Type of electrical connector for EFI?

[rwest]

Hi,

Installing PMO throttle bodies EFI and EDIS ignition on my 1977 2.7 and was wondering what you folks have used and what do you recommend as a good connector to use to connect all of the engine mounted stuff to the ECU harness so I can remove the engine without undoing all sorts of individual wires?

I think I’m going to have 14 wires.

4 for injectors, 2 per side.
3 to TPS
2 for crank sensor.
1 for temp sensor.
4 for IAC.

I’ve heard about Deutsch, weathertite and Mil spec screw together connectors.

Thanks for your advice,
Rutager

[Drbraunsr]

I used the MilSpec connectors (3) for 12 dual plugs, 6 injectors, assorted sensors.
The Crank trigger I left it direct, without connector, to avoid any signal interference.

I used Pro Wire as my source (prowireusa.com) and used Tefzel wire (much smaller and fits a lot of wires into a small connector)
I used Weatherpack for all other connectors for power block to the ECU, etc...

Here's my setup showing one of three used. In the end, I needed to make the legs a few inches taller. Pulling my engine takes 45 minutes (using a lift).

[rwest]

Good point on the crank sensor.

You must be using coil packs for ignition if you can use regular wires, correct?

Thanks

[Drbraunsr]

Buy your harness wires with and extra 4 - 5 ft from your ECU source so you can carry the color coding thru the connector all the way to plug coils and injectors.

My coil near / coil on top -- needed their own ground wires (12). I ran all 12 to one common ground block on the engine to avoid 12 more wires going thru the connectors.

[Drbraunsr]

I used (Richard) Clewett's coil on top / coil near for dual plugs.
Clewett's products are top line stuff

[Drbraunsr]

Regular wires work fine too.

[rwest]

Thanks,

I have the EDIS power module going to regular plug wire- Clewett! so I don’t have to deal with as many other wires on the engine. I will mount the coil and EDIS unit on a bracket on the firewall.

[brcorp]

Buy a good quality crimper and few spare terminals for practice.

Run a couple of spares wires through the harness just in case.

https://www.wirecare.com/category/connectors-terminals/wirecare-deutsch-assembler

[jpnovak]

I use a 12 pin Deutsche connector on my installs. I typically place the connector in the left rear of the engine bay near cylinder #3/DS rear shock mount.

If you need more than 12 you can divide into two connectors. For example a 6 and 8 give you 14 pins. Just make sure that you alternate gender so that the plugs can not be cross mounted if they have the same pin count.

BTW The 4 wire IAC does not have to mount on the engine. You will need to run individual hoses from ITBs to the IAC through a manifold. Connect the IAC at the manifold off the engine. This allows for a smaller connector.

[winders]

I like the Deutsch Autosports connectors for the harness to ECU.

https://www.milspecwiring.com/AS014-19SN_p_241.html

For all the other connectors, I like to use Deutsch DTM connectors:

https://www.milspecwiring.com/Connector-Parts_c_511.html

I also prefer using solid pins but you need the really good cropping tool for them.

[rwest]

Originally Posted by jpnovak

I use a 12 pin Deutsche connector on my installs. I typically place the connector in the left rear of the engine bay near cylinder #3/DS rear shock mount.

If you need more than 12 you can divide into two connectors. For example a 6 and 8 give you 14 pins. Just make sure that you alternate gender so that the plugs can not be cross mounted if they have the same pin count.

BTW The 4 wire IAC does not have to mount on the engine. You will need to run individual hoses from ITBs to the IAC through a manifold. Connect the IAC at the manifold off the engine. This allows for a smaller connector.

Hi Jamie,

My thought with mounting the IAC on the engine was that during engine removal, I wouldn’t need to remove the hoses if it was mounted on the engine, just pulling the plug would do the trick.

Not that I plan on taking the engine out that often, maybe not ever if I get lucky!

Thanks,
Rutager

[rwest]

Originally Posted by brcorp

Buy a good quality crimper and few spare terminals for practice.

Run a couple of spares wires through the harness just in case.

https://www.wirecare.com/category/connectors-terminals/wirecare-deutsch-assembler

I have the MSD crimped with deutsch jaws, so I was leaning towards that style. I’ve bought a bunch of loom stuff through wire care and have been very happy.

Thanks,
Rutager

[rwest]

Hi Ian,

Wow, you have quite the assortment of cool engine management stuff. What kind of crimper is used for the mill spec?

Thanks,
Rutager

[rwest]

Originally Posted by winders

I like the Deutsch Autosports connectors for the harness to ECU.

https://www.milspecwiring.com/AS014-19SN_p_241.html

For all the other connectors, I like to use Deutsch DTM connectors:

https://www.milspecwiring.com/Connector-Parts_c_511.html

I also prefer using solid pins but you need the really good cropping tool for them.

Thanks Winders,

What tool do you use for the solid pins? I have an MSD one and another generic one.

Rutager

[winders]

Originally Posted by rwest

Thanks Winders,

What tool do you use for the solid pins? I have an MSD one and another generic one.

You’re welcome!

I use the HDT-48-00 Deutsch solid barrel crimping tool.

There are fake versions out there. I bought mine here to be sure:

https://deutschconnectorstore.com/hdt-48-00-deutsch-solid-barrel-crimping-tool

[3rd_gear_Ted]

Molex is a good connector product line.
All the support tools needed are available

https://www.molex.com/molex/products/group/connectors

Available @ Orvac in SoCal

[rwest]

Thanks Ted,

Looks like there are many good options, just need to decide which one I like best.

Rutager