Help with C&L 76MM & A9L computer install

[venumus93]

Hey everyone!
I just got done installing my brand new C&L 76MM MAF & used A9L computer. I followed the C&L directions exactly EXCEPT they said 'best performance will occur between 17-18 degrees of timing' with 24lb injectors (I left my timing at 14 degrees for now). I also followed the EEC computer reset directions when installing the A9L. My car started fine & idled great at about 800 RPM like usual. I took it for a spin. I felt a hesitation when at WOT somewhere between 3000-4000 RPM, but only for a split second. I thought this new computer was supposed to get rid of the 'crappy Cobra computer hesitation'??? I also noticed that I dont smell my car exhaust anymore(seemed to be really rich before this install today). Which leads to my last question: The C&L instructions say to set static fuel pressure between 36-38 psi--what is my stock static fuel pressure? I dont have an adjustable fuel pressure regulator, so do I need one now?
Sorry about the long post, but I need the expert advice of our members here so I can get to the track & show some better times. Thanks!

[Skyman]

A FPR is a good investment, and a good tuneing tool. Get one. make sure your maf is hookd up correctly. And you do have 24lb injectors correct? (Just double checking)

Set your timing to ~15 initial w/ the spout out.

Set your TPS to .98v.

Check your idle, set if necessary, then double check your TPS.

Reset your computer by unhookd the batt for 35min.

start it up, let it idle 5 min. full 5 min.

take it for a spin, drive it around, and then get on it.

if you have little problems, give it a day or two to smooth out, if it doesnt, post it and we'll work from there.

Skyler

[venumus93]

Sky,
Thanks again for your help! Will check my timing in the AM and then see what happens. May need to get an AFPR aftre all. I just dont know what stock fuel pressure is at. My car did come with 24# injectors, so I know I'm cool there. I only did the resetting computer thing for 2 mins, maybe part of the problem. Local friends say just up the timing first & see what happens. I'll let you know! Later!

[gtsr515]

First off did you unplug the battery before you did the swap?, secondly, is the C&L with the 24lb tube, set timing at 10 - 12 degrees for now, the stock regulator will be just fine. Actually the Cobra computer is programmed for better driveability than the A9L, but the A9L is way more aggressive. i would do a stock temp stat and stock plugs too.

[venumus93]

...well, bumped timing with spout out from 14.5 to 17...car ran better, but still a hesitation when under load(I think in upper RPMs only), so I tried 18 degrees timing(like C&L insturctions said was best for my 24# injectors). I unhooked battery for 35min to reset computer, then hooked up batt 7 ran for 5 mins at idle. Still idles nice through this whole process...then I went on a normal driving lunch run for my wife & I, car ran just fine. Then I went out for a test run after reset computer...still a hesitation problem. I had to come inside for an A/C break(it's about 94 degrees outside today!), so I thot I would post my progress(or lack thereof), cool off, then head back out & try to bump timing down to 12 or so & start over from there. Here's a pic of the old(left) & new MAF next to each other when I did the swap the other day...Later!

[lx mike]

How the car running now?? still have that hesitation or did you find out what it was??

[trey193]

Venumus not sure why U are having the hesitation problem, did U make sure U have the 24lb sampling tube for the C&L???? And also I have read past posts that people with cold air induction and C&L have some problems. Not sure if either of these are your problem but U have to start somewhere!!! I know I had no hesitation what so ever when I installed my A9L and C&L and that was back when I still had the stock regulator on the car. Keep at it and U will find the culprit and in the process you have found a couple of mph at the track!!!

[93SVTstang]

Hey Venumus, if you were still wondering-your stock fuel pressure is 43 psi. The AFPR helps a little, so if you are looking to go faster it is probably worthwhile.

BTW, trey193 how much did the E cam help. I am looking to go 12s in my car and was wondering how far off I am. Thanks

[venumus93]

Hey Guys!
Still working on it here. My problem was I was bought the C&L 76MM for 24lb injectors, but not calibrated for the stock Cobra computer with 'matching' mass air sensor on top of the MAF(they said to use the stock electronics). I emailed Motorsport Depot where my friend bought the C&L & Mark there replied VERY quickly, saying that I needed the electronics for the A9L computer for the 24lb tube I got. So, I think I found the right one today at a local mechanic that works tons on 5.0's, & I just got it in there & reset my computer. So, now I have the A9L, C&L 76MM all installed with hopefully the right electronics on top of the meter. I just let the car idle in the driveway for 5mins after resetting the computer, now time for a late night test drive. I think I'll go for an easy cruise(tons of Cops out earlier, even following me in my 5.0 Explorer!) and I was told by this new mechanic to take it easy for 50 miles or so then get on it & see what it does, so I wont know until on the way to work tomorrow I guess.
i think I have the problem solved & will let you know if I do. if so, might have to get to the track Fri night for some testing. Thanks for the posts & advice gtsr, lx, trey, 93svt & sky! Later!

