ECM question

[Lowndex]

What are the complications changing out the Marauder ECM with a 2004 or newer Cobra one? My goal is to open up the options of blower choices and be able to use HP tuning equipment over SCT.

After sharing the top list of ECM swap challenges, please share your opinion if performed by a skilled individual (I'm out), would the project be low, medium or crazy challenging.

[martyo]

Why would you...

What is newer than a 2004 Cobra...

Oh never mind.

[Lowndex]

WHY: Because I want options on the blower (Kenne Bell) and the ability to use HP tuning software.

2004 Cobra is fine. If a newer Cobra ECM offers any advantages, I welcome learning.

[sailsmen]

There have been all manner of blowers put on a Marauder.

I don't understand the advantage.

[Lowndex]

There have been all manner of blowers put on a Marauder.

I don't understand the advantage.

Point 1: HP tuning software does not support the Marauder, but does Mustang Cobra

Point 2: With CA Smog Laws, if I exchange my motor with the same displacement and same year or newer, I can pass smog with a blower specified for said motor/car. Right now, my only choice is Vortech. I want a Kenne Bell 3.2LC Mammoth.

[RubberCtyRauder]

Did Cobras even come with automatics available? if no then SOL. Never seen or heard anyone ever trying a cobra ecm in 6 years being on here. Get what you can now and as you said when you move to TX you can upgrade..maybe the car will be done by the time you move. what is it..3 years now?

[Lowndex]

Did Cobras even come with automatics available? if no then SOL. Never seen or heard anyone ever trying a cobra ecm in 6 years being on here. Get what you can now and as you said when you move to TX you can upgrade..maybe the car will be done by the time you move. what is it..3 years now?

Starting to see your point about the ECM. Plus, rumor is someone here has messed with the Marauder ECM and HP tuner.

Regarding the last bit, were you a cheerleader in high school?

[Drewstang]

If you run the Cobra PCM you will more than likely need a stand alone controller for your trans as the Cobra doesn't have auto trans strategies nor the ability to accept them that I'm aware of. 03-04 Cobra owners who go auto trans have used the Mach 1 auto PCM with a tune. Give HP tuners enough time and a test car and they will figure it out.

[RubberCtyRauder]

Regarding the last bit, were you a cheerleader in high school?

Lol,that's funny :shake:... I'm not the one who picked your car builder, somebody is bleeding somebody dry.


http://i637.photobucket.com/albums/uu92/mdnos/project_zpstcwmdsc6.gif

[sailsmen]

You want to use HPtuners and pass CA Smog Laws.

Good Luck.

[dohc324ci]

Does BGR use HP or SCT? If they don't offer custom Dyno tuning then I'd recommend AED. They are one of the best tuners in NorCal located in shingle springs up by Sacramento. They tuned my built Marauder and specialize in fast Ford's like lightnings, cobras, GT500s, Ford GT, and of course Foxbody 5.0. Shaun/Drew are well known in the area.


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[Lowndex]

You want to use HPtuners and pass CA Smog Laws.

Good Luck.

What do you know? Why are HP tuners problematic with Passing CA Smog?

[ByronRACE]

In order to pass california smog, you need to visit a CARB Referee and have him sign off on the engine swap. The engine swap laws state that you can swap an engine from the same model year or newer passenger car provided it carries with it ALL of the original emissions related equipment (and they have a book, with a list). So, step 1 is going to be performing a factory-like transplant and hoping that they don't see the modifications that are necessary to mount the blower to the engine in a marauder. If they do see the adapters, and so on...you're sunk. After you get the referee sign-off with the factory equipment in place, THEN you can add the aftermarket equipment and HOPE you don't get caught. It is not legal to swap on a supercharger kit onto a Marauder that bears a CARB EO# for a Cobra, EVEN IF you have performed an engine swap. If you're caught, you're heading back to the smog referee, and they may or MAY NOT allow it. The only way around this is to go through the CARB EO# process for your one-off build. I know ONE person that has successfully navigated this path at the cost of about $5K. In my opinion, he's nuts.

Regarding the PCM, it *is* listed in the book and they *should* go looking to make sure you have the Cobra box connected to the engine for approval; but they get lazy and often don't look if your swap is clean and all the other equipment is there. They can also discover this information via scan-tool if they try hard enough; but again...that's up to the referee and how much digging they're willing to do. If you want the transmission to work, as far as I know you'll be keeping the Marauder box. I would remove all labels from it cleanly, leaving no glue residue, and hope for the best. There is no reason you can't run that box; there's a host of tuning options available.

[Chayton]

What do you know? Why are HP tuners problematic with Passing CA Smog?

For what its worth my marauder was smogged this year without leaving my drive way. One phone call and a trip to dmv and I had my stickers ;)


Technically it could have had a twin turbo supercharged cobra motor, and would have passed.

[sailsmen]

What do you know? Why are HP tuners problematic with Passing CA Smog?

I know nothing about CA Smog other than that I don't want to know anything about CA Smog.

Good Luck.

[dohc324ci]

For what its worth my marauder was smogged this year without leaving my drive way. One phone call and a trip to dmv and I had my stickers ;)


Technically it could have had a twin turbo supercharged cobra motor, and would have passed.
Ok but how long will that hookup last? I did the same I am cheap and don't feel like paying for that every 2 years. Swapping out MAF, exhaust manifold so I don't have to worry bout that chit.

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[Lowndex]

In order to pass california smog, you need to visit a CARB Referee and have him sign off on the engine swap. The engine cleanly, leaving no glue residue, and hope for the best. There is no reason you can't run that box; there's a host of tuning options available.

Thank you for sharing.

[Lowndex]

Ok but how long will that hookup last? I did the same I am cheap and don't feel like paying for that every 2 years. Swapping out MAF, exhaust manifold so I don't have to worry bout that chit.

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That will not work once you receive a Star (https://www.bar.ca.gov/Consumer/STAR_Program/) Test notice.

[Chayton]

Ok but how long will that hookup last? I did the same I am cheap and don't feel like paying for that every 2 years. Swapping out MAF, exhaust manifold so I don't have to worry bout that chit.

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a good point indeed