94-95 (ish) Mass-Air trucks with E40D Electronic Transmission AHACA Strategy

Categories: Ford - setups

Introduction

94-95 MAF Trucks are an interesting breed.  They 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 an E4OD electronically-controlled automatic transmission.  Aside from their original application, these ECMs are commonly used for speed density->MAF conversions on speed density trucks and Broncos that had E4OD transmissions.   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 AHACA strategy/operating system, all run E4OD transmissions and can be considered functionally equivalent for tuning.  All use the SMD-272 hardware type.

BIO0 (F5TF-12A650-BYA) AHACA
AKC0 (F8TF-12A650-NA) AHACA
RAN2 (F5TF-12A650-AEC)
MOB1
MOB0

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 AHACA 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!!!
  • EEC Editor ($20 available from Moates.net) has basic editing support for the these ECMs.  EEC Editor is a basic application for tuning Fords.  There is no logging support at this time. (1/2015)

Recommended Combinations

Looking at what’s available, there are 2 combinations that make sense:

  1. EEC Editor ($20) w/ WAY1 def, Jaybird ($75), F3 ($60)
    Option 1 gives you the cheapest way to tune your ECM.  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)
  2. QuarterHorse tuning package from Core Tuning definition ($495) and optionally Jaybird+F3. 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.