I have heard of some places (especially ebay) saying the A9L computer is the best. Is there relly a difference in mass air computers? Would it be worth it to swap? What computer is everyone running?

 

depends what tranny and options you have, like cruise control. the a9l was in manuals and the a9p was in autos i think. but they are interchangable i believe. you just switch what pins you connect

 

You might have an A9L???

Depending on what you have it may be slightly better, but it is doubtful you would notice any significant performance gain by swapping ECU's.

If you want to run all stock components with 24lb injectors, you can use the 93 Cobra ECU. There is no significant performance gain by goin with the X3Z, but it will most likely provide better idle quality and drivability than aftermarket MAF meters.

What computer do you have?

 

the cobra cpu is a popular upgrade when using bigger injectors

 

I am unsure what one I have. I did the mass air swap 7yrs ago, but I knew nothing about different computers. I just bought it, andput it in. I guess i will go check it out to see what I got. So A9L would be the best?

 

A9L has an aggressive timing curve compared to the earlier and later cpu's.

it also turns off some accessories at WOT freeing up HP

i went from a C3W ('93 LX cpu) to an A9L ('89 GT cpu) and noticed no performance gains

 

a9p is the best. more agressive fuel and timing.

p.s. the x3z is very "detuned"

 

I've heard that as well. My LX was an AOD (converted to T5 before I got it) and it still has the A9P in it.

If you are getting you car dyno-tuned (w/ a chip) or have a tuner (twEECer, etc.) then it really won't matter much b/c your stock ecm settings will be changed.

 

Slightly detuned would be more appropriate.
You won't notice the performance difference between the 2 calibrations (A9* vs X3Z).

The X3Z was under tight time constraints for emissions testing, so the engineers set up the computer with 'safe' settings, to ensure passing on the first time through.
That is the story I heard from a seemingly reliable source anyway.

The major difference between the X3Z and A9* is that the X3Z will cut fuel on decel, improving economy/emissions.

If using injectors other than 24lb is the plan, then an X3Z is not a good choice, unless tuning is an option.
The Aftermarket MAF companies don't support the X3Z computer as well as they do the A9* ecu's.
An X3Z conversion is great for 24's, but any larger (or smaller), and the A9* would be a better choice. Just for parts availability reasons.


Pull your passenger kick panel and see what the sticker has on the computer. I would guess it is an A9*, but it would be nice to know before you start replacing parts



jason

 

Everything about the cobra was meant to "look" de-tuned. It is one of the most factory under-rated cars produced.