Thruster DFI Pro-Key

mikey · #1 (**permalink**) 09-14-2023, 09:12 AM

Does anybody know if it is still possible to get the Pro Key for the Thruster DFI. I appreciate Accel are no more and Holley didn't pursue the support for this system but I am crossing fingers and hoping there is possibly a solution. I have the communication module with both connectors fitted as well as the one with just one connection terminal and I believe the former is the one that releases the pro tuning if a key is used.
The reason I need it is that I have a Crower 427 cam installed and I think the Pro tuning flexibility would help iron out some of the running issues that I have, particularly on starting and warm up.
Any help or advice would be appreciated.
Thanks
Mike

eschaider · #2 (**permalink**) 09-14-2023, 09:52 AM

Mike,

Your EFI system is one of the early aftermarket offerings. Today's aftermarket alternatives are light years better and can be pretty inexpensive if you already have EFI and are just stepping up to 'modern' versions of the technology.

Check out DIYAutoTune's plug and play units, click here =>MS3Pro '99-'04 Mustang Get a factory wiring harness from a donor car and you are basically ready to go.

twobjshelbys · #3 (**permalink**) 09-14-2023, 10:24 AM

If this is the Accel DFI then I would encourage you to just simply suck it up and either go back to a carb (which will really do everything you need and cost you under a grand) or replace it with one of the modern DFI systems (which will set you back somewhere between 2-3K). Unless you regularly go from sea level to 10000' the carb will do everything...

I had that DFI system (or maybe its predecessor, I don't know, it didn't seem to have a name) but it did have an "advanced" key. It was a USB dongle that plugged into Windows not into the DFI controller, and it did open up many more tuning options including all of the tables that need to be adjusted. Honestly unless you have access to a dyno for a couple of days full tuning will set you back a big chunk of change. The problem (or advantage) is that this system does NOT "learn". You have to tell it everything. It has good first approximations for a system replacing a carb but it does NOT comprehend many of the boundary conditions present with the faux 8-stack DFI systems. The throttle bodies have unique air flow conditions as the throttle bodies open up that actually mean you need to lean it out as they open since the turbulence results in less mixing. Then you'll have to figure out how to adjust the altitude compensation table (which leans it out based on a formula, but the table is not populated in the default factory tune.)

A carb will be cheaper...

Edit: PS. Even if you can find a key, be cautious about what version of Windows you have. That USB key required a special driver that I'd be very surprised if it runs on Windows 10/11. I recall I was running XP at the time not even Win7...

eschaider · #4 (**permalink**) 09-14-2023, 11:49 AM

Mike,

Your EFI system is one of the early aftermarket offerings. Today's aftermarket alternatives are light years better and can be pretty inexpensive if you already have EFI and are just stepping up to 'modern' versions of the technology.

Check out DIYAutoTune's plug and play units, click here =>MS3Pro '99-'04 Mustang

Postscript

The engine harness required is an OEM piece you can get out of a donor car.

mikey · #5 (**permalink**) 09-15-2023, 10:16 AM

Thanks for your replies guys. I had and still have a a Barry Grant Race Demon carb which I fine tuned to get the best with the camshaft. Unfortunately the cam is of such long duration and high lift that the carb could never really settle it. If I was to go back to a carb, I would change the camshaft.
Retired now so I cant really afford or at least justify to spend another couple of grand, particularly as its quite close to being reasonably driveable.
Again many thanks guys.
Regards
Mike