North American Turbocoupe Organization



VAM & Computer compatablitly
Boostbird16 Offline
Member
#1
I have an 86 5spd. I swapped my VAM for an 88's bigger one, but didn't get the computer. I've been told i should have switched the computer when i did this. The car i got the vam from was an automatic though. So do i have to get a manual's computer to be compatable? Thanx in advance
Adam Rafferty
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Jeff K Offline
Administrator
#2
Yes, you should have a matching VAM and computer. You can use an automatic computer, but if you still have the stock BCS controlling boost, you will be limited to 10 psi all the time. If you have an aftermarket boost controller, like a Gillis valve, it wont make any difference. In 86, the comp didnt control the auto tranny in any way.

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Jeff Korn

88 Turbo Coupe: Intake and exhaust mods, T3 turbo at 20 psi, forced air intercooler, water injection, bypass valve, Ranger roller cam, subframes, etc., etc.. // 86 Tbird 5.0 (original owner): intake, exhaust, valvetrain mods, 100 HP nitrous, ignition, gears, suspension, etc., etc.... // 91 Escort: Bone stock winter car // 02 Taurus Vulcan(wifes car)
Jeff Korn

88 Turbo Coupe: Intake and exhaust mods, T3 turbo at 24 psi, forced air IC, water injection, BPV, Ranger cam, subframes, etc., etc.
86 Tbird 5.0 (original owner): intake, exhaust, valvetrain mods, 100 HP N2O, ignition, gears, suspension, etc., etc.
11 Crown Vic Interceptor
14 Toyota Camry (wifes car)
95 Taurus GL Vulcan winter beater
67 Honda 450 Super Sport - completely customized
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philS Offline
Senior Member
#3
You should get a matching computer, because the different VAMs will read the same amount of air flow differently (ie: they will send different voltages back to the ECU).

You'll have to swap a few pins, though, if you swap computers.

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86 TC 3" Exhaust w/ Cat, 17 psi, 1.5" lower, Vovlo intercooler, Saab 900 cooling system
73 Austin Mini 1275
Did you hear about the Lucas powered torpedo? It sank.

86 TC, 73 Mini, 64 Mini Van, Saturn wagon
Click here to beat a ricer.
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phyxius Offline
Member
#4
that would go in for me,i am doing the same swap as boostbird16 but am a little unsure as to wat i need do for this swap

i have an 85 XR-7 and I am swaping the vam and ecm out of an 87 TC but what all needs to be done to accomplish this properly
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Pete D Offline
Administrator
#5
Phyxius, You will need the VAM, EEC and you will have to check your injectors. You may have the smaller injectors (the plastic part will be light green). If so you will have to upgrade those to the bigger ones (brown tops)

You should be able to find informaton on repinning the computer here: http://www.gt350r.stangnet.com

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NATO Member. it's not a vice, it's an obsession
Good judgement comes from bad experience, and a lot of that comes from bad judgment.
88 TC X 2, 86 SVO, mods list at
http://www.turbotbird.com/showroom/pd_88tc.htm
Pete Dunham


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Boostbird16 Offline
Member
#6
ok, i'm getting a newer computer this weekend. Is there anywhere on this site where it explains the precedure for installing a new computer? thanx
Adam Rafferty
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Boostbird16 Offline
Member
#7
i found a site with the precedure of swapping the computers from a LA2 into LA3. here it is: http://ourworld.cs.com/_ht_a/cobra30197/...rand=CS_US
Adam Rafferty
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Walsted Offline
Posting Freak
#8
Quote:Originally posted by Boostbird16:
i found a site with the precedure of swapping the computers from a LA2 into LA3. here it is: http://ourworld.cs.com/_ht_a/cobra30197/...rand=CS_US
That is the right site, but it shows how to swap from a non-LA series to an LA series. The swap from a LA2 to LA3 is just a matter of switching the computers, where the other swaps require repinning. The late 85 and all 86 TCs and XR7 5 speeds had PC1 computers, not LA series. That's why pins need to be swapped, some pins installed, (such as for the premium switch,) and the ACT sensor installed.

I've been procrastinating about doing the swap. Haven't yet decided how to what to use for a premium switch or whether I want to go through the trouble of adding the BOO switch. Once I make those decisions, its off to the salvage yard and then I'll do the swap.

Hope this helps.

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Mike Walsted - NATO member
1986 5-speed TurboCoupe and 1985 5-speed XR7
Mike Walsted - Sold my 1986 5-speed TurboCoupe
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phyxius Offline
Member
#9
is the fuel switch neccesary in the LA2 or 3 swap or can u just forget about that part.
as for to act it dosent seem to be a big thing to hook up
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Walsted Offline
Posting Freak
#10
From what I understand, if you are sure that you can and will always get premium and won't have to worry about detonation, or you don't ever plan on getting premium, the computer can be hard-wired one way or the other. I want to be able to set the switch to regular on those days when I have questionable gas and temps are in the high 90s or higher. To me, it seems the few dollars for the switch and few minutes of my time to install it are cheap insurance.

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