Which computer is better?

[boss82gt]

Looking to give the SVO a new lease on life. It is an 84 model. Currently is has a PJ computer. It has as 35# brown top injectors, cold air intake adj fuel reg, adj boost control and bypass valve ect. I guess the former owner forgot the computer. I know the 85.5 SVO used a PE computer and the 88 5-speed turbocoupe used the LA3 computer. Both are used to upgrade my 84. I find generally the PE is rather pricey and a appears to be more sought after, but the LA3 is popular also. Is one better than the other? I've found info on both computers, but nothing of what might be a better choice...

Chris

[futurexdesign]

It's a decision you will have to make, there is no single answer, as everyones vehicle is different, and of course, everybody has a different opinion on this debate.

Pros for PE

The PE has slightly more aggressive maps.
The PE is 100% Drop in, no messing around with wiring

Cons for PE

Its super expensive and hard to find
It has the same slow processor as what you have now

Pros for LA3

Has a faster processor which help smooth idle and keep things under control better under all driving conditions (Yes.. it is noticeable)

Much easier to find, and vastly cheaper

Tends to get better fuel economy

Cons for LA3

Maps are aggressive, but are slightly different at the top end from the PE

Requires slight repining to install.

Most people go with the LA3 simply because its cheap and easy to find, and they don't wish to spend the big bucks on a PE. The maps aren't that different, but don't be fooled, the PE is a more aggressive EEC. For people that are going to drive the car a lot however, I would recommend the LA3 for its driveablity upgrades.

[boss82gt]

I thought my 84 had to be repinned also with the PE? Doesn't the PE allow for a tuner? In any event I'd like more power and better idle and drivablity. Right now it is running rich and doesn't idle the best. Up and down. I'd like it to be smooth.

[mfpmax]

When is it running rich? Might be a sensor going bad but not throwing codes.

Anyway, PE doesn't apparently require repinning, just the Big VAM and injector swap.

[boss82gt]

Mine seems to run rich most of the time now with no codes. Hear in the next couple of weeks I'm going to try out a friends PE computer. To see if it works better for me. I'm told to ditch it all and go stand alone, but a little at a time for now. Atleast till I know completely what I'm doing.

[mfpmax]

Yeah, deinfately could be a sensor failing or a bad FPR then. I had a bad FPR pushing so much extra fuel through it wasn't funny.

[black86capri50]

you can get the pe ecu from autozone for 95 bux, that is what i did, just tell them you need a replacement ecu for an 86 svo, and trade in your old one as a core, they will never know

[mfpmax]

Apparently its getting harder to do that actually. Read a post on Turboford about it. Think it mentioned that you have to bring them a core and they actually care now if its a PE core.

[embler]

doesn't esslinger make mass air kits for 'em? why not go that route?

[mfpmax]

mass air kits would still be using the stock ECU, unlike the v8 cars, they don't require a ECU change out.

Unless its some sort of crappy Mass air kit you're speaking of. Cause those are out there two,

[93-331-29PSI]

What about the LB2 Cpu??? How does it stack up as far as wire modification and performance?

[mfpmax]

LB2 wires up the same as the LA3, difference being that its designed with the use of an automatic transmission in mind. So it probably performs the same. It can be used with a manual transmission of course, just throws one or two codes about missing the overdrive whats its face.

[pete]

mass air kits would still be using the stock ECU, unlike the v8 cars, they don't require a ECU change out.

Unless its some sort of crappy Mass air kit you're speaking of. Cause those are out there two,

Using a Mass-air 2.3 EEC with a turbo 2.3 engine is not that tough. Just add a bypass valve and do some fine tuning.

[ashley roachclip]

If it is running rich , try replacing the ECT sensor .
I've had this problem before , just changed the ect , and things smoothed right out ....wasn't throwing codes .

[mfpmax]

mass air kits would still be using the stock ECU, unlike the v8 cars, they don't require a ECU change out.

Unless its some sort of crappy Mass air kit you're speaking of. Cause those are out there two,

Using a Mass-air 2.3 EEC with a turbo 2.3 engine is not that tough. Just add a bypass valve and do some fine tuning.

What? Don't think there was a mention of it being tough, but there are kits out their that are more of a "band aid" solution.