What makes using OBD2 system, so much better than OBD1

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rustytoolss

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Reading about using factory efi on an engine swap. OBD1/ OBD2 . What makes OBD2 such a better thing to do ? Also if going to OBD2, would using an A500re/A518re be the better choice ? Are the RE transmissions reliable for a DD cruiser? Does the engine ECM also control the A550re/A518re or does it use a separate control computer ?
Asking these questions so that I know what to get as a donor vehicle,
 
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OBD means On Board Diagnostics. OBD II has far more system diagnostics than OBD I. Most OBD II systems can be flashed via a programmer (if supported by the aftermarket) where as OBD I needs a chip, reprogrammed, or replaced with a different ECU if major modifications are made like a larger cam, larger injectors, added engine displacement, etc. On the trans side I don't know, some manufactures the ECU controls the trans (if electric) and some have a Transmission Controller (TCU). If you have a donor, use all the stuff from it. Mismatch is when you get into trouble.

This is why the LS cookie cutter stuff is so adored, the aftermarket made it like playing with Playmobile instead of a used Lego set with no instructions. But, I'm a Lego guy.
 
RE is controlled by the "main" computer. Also be careful, don't know about all makes and models, I had a GM car was a "half way in between" OBD1 and OBD II half the scanners on the market would not read the damn thing. I think this all happened around 95--ish for GM, don't know about Chrysler
 
RE is controlled by the "main" computer. Also be careful, don't know about all makes and models, I had a GM car was a "half way in between" OBD1 and OBD II half the scanners on the market would not read the damn thing. I think this all happened around 95--ish for GM, don't know about Chrysler
got to love GM, No worrys I'm a mopar guy, no GM stuff here.
 
RE is controlled by the "main" computer. Also be careful, don't know about all makes and models, I had a GM car was a "half way in between" OBD1 and OBD II half the scanners on the market would not read the damn thing. I think this all happened around 95--ish for GM, don't know about Chrysler
96 was the first year for OBD2. Mopar had limited information though. I hook the scanner up to my 96 Dakota and don't get much. Full blown OBD2 is a very involved system and not for the amateur. Every computer and module has a input and output. ECM, BCM, Anti-lock, TCM and the like.
 
96 was the first year for OBD2. Mopar had limited information though. I hook the scanner up to my 96 Dakota and don't get much. Full blown OBD2 is a very involved system and not for the amateur. Every computer and module has a input and output. ECM, BCM, Anti-lock, TCM and the like.
So did the 97 up systems provide more scanner information ?
 
How/ or where do you get an ECU flashed if you modify cam/injectors..etc ?

You find a company that supports it. Mopars I don't think were over supported. Back then I had a 92 GT mustang and Chips were common. I know Mopar had some performance ECU's.

If your just looking to go to a modern electric controlled trans there are stand alone controllers.
 
96 was the first full year. Ford got it at the halfway mark in 95. EEC V. Also, the best answer as to which is better is "it depends". A lot of guys like the OBD1 systems. I don't know all the whys and wherefores, but they do.

You can call the LS stuff "cookie cutter" all you want......and I guess it fits, but lemmie tell you, you talk about REAL plug and play? That's it. The 51 Chevy truck I am building right now on the 95 S10 chassis is gettin a 6.0 LS and 4L80. We have the wiring harness. I was lookin at it today. It is really badass. VERY few wires will have to be terminated. Under ten, I think. It's really nice stuff. No wonder the GM boys are flocking to it and I caint blame them. Having said all that, I still don't care for them. I respect them, sure. Matt's shop truck is a 54 Chevy. 6.2 4L80 and Ford 8.8. That thing pulled 638 HP on a chassis dyno and it almost has a stock idle. This stuff is stupid easy to get power out of.
 
I'm just looking for a stock OEM EFI system to put into a restomod mid 50's wagon. I want to use a 5.2 mag/ maybe a 5.9 mag, and want to have a overdrive 500/518 trans. Modern systems. Not really looking to change cams/injectors etc. But if the OBD2 and the RE series trans are a better system in the long run. Those days of looking for big HP are behind me..I'm OK with that.
 
I'm just looking for a stock OEM EFI system to put into a restomod mid 50's wagon. I want to use a 5.2 mag/ maybe a 5.9 mag, and want to have a overdrive 500/518 trans. Modern systems. Not really looking to change cams/injectors etc. But if the OBD2 and the RE series trans are a better system in the long run. Those days of looking for big HP are behind me..I'm OK with that.

