LA3 from other cars?

I did a search but didn't turn anything up... So don't flame me yet [Image: biggrin.gif]

Is the LA3 only from the TC's? And do I need one when I switch to a 5 speed?

The LA3 was only originally in the 88 TC, as far as I know.

As far as NEEDing one when you switch to a five speed, that depends on what you mean by NEED. I'm pretty sure you could get away with what you have now, but there may be a few codes thrown.

Hope this helps.


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Mike Walsted - NATO member
1986 5-speed TurboCoupe and 1985 5-speed XR7

What computer was in the 1987 5 speed model? I really would like to have the right stuff as far as the 5 speed and computer are concerned.

Thanks for the help
-Ryan

The LA was the first one for the 87/88, then came the LA2, and finally the LA3. They are all swappable with each other, just a few differences as far as internal tables and BCS operation. I would get an LA3 if you can find one reasonably, (try RDOG - if he doesn't have a spare, he probably knows where to get one,) or get an LA or LA2 if you are going to control boost without using the BCS and want to save a few bucks, since they are usually cheaper if you don't get it from the salvage yard yourself.

Hope this helps.

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Mike Walsted - NATO member
1986 5-speed TurboCoupe and 1985 5-speed XR7

I have been told that the fuel and timing tables are differnet in the 5 speed. The auto has less hp and less boost. Something had to limit the power between the auto and 5 speed, so it would make sense that it's in the computer.

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85.5 TC 5 speed, Ranger Roller cam, 3" exhaust system, manual boost valve, large VAM, SVO PE computer, front mount Motorsport intercooler & sport grille, ported upper and lower intakes,flow matched injectors, ported E6 manifold, 245/45/17 wheels & Tires,140 mph speedo,Motorsport lowering springs, under restoration

Thats exactly what I thought, and my auto currently only boosts to 10 PSI... Garbage lol

Oh and I saw somewhere that the auto has a lower HP cam which makes the difference in 150 and 190 HP. I think the computer only controls boost, I could be wrong though. Its probably a regulator valve somewhere or something. Just guessing.

Ryan

My understanding is that the auto and 5 speed engines are the same, including the camshaft. The lower HP of the auto is because of lower boost and possibly less timing advance.

The primary reason that the autos have less power than the 5spds is the 5 pounds less of boost. The ECU controls the BCS and limits it. The rumor is that the auto ECUs actually have a bit more aggressive timing curves than the manual ECUs.

First, dump the ECU-controlled boost and install a manual boost controller. Problem solved.

Next, after you swap to the 5spd, leave the auto ECU in there and deal with the fact it will throw a code for no auto tranny. You could go as far as to pull the wiring for those inputs as well.

The rest is the same between the two.

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83 TC Clone, 87 Ranger 2.3T, 84 XR7, 80 XR7, 86 XR4 AND 88 Scorpio
NATO Member

Thanks for the info [Image: smile.gif] I'm still curious as to what reduces the car to 150 HP? Does the auto just suck up the HP or something? lol

Ryan