[LX XLR8R]

if it is the same hesitation as b4 and you have the matching meter to injectors then it was probally a problem from b4 not affliated with the computer like something stupid like fuel pump, wires, plugs??

[bosco]

Hey venumus93, this post is pretty intresting to me because pretty soon i will be swapping from carb to EFI, and i have the a9l, and i want to use the c&l 76mm with 24 lb injectors, but, i noticed the c&l doesnt come with the little sensor, what were you talking about when you said you had to get the right electronics? what sensor do i need and where can i get one? I hope this makes sence, its pretty new to me, i think i got everyhing i need, i jsut dont understand this mass air sensor stuff.

[Skywalkr57]

when i did my i bought the c&l 76 as well and wen to a junk yard to get the electronics for the top and they said that it was the same as off of a taurus. i cant remember what year it was but it seems to be working fine. for some reason my car has never decided on an idle speed though. sometimes its great and sometimes its alittle high but it revs fine. also i read in the article section on this site that a afpr may not be the answer because the eec-iv will just adjust the the pressure change anyway. i put up a post about that myself. but good luck.

[trey193]

93SVTSTANG the E and the computer and meter swap have been the three best mods made to my cobra to date!! I would say U R in the mid 13's right now , there is no reason that with the cam swap and computer swap all the little bolt ons and a modest gear like a 3.55, that your cobra shouldnt go high 12's albeit with an aggresive driving style! These cars have a lot of potential , if U think about the only thing they lack is a descent camshaft, and the computers really do hurt them, get those 2 areas addressed and U have a 12 second ride! Venumus I talked with Lee at C&L when I first ordered my c&L with the A9L computer and he told me not to use the cobra electronics he said it would be lean, so thats what U R most likely getting is lean pop!! Let us know if the different electronics fixed your problem!

[venumus93]

YESSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!
I got the new electronics(bosco: it's the plastic thing on top of the mass air meter, has 2 screws & 1 wiring clip attached to it, easy to replace! ask any local speed shop who may have one locally, that's how I found mine, & you NEED it!)installed last night, went for a crusie, & took it easy for about 20 miles of driving. It idled fine at stop lights, & accelerated normally on an easy going cruise(once again, too many cops out last night!). Starts fine this AM, took 19month old son to daycare, then got on it hard on the way to work. NO HESITATION! it's got all of its usual 'giddy-up' & more! It feels great again. I even launched it from a light & it pulled great thru 5500 RPMs in 1st 7 2nd gear. So, I guess the A9L needed it's own elctronics for the mass air meter for this C&L tube calibrated for 24lb injectors.
Trey, I still have a pop between shifts, and I did before, but before the swap the exhaust was very rich smelling. Now it doesnt smell, but I have some popping. I have timing at 15 degrees right now. Car feel strong, so I'll get it on the track ASAP & let y'all know what happens.(by the way, I found 100 octane last night on my cruise..would this help with my combo?) Thanks for the replys! Later!

[bosco]

Originally posted by venumus93
YESSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!
I got the new electronics(bosco: it's the plastic thing on top of the mass air meter, has 2 screws & 1 wiring clip attached to it, easy to replace! ask any local speed shop who may have one locally, that's how I found mine, & you NEED it!)

Hey man, thanks for the help. BTW, i dont suppose you would have a part number for it would you? just want to make sure i get the right one. thanks again for the help

[venumus93]

Bosco-
the part # I was given was F1ZZ 12B579AA, but I got a F1ZF 12B579AA from my mechanic & it works fine.....the other #'s on mine are AFH55 03B
Hope this helps....my car is running VERY strong now! We'll see how it does at the track this weekend! Later!

[lx mike]

Now you need some tires for all that power you picked up!

[bosco]

Originally posted by venumus93
Bosco-
the part # I was given was F1ZZ 12B579AA, but I got a F1ZF 12B579AA from my mechanic & it works fine.....the other #'s on mine are AFH55 03B
Hope this helps....my car is running VERY strong now! We'll see how it does at the track this weekend! Later!

sweet, thanks man

[sn95gt19]

you said that you have the POP when shifting gears, i have that too, its really bad when i let it rev out than power-shift into gear(its louder than a shotgun)kind of embarrasing too. my timing is at 14deg. and i have two buddies that have the same popping problem just not as loud as mine, one is a 97 cobra, and the other a 97gt, if you have any idea what thepopping is from let me know THANKS

[venumus93]

Originally posted by lx mike
Now you need some tires for all that power you picked up!

lx mike:
I know, man! I'll prove that, once again, when I go to 'Funday Sunday' at Orlando Speedworld this Sunday. We'll just see what I can do now & then when I can afford tires I can just try or another personal best! You gotta make it over to Orlando sometime to one of these Funday Sundays! Take it easy!

bosco: good luck, man, send me an PM if you need any other help!

sn95gt19: well, my popping seems to have died down some. i think it is caused by running rich, and may be solved by bumping the timing up a bit or maybe by upgrading the MAF...probably a good topic for a new post in Windsor Power! later!