You need to buy a wrecked OBDII 1500 2WD Dodge truck.
 
I had OBD1 on my 89 Shelby Dakota. There was a service eng light or something like that in the dash on. Took it to the dealer and they told me after 125K there was no way to reset the lamp. He showed me where to pull the correct wire out of the underhood connector, and Poof! No more light. OBD1 was just a bandaid in the evolution.
 
I had OBD1 on my 89 Shelby Dakota. There was a service eng light or something like that in the dash on. Took it to the dealer and they told me after 125K there was no way to reset the lamp. He showed me where to pull the correct wire out of the underhood connector, and Poof! No more light. OBD1 was just a bandaid in the evolution.
OBD1 was the old code 12 system. GM anyway. Jump the ALDL connector and the ''check engine" light would flash once then twice (code 12) then the trouble code then finish with the code 12 again. I will be blunt., you had better know your stuff if you attempt what you are planning.
 
Whats your guys thought's on the A500RE/A518RE if using say a 97 2wd dodge truck system with the OBD2 ?
 
I had OBD1 on my 89 Shelby Dakota. There was a service eng light or something like that in the dash on. Took it to the dealer and they told me after 125K there was no way to reset the lamp. He showed me where to pull the correct wire out of the underhood connector, and Poof! No more light. OBD1 was just a bandaid in the evolution.

That was horse crap.
 
I had 20 yrs in auto repair. Got out in 97. So I never worked on the OBD2 systems. I also have a 46 dodge truck that has megasquirt MS2Extra. So I've been involved with things like this before. Just not OBD2... or the RE series transmissions ,just looking for some input. Thanks
 
Whats your guys thought's on the A500RE/A518RE if using say a 97 2wd dodge truck system with the OBD2 ?

Leave it stock and probably won't have a problem. Plenty of power in an A body and the OD will be nice.
 
Whats your guys thought's on the A500RE/A518RE if using say a 97 2wd dodge truck system with the OBD2 ?

Putting an OBDII system in a different vehicle is a major electronics job. As the Toolman said, it involves the PCM [power control module aka ECM], the body control module, the programmed ignition key and steering column, the air bag module, the antilock brake module, trans control module [before ~ 2003], door lock sensors, and more. And they all have to talk to each other.

I'd put a magnum or LA in it with a carb and manifold set-up, and a 70's ECU distributor in it, and roll. There is an aftermarket shift/lock-up system for the older OD automatics [non electric].
 
I had 20 yrs in auto repair. Got out in 97. So I never worked on the OBD2 systems. I also have a 46 dodge truck that has megasquirt MS2Extra. So I've been involved with things like this before. Just not OBD2... or the RE series transmissions ,just looking for some input. Thanks
If you have used the megasquirt systems check in with Matt Cramer at DIY autotune. There are a few guys who supposedly got a controler working for the RE trans.
You may have to use this to work though.
DNJ-DCF1
Read this for explanation on operation.

Chrysler 47RE info - MSgpio.com read only forums (Jan.15,2018)
 
Putting an OBDII system in a different vehicle is a major electronics job. As the Toolman said, it involves the PCM [power control module aka ECM], the body control module, the programmed ignition key and steering column, the air bag module, the antilock brake module, trans control module [before ~ 2003], door lock sensors, and more. And they all have to talk to each other.

I'd put a magnum or LA in it with a carb and manifold set-up, and a 70's ECU distributor in it, and roll. There is an aftermarket shift/lock-up system for the older OD automatics [non electric].
Did not realize it was that involved,,, thime to rethink thanks
 
This might help you. Home of the 6.1L, 6.2L & 6.4L HEMI Turnkey Pallet - Cleveland Power & Performance

turn key.jpg
 
If you have used the megasquirt systems check in with Matt Cramer at DIY autotune. There are a few guys who supposedly got a controler working for the RE trans.
You may have to use this to work though.
DNJ-DCF1
Read this for explanation on operation.

Chrysler 47RE info - MSgpio.com read only forums (Jan.15,2018)

I've been unable to find any concrete info on ANYONE building a "budget" RE controller. I'm told you can put a manual VB in one, if so that is the way I'll go, the lockup and OD control are simple electrics
 
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