AU3 into AU1? 'Ute'

jpblue1000 · 24-12-2012, 03:47 PM

Guys, New to the forum, not new to fords or falcons...

In the last month I have acquired 2 AU falcon utes, the first one 2002 AU3 Auto, was purchased as a repairable writeoff, the damage being A pillar, drivers door and guard, an easy fix, making a cheap ute for building duties, however the more I looked into it the more costly the excercise becomes and greater risk of cost blowout, may need body straightness report, restraint systems report etc. So I invested in a not well running 1999 AU1 manual ute, with registration and no need for RWC (Adelaide) with the intent of swapping all the good bits from the AU3 into the AU1 shell. I want the auto as its towing capacity is far greater and I tow a race car and building supplies...
the upshot of my first post is how much of the AU1 wiring will need to be swapped out to fit the AU3 ABS, Engine and Gearbox and I guess the smartlock body computer thingy!. Have already done front and rear suspension and brakes.
I am aware its probably a lot of work (I have the tools mechanical prowess and space) and be easier to buy right the first time but for 1000 dollars invertment plus timeI really cant go wrong.
Cheers

Justin

FGII-XR6 · 25-12-2012, 12:04 AM

there are many electrical differences between S1 and S2/3 so you are best swapping everything to avoid dramas

tim_pato · 25-12-2012, 12:42 AM

completly dissmantle both utes, put all the s3 gear on the s1. the brake lines are different to accomadate the abs. and the bcm/ecu is not compatable between s1 an 2-3, use the best diff nd motor , sell the manual bits(is the box ok?) if the box is good then you should get atleast 500+for the manual conversion kit.

jpblue1000 · 25-12-2012, 01:15 AM

Thanks guys, deep down I though that the case but just hopeing and I thought better to ask. Hoped the basic AU all series loom was the same and the additional stuff just plugged in, the way Japaneese cars work!
Yes the plan is to sell on whats left, most of a ute really just from several different cars.
Cheers

Justin

sly · 29-12-2012, 03:33 PM

Nah quite a few of the plugs in the loom are different in AU2/3 to AU1. +1 for changing it all over... pull the dash out and replace it as well otherwise you'll be chasing wiring through the dash assembly. I wouldn't be surprised if you end up pulling out seats and flooring as well.

Not entirely sure that all AU1 BEM's are incompatible with AU2/3 ECU's. I'd have thought the BEM's in the Smartshield upgrade AU1.5's would possibly be compatible. But it's a moot point. You're still better off to change the whole lot.

tim_pato · 29-12-2012, 04:14 PM

seats nd floor will have to come out to swap body harness.

jpblue1000 · 29-12-2012, 10:20 PM

Thanks guys, have swapped over the front and rear suspension and brakes, interior, swapped the best doors and guards onto it, swapped bonnet, grille, front bumper, wipers, rear gate door trims and steering wheel all with better parts from the better car.
Also managed to get the electric windows, cruise control and volume controls to work...new clock spring...well off the damaged car.
Also replaced serpentine belt, airconditioning compressor, orifice tube and collector, so just a regas and should have cold air. performed a service new engine oil and filter, gearbox oil, diff oil, brake fluid flush, power steering fluid and new water stuff. polished half of it...didnt bother with those panels needing body repair. had to put two new tyres on the 18's due to a nail through 1 sidewall. Also replaced inlet manifold gasket, heater circuit tap and oil pressure sensor to stop that leaking, high pressure washed the underside and engine bay...was avery busy 7 days over christmas.
next time im over...I am 900kms away...ill do dash and wiring, and ABS...looks like the ADS sensor wiring is already there too so that might help a bit.
anyway Im sure you have all seen these before but heres a happy snap
Attachment 75979
and here is what it tows...

cossie powered escort and awd suzuki swift.
cheers
justin

TEUTE · 15-11-2021, 05:27 PM

Hey guys,

I know this is an old post but trying my luck. So, I have put an AU3 220kw engine into my AU1 ute. I swapped ECU's and have had it tuned and the smartshield bypassed. I used by AU1 engine loom as the one on the 220kw engine was buggered.

Since I swapped engines, I have had intermittent electrical faults.
Gauges on the dash are playing up even though I had it send away and "repaired", (coolant gauge doesn't work at all).
I keep getting a P0350 code, even though the coil packs are brand new.
All the grounds have been double checked and are good.

After reading this post it got me thinking. Are the engine looms different between the AU1 and AU3. Is this where my electrical problems are starting from?