Drifter vs Nomad vs Classic - engine vs ECU differences

[OR Seedman]

I did post the minor issues with the swap...all easily corrected.  Mainly the extra innner stator needing to be disconnected and having to use the original throttle body due to the fuel inlet configurations not being compatible...but no other issues.

[ranxerox]

I'd LOVE to do that!!  If only for the lack of funds, but that's life aint it?

I appreciate your confirmation of my suspicions.

Ride on and enjoy!!

Ken

[OR Seedman]

I dropped a 2003 1600 classic engine into my 2001 Drifter.  Did not change out the ECU.  Most noticeable difference is the amount of torque....the 1600 is rated at least 11 ft. lbs higher that the 1500 due to the longer stroke.  It's also suppose to run hotter so the radiator on the 2003 classic is larger....but I have not had any heat issues nor noticed that it runs any hotter than the stock 1500...probably since I kept my stock Drifter ECU.  I like not having to downshift out of 5th on steeper hills and not having to really twist the throttle to keep the speed steady on inclines.  This allows me to use my Brake Away cruise/throttle lock more often.  Definitely worth the swap out.

OR Seedman

[ranxerox]

Hello,

Old-ish subject, but I must admit confusion.

Reading this post - https://www.vulcandrifterriders.com/forum/index.php?topic=56209.0 - I had my curiosity peaked.  I began doing research on ALL 1500 cylinder heads, cams for the above mentioned 1500 models. Turns out from 1999 to 2006 all the 1500 models have the identical cylinder head, camshaft, manifold, injector and throttle body part numbers.

So, I question how the ECM/ECU's for them are different?  I mean if the mechanicals, gear ratios, etc. are identical (except for the Meanie, as I understand it, they have closer ratio gearing), then how is the computers mapping different?

Also, I've modified the hell out of my Drifter and the ECU seems unaffected, I've also read people who've changed piston/cylinders, cams and so on and left the ECU relatively untouched.

If there's no difference in the mechanicals, gearing and so on, why does everyone say the ECU's are different?

Scratchin' my head over here...