Jump to: Installation | Software | I/O Configuration | Jumper Matrix | Rear Options Connector
ECU Model / Vehicle Specific Installation Guide
Vehicle Fitment:
- 1987-1993 Ford Mustang 5.0L
- Manual: T-5
- Automatic: AOD
- 1986-1988 Ford Thunderbird 5.0L
- Manual: T-5
- Automatic: AOD
Please read all documentation before installing your AMP Plug-N-Play ECU and verify that you’ve followed all steps before starting your engine for the first time.
Physical Installation
All you’ll need for a successful installation are some basic hand tools. No cutting or drilling of the original sheet metal or bracketry is required.
For a thorough and professional installation, you will need the following items:
- Ratchet
- 10mm Socket
- 9/32" Socket
- Phillips Screwdriver
- Zip Ties
- Timing Light
- Laptop
- Disconnect the negative battery cable
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Factory ECU Location - Passenger Footwell
The stock ECU is located in the passenger-side footwell, just behind the kick panel that is located in front of the passenger door. -
Remove the Passenger Kick Panel
Remove the kick panel push-pin in the bottom-left corner of the panel. Optionally, remove the door sill to make easier removal of the kick panel. Then, gently pull on the kick panel that is held by two push-pins.
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Disconnect the Main ECU Connector & Remove Factory ECU
The ECU harness is held in the ECU by the large bolt in the center of the connector. Using a 10mm Socket & Ratchet loosen the bolt in the center of the harness until the harness comes out of the ECU. The bolt will remain in the ECU connector and will not come out completely. Finally, Remove the mounting screw securing the factory plastic ECU bracket. Then slide the ECU free from the bracket.
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Connect Vacuum Line to Upper Intake
Locate an unused vacuum port on the upper intake or tee into an existing vacuum line using the supplied vacuum tee. The vacuum ports are located at the rear of the upper intake.
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Route the Vacuum Line through the firewall
After connected to the upper intake, route the vacuum line to the ECU location inside the passenger compartment. This is typically done by passing the line through the large rubber grommet in the passenger-side corner of the firewall where the factory wiring harness enters the cabin. Carefully make a hole or slit only large enough for the vacuum line to pass through, taking care not to damage any nearby wiring. Be sure the vacuum line is routed without kinks or pinching.
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Wiring the Rear Options Connector
This is the time to wire in your wideband along with completing any optional wiring you plan to use through the Rear Options Connector. This is the best time to wire additional sensors, inputs, outputs, speed inputs, or ignition upgrades, since the connector is easier to access before the ECU is mounted in the vehicle.
Internal Wideband ECU Models
If you selected the Internal Wideband ECU model, connect the provided wideband sensor cable to the rear options connector as instructed in the pinout section. This allows the wideband sensor to plug directly into the ECU without using a separate external wideband controller.
No Wideband ECU Models / External Wideband Setups
If you selected the No Wideband ECU model, or if you are using an external wideband controller, wire the external wideband controller signal to the appropriate rear options connector input. Click Here: Wiring a Wideband ControllerAdditional Inputs and Outputs
We also recommend wiring any other planned sensors or accessories at this time, including additional analog inputs, digital inputs, speed inputs, or outputs. This helps avoid removing or accessing the ECU later as your setup expands. Once your wiring is complete, plug the rear options connector into the ECU until it clicks into place and neatly secure the wiring. Refer to the Rear Options Connector section for pinout details and available functions.
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Connect the supplied Tuning Cable
Attach the provided tuning cable to the ECU and tighten the collar clockwise until snug with your fingers. Be sure the pins are aligned properly before tightening.
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Install the AMP Play-N-Play ECU
Installation is the reverse of removal. Slide the ECU in the factory location and secure it using the original plastic ECU bracket and screw. Please note that the bracket fitment will be slightly tighter due to the vacuum nipple next to the connector. Reconnect the main harness connector using the 10mm socket and racket as done in Step 4.
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Connect the Vacuum Line to the ECU
After the ECU is mounted, connect the vacuum line the was done on Steps 5/6 to the vacuum port on the ECU. The vacuum port nipple is located on the right-side of the ECU.
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Mass Air Flow Meter Removal
The preloaded base tune on your AMP Plug-N-Play ECU is configured for Speed Density, which is how most customers choose to tune these applications. Because of this, the factory mass air flow meter is no longer required and can be removed from the vehicle. If you prefer to tune using the factory mass air flow sensor, that option is still available. Please refer to ECU Internal Jumper Matrix for JP3 and the required setup changes.
