It didn't take long from the time Jake pulled the 1997 Mark VIII into the shop until the hood, grill, front quarter panels and wheels were removed; and we were identifying the wiring harness (something we want to keep and use) to determine our electrical plan.
We first thought we would just take the engine and re-wire everything new, but we soon found out that this vehicle has passive anti-theft protection (PATS) which would make it much more difficult since we would need to get another ECM (Engine Control module) since the ignition, key and engine do not start unless they are all programmed the same. We saw this as a big problem to our plan, and after a bunch of back and forth, we realized this is an opportunity to really get into understanding the full electrical system. We also decided that we should use all the technology that makes this engine and trans run, and meet the emissions standards. Larry has been involved in many hacked systems from customers where they disconnected the emissions control, or the EGR( exhaust gas recycling) and the vehicle never runs as good, breaks down more often and caused him as a mechanic to chase phantom problems. In the end, we did a complete 180 in our plan, but for all the right reasons and a bunch more time to commit to this build. So we are being very careful to remove the what seems like 100 miles of wire in the car undisturbed, so we can make use of everything necessary to get the car running and moving. We will have a secondary electrical system to wire the lights, wipers, radio..... no need to make it as complicated as the Mark VIII- and wow this car has a lot considering it's 20 yrs old! Power trunk latch, power mirrors, mirror puddle lamps which turn on when the door is opened, heated, lumbar and 6 way controlled seats, air suspension, anti-lock brakes, and an electronic message center (giving time, compass heading, fuel efficiency, engine oil life, and various other vehicle-related warnings and information) it may be one of the first car computers giving drivers more info than a check engine light. A lot of stuff!
We are stealing hours here and there and trying to get as much out as possible. Tomorrow we order the kit - more on that and getting ready for the build in the next post.
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