Engine ECM's

[Brett Proctor]

Something to look at when choosing an engine
Will the ECM work as a standalone unit.
Some wont. They need input from other modules for the engine to even run, let alone run properly. So do some research before committing to an engine.

The 1998 Subaru engine will run without any outside modules other than using the Subaru ECM, however you will get trouble codes and may have a lack of performance if you don't address some items.

One item that will produce trouble codes is if you don't address the transmission input sensor.
The MT neutral switch and the grounding of the MT terminal in the ECM.
Now I didn't find out about this till after I got the engine running. Since I'm not using a Subaru transmission, where or how would I wire in a neutral switch. After thinking about it I think I would mount a neutral switch to the clutch pedal. Right now I don't think I want to go through the pain of installing one at this point in time. crawling under the dash and mounting a switch then running wires to it isn't to motivating to me, so I just grounded out the circuit and the ECM thinks its always in gear. After a few months of driving I did get a trouble code on this but I just deleted it, so I think I'm good for a few more months before I see it again.

Not having a speed sensor will affect performance, and you will get trouble codes not having one. (the engine will run without one).
There are aftermarket speed sensors for the Subaru conversion in a VW that will bolt to the CV joint. You run power, ground, then run the signal wire to the ECM

Thats it for now

 

[Brett Proctor]

One thing about going with a newer system
Some ECU's need to be programed for the engine to run.

With my 1998 system, if the ECM goes bad I can go to a pick a part yard and pull a ECM out of another car (Having the same model numbers) and I can plug it into my car and the engine will run. No programming is needed.

Just be aware of the changing technology.
Newer technology my sound cool to put in the car but will it work in our application.

I ran into this with the power steering. At the time I was clueless about what was required for the system to work. I figured I could just install it and it would work. Was I wrong.
For the system to work it required CAN ,BCM, Speed sensors and input from the Power Train.
Luckly I found a control module on ebay that bypassed all those modules and now the power steering works. (Love it)

Just do a little research first. It may save you from a lot of frustration, wasted time and money.