Okay, I know very little these days and forget even more. What is the difference between the OBDI and OBDII computers? Also is it possible to upgrade to and OBDII system to replace and OBDI? I ask because I can't get proper data on a programmer for the OBDI and I'll be damned if I am going to get rid of my truck just because it is first year 2nd gen...

 

94-95 are OBD-1 (on board diagnostics, version 1). they have pre-cat O2 sensor(s) only.

96+ rams are OBD-2. pre-cat and post-cat O2. more advanced computer systems. more sensors, more feedback, more wiring, more open to aftermarket tuning, etc.

i don't think its feasible to convert one to another. you'd have to replace most of the wiring and the pcm and it would likely never work right. better to buy a new truck and move the things you like from old to new. or just live with it.

i see no real advantage to obd-2. you can do the 1.7 rockers, throttle body, headers. i'm not sure about this, but you might could get the mopar performance pcm, or a B&G flash. i think???? they were for obd-1. the obd-1 MIGHT? even be more compatible with a cam.

 

+1 on dhvaughn's assessment. Also, if you installed OBDII PCM, you would have to add the additional sensors and controls that PCM would be looking for or you would always have a CEL. Also, the wiring harness would have to change as any OBDI controller I recall seeing had fewer wires ro it. Lots of work, lots of $.....lots of problems. Find a Snap On MT 2500 series computer with the proper adapters and personality key, and it will give you access to more data than typical OBDI scanner.

 

Biggest advantage of OBDII is the ability to flash program it. Not to mention the additional data it can provide for troubleshooting....

Converting would indeed be a pain though..... and you would have even more trouble if you have an auto trans, as the 96 and up autos have an electrically controlled governor, older ones are purely mechanical.

I think an easier way to upgrade, would be to pick up on some standalone system, like Megasquirt, which you can easily tweak with provided software, a laptop, and the right cable. Would probably end up coming in cheaper than switching to OBDII as well.

 

contact jswain
https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...mance-pcm.html

if he doesn't still have it, google search
mopar performance pcm dodge ram



edit - hmm, you might? have a V10... good luck on that.

 

Someone recently did actually get the first Viper running on MS3X, so it's possible.

 

haha, anything's possible. good luck on that