Installing Holley's Terminator X to fix a group of problems

[Scott8]

I've got a 96, 5.0 that has intermittent start issues, idles rough, starts different every time, and overall inconsistent performance. I've changed dozens of parts already trying to solve this (fuel pressure regulator, MAP sensor, a few vacuum lines, fuel filter/lines, and send the PCU to a computer store to replace the transistors and other electronic parts, etc, etc). I'm tired of chasing the problem and am willing to spend the time/money to make it reliable. After doing a little research it seems a Holley Terminator X has a Ford MPFI ECU that can control the EFI on the engine. I'm open to opinions if this is common or a dumb idea.

Assuming it is a solid plan, was looking for some technical advice on the specific parts required for the install. My plan is to just install the Terminator X MPFI kit and a new distributor. I'm not a mechanic, so want to take the advice from the Holley rep, but he seems to be trying to sell me more parts than needed. Also, asked AI, and it says I definitely don't need the parts he's saying are mandatory. Three questions:
1. Holley's Dual Sync Ford 302 distributor or their HyperSpark distributor? It's not a race car; so simplicity and less failure points are my priorities. Any reason I should go with the more complicated but more precise Dual Sync?
2. The Rep insists I need to control the transmission with their Atomic Transmission Controller ($820) and Trans Controller Harness ($307) - because currently the transmission is controlled by the factory PCU and the Terminator X won't communicate anything to the PCU. However, AI states that the PCU needs the following to run the E4OD: TPS, VSS, MLPS, TFT, OSS, Brake switch, and Engine RPM. According to AI, all of these sensors get to the PCU without the Terminator X - except the engine RPM which the Terminator X still has an RPM output wire with the same voltage/wave to send to the PCU just fine. Can I install the Terminator X to run the engine and keep the stock PCU (without those extra Holley parts) to run the transmission?
3. The Holley rep also insisted that I need their MSD Ultra 6A Ignition Control ($301). AI straight up says that just makes it more complicated with no benefit. It describes the Terminator X going to the TFI distributor to TFI module to the Coil. It says they would only recommend this because they deal with GM customers 99% of the time and probably not familiar with Ford building in TFI modules (ignition box) directly into the distributor. AI has led me astray before; anyone know if I need to purchase a new Ignition Control too?

Thank in advance for any advice/confirmation you can offer.

 

[Tiha]

I had thought about doing this on different vehicles as well. Always good mixed real world feedback from people that have actually done it. Some guys love it, some hate it.

Really don't have anything to add, I have not done it. Would love to hear what you learn about it though and how it works if you decide to do it.

 

[Jimbo26]

Your in somewhat uncharted waters with all the Holley proJection stuff, or whatever it is. I personally wouldn't put a whole lot of faith in what AI says as AI is still pretty new to the game & has a long way to go.
If your Really willing to spend the time & $ to get the thing going, and diagnostics are not your forté- my 2c is take it to a pro that can 100% nail the issues and tell you Exactly what needs to be done to fix it. May well be something simple, which is so often the case.
Then you can decide if you want to handle the repairs yourself or let the Tech get his hands dirty.
Good luck

 

[L\Bronco]

Hey Scott, sorry, a bit late to the party.
Im not overly familiar with holleys terminator x system unfortunately,
Are you just getting the engine controller?
Im with Jimbo on this one.
If the holley module is a stand-alone, it will use all of the existing sensors and outputs. So the only change will be the module. It sounds like your issue is outside of the PCM, so, you likely will still have issues.
As far as the trans goes, AI is missing a few things. The PCM will need TPS, MAF, ECT, IAT, VSS, and RPM for the load and speed parameters needed for shift timing and pressure control.
(I probably missed a couple)
Those are all needed for engine controls as well and you can't wire one sensor to multiple modules. (Thats why theres a data network on the truck or one module runs both.)
With the holley system, you would need the trans controller as they can “talk” to each other.
Whats going on with your truck is likely something simple that looks complicated because of what appears to be multiple symptoms.
Id say try to figure it out yourself, (with some help from the zone of course)
I dont have a lot of faith in the “pros” any more.
I have been teaching them for 26yrs, and the ability/desire to diagnose is waning.
A bit more detail on the symptoms and when it occurs will help us help you, if you want,
It would **** for you to spend a bunch of cash only to find out the problem was still there.
Also, fords TFI system is phenomenal,
When it works.
Sorry for the long winded post, but I had to chime in.
Hope we can help!
Cheers

 

[Scott8]

Thanks all for the info. The Holley guys insisted that I will need the MSD ignition box, so I decided to just listen to conventional wisdom. I purchased the dual-sync distributer, terminator X, and MSD 6A ignition box. Since trying to run it without the transmission harness won't cause problems if it doesn't work, I'm going to try without. If I'm wrong and need it, no extra work or wrong parts already installed. I hope it runs smoother, starts more consistently, and even save a few bucks on gas mileage. I'll circle back and post how it turns out so others can avoid mistakes I make.