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Originally Posted by Ross Smith
Hi guys,
I have a new AU series 3 engine for my Cobra and I need an ECU.
I was going to use a standard Ford AU unit, but I have been informed by several sources that the later model Smartshield units can't be cracked and will not function without the matching body computer ane steering column lock. Very early AU's used the older Smartlock ECU, which is easily cracked, but they were limited in number and are imposible to find.
So I am after your suggestions, there are many aftermarket ECU's out there, what has been your experience, and which would you reccomend?
Thanks
Ross
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G'day Ross
I'm using the Ford AU3 ECU but as you state you need the body Control Module, ECU, Keys and Ignition Barrel from the same donor for it to work. Basically you don't bypass Smartshield at all, instead you are fooling it to think that it is in the same car. As for tunibility, AU edit will now take care of that.
However, assuming you have a 5.0 you could use a AU2 or AU1 ECU and buy the "black box" from Castle Auto Electrics. The ECU tune b/w AU2 and AU3 for the standard 5.0 didn't change so in theory your AU3 engine should turn over fine.The black box sends the correct security signal to the ECU and as such bypasses Smartlock. As Lowy said, I believe AU1 or AU2 ECUs are available in Vic.
Short of that I know of a number of Cobras using Autronic (NA and s/charged) and they have had no problems. The only down side to Autronic is that it doesn't have an econony mode like a factory system (doesn't use O2 sensors - at least not in the setups I've seen) and, this has been told to me by the people I know who use Autronic, the mapping doesn't adapt as well as a factory system if at all, to different conditions as it doesn't use as many sensors, eg MAF sensor.
Finally could be a bit tricky getting past engineering and it's illegal on a street car (how many cobras are legal?:
JEKYLHYDE ) I know of some owners using the factory ECU case with Autronic internals)
