12
Replaces the processors (EEC) in 84 and 85 3.8 CFI cars with the 86 processor.
This is the cure for 5 drivability problems:
Hesitation During Acceleration
Power Low During Acceleration
Surge at Road Speeds
Knock, Cold
Stalls During Cold Engagement
Bottom line, don't get an 84 or 85 processor.
Agreed. I had that problem with my old '84 back in 1987 after I first bought it. It took almost a year to track down the problem to the EEC-IV processor, after many other things were replaced (thankfully under extended warranty). The new processor fixed everything perfectly. Since the 1986 processor seems to be the solution, don't settle for less than that.
I spent all day in mud up to my knees in a salvage yard that claims to have over 1,800 cars! It was a pretty good time, but the only had one fox body cougar and not a single Bird. I did see a shiznit load of 89 & up. I lucked out , and the couger was a 1986 with a 3.8! I also picked up a fan shroud for $7.00. The bad news is the computer wasn't my problem. I'm going back outside to frustrate myself with it now, so if I have no luck I'll be back with full details of my PAIN! :beatyoass: :shoothead
'86 gained adaptive strategy
'87 gained FMEM
'87 is the "best" 3.8 CFI EEC
For those who didn't know (including myself) what FMEM is:
And that's why few sensors actually make a big difference in drivability... Other than the MAP on SD EECs, the MAF on Mass Air, or the throttle position sensor on either system, the computer substitutes a fixed value from the internal software(lookup tables), or goes with the last good configuration if the sensor fails in operation...
Things like o2 sensors generally have almost no effect on drivability(Yeah your gas mileage will likely suck)...