skipgresham944

I am trying to install an 86 NA engine into an 89 NA automatic-transmission chassis. We do not have the 89's engine wiring harness. We do have the 86 engine's DME and harness; the 86 engine was from a manual trans car.

The main difference between the two harnesses seems to be in the ancillary plugs on the car end of the harness. The 86 harness has smaller plugs, while the 89 car has a longer black multipin type connector. The DME connection is the same.

Before we try to source a late-style harness or start jumping connectors blindly, thought we'd see if anyone is familiar with what the different pins do and how the two harnesses might be mated up. TIA SG

Devia

Um, try searching the forums here. Or go to www.clarks-garage.com.

I have an early '83 harness right now, and fuel rail, but that is too early!

- Julie

skipgresham944

Thanks but BTDT - nothing in the archives and nothing on that site or any other I can find. I need to find someone who has direct experience with these harnesses.

meanmaroon951

from 86-89 i'd almost say you be perfectly fine ; i think even a pre 1985.5 would work but the injectors and dme would have to be compatible

944_S_TYPE

I have recently been searching for a new harness for my 87S. I probbaly recieved 5-6harnesses form different salvedge yards before I recieved the correct one. But the wait was worth it. 45.00 And I got one just like new....Try to find a used harness. May save a real headache later. Try hiustoneuropean.com or ebay, people parting out cars. Good luck

Legoland951

The 89 is a 2.7 where the 86 is a 2.5 engine. I am not sure whether there were other changes. I know that 85.5 to 88 is the same other than the oil level sensor at the oil pan is only from 87 and up so the early cars would not have it.

skipgresham944

I guess my main question is what the non-DME connectors on the engine wiring harness do - the ones that connect to plugs under the glovebox. The 89 chassis and stock harness uses a black multipin connector, whereas the 86 harness uses multiple connectors.

Legoland951

What do you mean by multi connectors? I remember there is one main one to the DME, one smaller connector by the brake booster, and the 2 wire going to the starter/ignition switch. Do you have pictures?

skipgresham944

I am referring to the end of the harness that goes through the firewall into the inside the cabin of the car. In addition to the large white multipin DME connector, there are a couple of smaller connectors that hook up underneath the glovebox area. The 89 car has a flat black multipin connector in place of a couple of smaller ones on the 86 harness. Any electrical gurus out there...?