1996 RS...with1997 motor...Will an AF/X ECU work?

[LoW96Rs03]

Hey I was looking at that ECU from howell and it says its only for 1997 models. This is kind of strange I thought, why is it just for 1997's? Now I bought the car about 3 years ago and did a motor swap from a 1997 GS. Would this ECU work or do you think I still have a 96 ECU? Is there anyway to check to see what year ECU I have? Whats the difference...

 

[VelocitàPaola]

It's funny you asked this, because I was just researching the subject on 2GNT. Just because you have a '97 block in your car doesn't mean you can use a '97 ECU. The wiring harness on your car is still from the '96 model year. Fortunately, though, I believe you can still get an AF/X unit to work. Apparently, the '96 and '97 model ECUs were practically identical, with the exception of the pinouts. The best way to go about using an AF/X ECU, thus, is to cut an ECU connector off of a '97 car. Then cut the connector off of your car and splice the new connector in. The wire colors didn't change from year to year, so just match each wire by color. By doing it this way, your old wire harness will be configured in such a way to accept the '97 pinout. I've already ready about a few success stories using this method.

 

[LoW96Rs03]

so you have to rewire it...sounds like a mess...is the computer worth it?

 

[VelocitàPaola]

It depends on your goals for the car. If you're just going for an all-motor street car with decent power, it'd be a very good investment. If you're going to be boosting, or doing any advanced engine work and tuning, or if you ever plan on running Megasquirt, save your money...