Introduction
Some 94-95 Trucks (mostly F150) came equipped with a 4R70W automatic transmission. Most of the heavier-duty trucks came with AOD-E transmissions and use incompatible ECMs. These ECMs feature sequential fuel injection, a distributor for spark delivery, Mass-air flow (MAF) sensors for air metering and most importantly are set up to control a 4R70W electronically-controlled automatic transmission. These ECMs can be used to run the combination of a pushrod V8 and 4R70W. Ideal for those wanting to run a mode modern electronically controlled automatic transmission instead of an AOD with a pushrod engine. With little more than programming, they can use used to run everything from a 460cid big block (or larger) to a simple 302 or a 5.8L Windsor engine. All of the ECMs in the name of this article use the CBAz0 strategy/operating system, all run 4R70W transmissions and can be considered functionally equivalent for tuning.
BUG0
BUG2
GET0
GLO0
GLO2
HUG0
HUG2
JAB1
L4J1
P5X0
Hardware for Tuning
- QuarterHorse – integrated device brings unique functionality to the table. It is a “chip on steroids” that allows you to make changes while the vehicle is running and (with supporting software) log live data from the vehicle. Any tunes developed using a QuarterHorse can be programmed to F3/F8 chips for long term use. (please keep reading below!)
- F3 – simple chip module that can store one or two tunes and switch between them while vehicle is running. Requires Jaybird programmer or BURN2+FA.
- F8 – fancy chip module that can store eight tunes and switch between them while vehicle is running. Can also be programmed while installed – no need to remove chip to reprogram it. Requires Destiny programmer
- BURN2 + FA + FE – generic chip programmer with Ford adapter (FA) and ECM interface (FE) that can be used to read the current program from EECIV and EECV ECMs on the bench.
Software for Tuning
The CBAZ0 strategy is used on these ECMs.
- Core Tuning definition (available through Coretuning.Net or ben@coretuning.net ) – uses same standards for organization as other Core Tuning defs, very complete, includes full datalogging. Approximately $495 INCLUDES QuarterHorse hardware!!!
- Binary Editor ($100 / $171 available through Moates.net) combined with Derek Fenwick’s CBAZ0 definition ($25, contact him directly to obtain) supports these ECMs. Usually complete and extremely functional.
- EEC Editor ($20 edit / $25 log available from Moates.net) has basic editing support for the these ECMs. EEC Editor is a basic application for tuning Fords. Logging support is experimental.
Recommended Combinations
Looking at what’s available, there are 3 recommended combinations:
- EEC Editor ($20) w/ WAY1 def, Jaybird ($75), F3 ($60)
Option 1 gives you the cheapest way to tune your EC<. You will NOT have logging – just editing. You will NOT have realtime tuning – you’ll have to shut down, program chip, reinstall chip each time. EEC Editor is a very basic application without many graphics or frills but it’s mostly functional as an editor. (you can download it and check it out from the Tuning Software section of our website) - QuarterHorse tuning package from Core Tuning definition ($495) and optionally Jaybird+F3($75+$75). Core Tuning provides a “one stop” shop experience, directly through them. Their definitions are generally really well laid out, well defined and have a large selection of parameters to choose from. They’re a US company with great support. Again, chip tuning hardware is optional but recommended.
- QuarterHorse ($249), Binary Editor ($100) with Derek Fenwick definition ($25) and optionally dongle for BE ($+71) and optionally Jaybird+F3($75+$75) Binary Editor is better software. Derek generally makes very good definitions. The combination of QH + BE + Def is going to give you realtime tuning while the vehicle is running AND datalogging to see engine and transmission parameters. It’s still a good idea to have a chip for long-term use but chip tuning hardware is optional, at least from a getting started perspective.