Jet's Ford Performance Module...
Jet's Ford Performance Module was designed to be plugged directly into our Bronco's ECU computer. We always like it when there's only one hard part in a box-it means we're less likely to lose it!
Let's face it-not everyone has the time, know-how, or funding to tear into an engine and build it into a raging monster. Keeping a vehicle smog-legal is a consideration too. Here in California, emission standards are so tight that in many cases it's not worth upgrading internal engine parts: get too gnarly and you may end up with a vehicle that never again gets approved by the state to drive on public roads. That's why we often look for other ways to squeeze some "go" out of our trucks, and thankfully, technology exists that makes this possible. Jet Performance provided us with a couple of goodies that would give us some extra pop in our '93 Bronco: a plug-in computer module and a Power Shift transmission module, both designed to enhance vehicle performance, both 50-state legal.
We started with Jet's Ford Performance Module. This plug-in attached directly to the Bronco's ECU computer, and adjusts the ignition spark advance, air/fuel ratio, and timing across the vehicle's powerband. Jet tells us that in addition to a horsepower increase, the module should provide us with a quicker throttle response and even a slight gain in gas mileage. Plugging the thing into the Bronco's computer was simple, but getting to the computer took some doing-check the accompanying photos to see how we finally accessed the ECU.
Next, we installed Jet's Power Shift module, which plugged directly into our automatic transmission. The Power Shift's control panel allows us to choose four shift settings from the driver's seat; each being progressively firmer and with a faster shift. This module was both easy to install and simple to operate.
Sure enough, our Bronco benefited from these mods. It's never felt more powerful, and gear shifts are noticeably quicker. We may not have a fancy interface between the vehicle and a computer like more recent programmers allow, but we did end up with performance-enhancing additions that won't negatively affect our emissions. Owners of OBD-I -equipped vehicles, rejoice!
 The instruction booklet told...  The instruction booklet told us to access the Bronco's computer from the interior, underneath the dashboard. We found that some Broncos (including ours) have metal bracketing under the dash that prohibits ECU access. Just our luck. As such, we opened the hood and found the butt-end of the computer sticking through the firewall, mounted in a harness. |  We needed to get to the front...  We needed to get to the front end of the ECU, which meant pulling it out of the firewall mount. This proved tricky; after we unbolted the ECU harness, we found that there simply wasn't enough room to pull the unit out-it kept hitting the inside of the wheel well. |  The only way we could think...  The only way we could think of to get the ECU out was to go in through the bottom of the wheel well, which we unbolted and folded back. This provided us with just enough room to wiggle the ECU out from the firewall. |
 Now, the easy part. Jet provides...  Now, the easy part. Jet provides a brillo-like pad with the Module that is used to clean the ECU port, which comes from the factory coated with a greasy protective coating. Jet tells us that most of the problems people encounter with this product result from this residue, so we made sure to clean the port well. |  The Module plugged right in...  The Module plugged right in without problem. It kind of reminded us of a video game cartridge. |  An adhesive strip is included...  An adhesive strip is included with the Module to ensure it stays seated in the ECU port. Not very "high-tech," but hey, it works! |
 The gang over at T&J Performance...  The gang over at T&J Performance Center mounted the control panel of the Power Shift transmission module in a dashboard cubbyhole. A knob on the left side lets us choose between the four settings that progressively make the transmission shift more quickly and firmly. Harder shifting is not the goal here, as that usually leads to damage, and sure enough, the shifts remain smooth and uniform. |  The Power Shift module runs...  The Power Shift module runs on fused power. We had a fuse port open, and plugged the provided fuse right in. Another wire runs from the module's control panel under the dash, through the firewall, and down to the transmission itself, plugging in to a port specified in the Power Shift's instructions. Pretty painless, and we were ready to roll! | |