Upgrading from an EEC IV to an OBD2 engine management system in your Ford vehicle can seem daunting, but with the right approach, it’s a manageable project. This conversion often involves swapping wiring harnesses and sensors to take advantage of the more advanced diagnostics and capabilities of OBD2 systems. If you’re considering this for your Ford 460 or similar engine, here’s a breakdown of key considerations based on practical experience.
One of the first hurdles is the wiring harness. EEC-V systems, common in OBD2 setups, typically feature a relay/diode pack near the main harness bulkhead, identifiable by a large, bulky black connector. The engine harness, which includes connectors for oxygen sensors, injectors, and transmission components, branches out from this point. When undertaking an Eec Iv To Obd2 conversion, you’ll likely need to adapt or replace your existing harness. Many find it beneficial to rework the entire harness to precisely match the sensor locations and lengths required for their specific vehicle, ensuring a clean and reliable installation. Using a braided sleeving like Techflex can provide added protection and a professional finish to your modified harness.
For those with a C6 transmission, the transmission harness portion of the EEC-V harness might seem unnecessary. However, it’s crucial to understand the connector layout. EEC-V harnesses often include a 16-pin black connector and a 16-pin grey connector for transmission functions. While the black connector is primarily for transmission control, the grey connector typically houses critical non-transmission related connections that are essential for engine operation. Consulting vehicle-specific wiring schematics for the donor vehicle (the source of your EEC-V components) is highly recommended to accurately identify which circuits are necessary and which can be omitted for your EEC IV to OBD2 conversion.
When it comes to sensors, the crank position sensor from a 4.6L engine (often found in EEC-V systems) is generally not directly compatible with older Ford engines like the 460. A practical solution is to utilize a crank sensor from a later model Ford Contour. To make this work, fabrication of custom brackets and the installation of a 36-1 trigger wheel on your crank pulley will be necessary. This setup allows the EEC-V system to accurately read crankshaft position, crucial for ignition and fuel injection timing.
Similarly, the cam synchronization sensor requires attention. A recommended approach involves using the shaft from a 3.8L V6 cam sync sensor and retrofitting it into the housing from a 1996-2001 Ford Explorer or Mountaineer cam sync sensor. It’s important to choose the short tine version, as opposed to the half-moon type. The later models often use a VR (Variable Reluctance) sensor for cam sync, while earlier ones might use a Hall effect sensor, so ensuring compatibility is key for a successful EEC IV to OBD2 upgrade.
In conclusion, converting from EEC IV to OBD2 involves careful planning, particularly around wiring and sensor compatibility. While components from EEC-V systems can be adapted, some fabrication and detailed wiring knowledge are essential. Thoroughly understanding wiring diagrams and the specific requirements of your engine and chosen EEC-V system will pave the way for a successful and beneficial upgrade to OBD2 engine management.