Software
Tuning Software Installation & Setup
Before starting the vehicle, install TunerStudio on your laptop and connect to your AMP Plug-N-Play ECU using the supplied tuning cable. Open TunerStudio, create a new project for the ECU. Once connected, confirm that TunerStudio shows the ECU as Online and that communication is working properly before making any changes.
View Tuning Software Installation & Setup Instructions →
Initial Configuration
Your AMP Plug-N-Play ECU includes a base tune that is configured for a stock application. If your vehicle has any changes from stock, you should review and update the tune BEFORE STARTING THE VEHICLE.
Examples of settings that may need to be reviewed or updated include:
- Engine Size
- Injector Size
- Wideband Controller
Confirm that all required settings match the components installed on your vehicle before proceeding with startup and timing verification.
View Initial Configuration Instructions →
Setting Base Timing
Now with your new ECU installed, you must verify that the timing commanded by the ECU matches the timing the engine is actually receiving. Improper ignition advance can cause engine damage if it is not checked.
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Connect a timing light to Cylinder #1
Use caution, as secondary ignition voltage can be extremely high. Make sure the timing light leads are routed safely away from moving parts and hot engine components. -
Connect your laptop to the ECU and start the vehicle
Open the tuning software (TunerStudio) and your vehicle’s project. Start the vehicle and confirm that the ECU shows Online. -
Set the ECU to fixed timing
In TunerStudio, go to Ignition Settings > Ignition Options / Wheel Decoder. Under Fixed Advance, select Fixed Timing. Set Timing for Fixed Advance (degrees) to 20.0 degrees, then click Burn.
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Check timing with the timing light
Use the timing light to confirm that the engine is seeing 20 degrees of timing. If the timing does not match, loosen the distributor hold-down bolt and rotate the distributor until the timing reads 20 degrees. Once the timing matches, tighten the distributor hold-down bolt and reverify that the timing remains at 20 degrees. -
Set the ECU back to Use Table
Once the timing is correct, change Fixed Advance back to Use Table, click Burn, and cycle ECU power by turning the vehicle off and back on.
Tuning
Congratulations, you have completed the physical installation, software setup, and initial configuration of your new AMP Plug-N-Play ECU. Your ECU is now ready, and you can begin tuning the vehicle.
Base Tune
Your AMP Plug-N-Play ECU is preloaded with a base tune for the specific ECU model and vehicle application it was built for. This provides a proper starting point for initial startup and tuning. If you ever need to restore the original base tune to the ECU, you can download it from our Firmware & Base Tunes page.
I/O Configuration
Below is a breakdown of the I/O usage for your AMP Plug-N-Play ECU. This identifies the default pin assignments for your specific vehicle, allowing you to see which inputs and outputs are already being used for factory functions and why those pins may not be available for use in the tune.
ECU Internal Jumper Matrix
Below is a diagram and overview of the available internal jumpers and their functions. To access the jumpers, remove the (6) screws from the top cover of the ECU.
JP1: Cam Pull-Up Select
This jumper enables a pull-up resistor for the cam input signal. It is typically used with Hall effect sensors that do not have an internal pull-up resistor. The cam input is located on Rear Options Connector A (26 Pin) - Pin 7B. Refer to the Rear Options Connector section for the pinout.
Default Setting: Not Jumpered
JP2: Clutch Switch Select
Manual Transmission: this jumper routes the factory clutch switch input to Digital In 2 on the ECU.
Automatic Transmission: the jumper should be removed
Default Setting: Jumpered
JP3: MAF Select
The base tune, and most applications, are configured to run using Speed Density. To use the factory mass air flow sensor, install this jumper. You must also change the Control Algorithm setting to MAF under Basic / Load Settings > Engine and Sequential Settings.
Default Setting: Not Jumpered
JP5: Crank Pull-Up Select
This jumper is only used on applications that have been converted to a crank trigger wheel and are using a crank input that requires a pull-up resistor, such as certain Hall effect sensors without an internal pull-up. This jumper is not used on stock TFI / distributor applications and should remain unchanged unless your vehicle has been modified for a crank trigger setup.
Default Setting: Not Jumpered
Rear Options Connector
Your ECU includes a bag containing (2) connector housings and (2) banded sets of pre-terminated wires. One set of wires is intended for the larger openings in the connector, and the other set is intended for the smaller openings. Reference the pinout below for available rear options connector functions and wiring locations.
Important: The pinout diagram below is shown from the back of the connector.
Printable Copy of Rear Options Connector
