The PCM Editor software is a package of tuning options for the well-versed Ford tuner. It features the ability to input the nine-point flow data from a Pro-M flowchart (which comes with all Pro-M meters) and interpolate that into the standard 30-point data system that the Ford PCM uses. Of course, PCM Editor doesn't offer only mass air meter calculations. It also easily manipulates all the standard tuning parameters tuners love to fiddle with, such as air/fuel ratio, transmission controls, injector slope, wide-open throttle correction, and air-charge temp correction factors.
Pro-M also recently released its electronic Nitrous Controller that uses stock Ford sensors instead of micro-switches or window switches to engage the nitrous system. Using the mass air signal, as well as rpm and throttle position, the system is foolproof. Capable of controlling dry systems up to 200 hp, the Pro-M Nitrous Controller is laptop-tunable and works on Ford vehicles up to the '04 model year.
Slower Traffic Keep Right
Another piggyback unit that has a strong cult following is the TwEECer ($380). Found through retailers including Dallas Mustang, Performance Specialties, and BRG Racing, the TwEECer features four customizable calibration locations allowing you to tune your Mustang for different conditions (race gas, nitrous, highway driving, and so on) and easily switch between them. Besides the usual fuel and spark mapping, the TwEECer offers real-time datalogging and display (TwEECer RT; $550), along with playback capabilities. The TwEECer uses a graphical interface software called CalCon for user interaction, via a USB connection and a laptop computer for quick adjustments right in the car. You can even disable the TwEECer and revert to the stock calibration without removing the device from the car. Software and firmware upgrades are available as released from the company's Web site. Future plans call for DTC reading and the ability to clear Keep Alive Memory without opening the hood and having to disconnect the battery.
Superchips
Superchips is another company that has deep roots in the electronic tuning of the Ford EEC. While it has offered mail-order computer chips ($265) for years, its most recent addition has been the creation of the Superchips Custom Tuning division. At SCT, the staff has been hard at work on some great new products. Their tuning software, SCT Advantage, allows dealers to custom-tune chips quickly with a great degree of accuracy. In addition, SCT has thousands of "tunes" from its dealers and its own testing. Got a 347 with an E303 and a small shot of juice? There's a program for it-trust me. One of the latest additions to this line of chip hardware is the new USB-based chip burner. Requiring no power (it gets its power from the USB port), you can have the laptop and USB burner right at your side at the racetrack and burn a four-bank chip in less than 30 seconds! Just have a meaty laptop with Win98SE or higher and a USB port, and you're ready to rock.
For the handheld crowd, SCT has just finalized and released its Max Microtuner ($419) for EEC V applications. The Microtuner comes with several tuning options to allow more aggressive shift points, fuel and timing control, and different fuel-octane ratings. For factory supercharged applications, the Microtuner includes additional programs for different aftermarket pulley sizes. The Microtuner also reads and displays DTCs to see what problems you might be having.
Western Motorsports
From our friends in the Great White North comes the SDS Programmable Injection System. Western Motorsports, working with Simple Digital Systems, built the system so it can be configured one of two ways-as a PCM replacement ($1,149, 4.6 model; $1,095, 5.0/5.8 model) or as a complete stand-alone system ($1,249). If you already have an EEC IV or EEC V Mustang (5.0 or modular), simply remove the PCM, plug in the SDS box, run a few wires, and you'll be up and running in no time. If you're building a car from scratch (such as a race car, street rod, or kit car), and don't have any fuel-injection components, you can purchase the optional stand-alone harness and sensor packages to make the SDS a complete system.
Most interesting of all, whether as a replacement or as a stand-alone, the SDS does not require a laptop and software to control it. Instead, it uses a handheld LCD controller for programming, sensor diagnostics, and real-time "gauge" mode display. Tuning is easily handled by the controller with simple up/down buttons. The speed density-based system can control fuel enrichment, timing retard, boost limit, rev limit, and so on for superchargers or turbos-up to 30 pounds of boost. The stand-alone system comes with the SDS control unit, programmer, injector drivers, lean/rich controller, map sensor, and complete wiring harness with installation and tuning manual. Just add a few Ford sensors (if you don't already have them) and a basic ignition box (the SDS controls igni-tion retard and rev limit), and you're all set.
ShiftMaster
The EEC-Tuner is a piggyback tuning device designed for the capable tuner who is comfortable with computer code and willing to make changes to his EEC programming. The EEC-Tuner ($389) works only with certain PCM calibrations on '84-'97 models and allows changing such parameters as injector size, fuel strategy, ignition timing, idle rpm, rev-limit, and so on. There's also a version for '96-'97 model years with a graphical-user interface, called GUI EEC-Tuner, that is codeveloped with a third party. Check out the Web site www.eectuner.com/guieectuner for more information.