How To Install Gen 1 & 2 Coyote PCM Brackets | 1979-93 Mustang

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In this article, we’re going to be taking a closer look at SVE’s coyote swap PCM brackets designed for the Fox Body Mustang. When it comes to a Coyote Swap in a Fox Mustang, there are multiple ways to go about mounting and placing all of the components related to the swap. Well, for the sake of this install, we’re going to be talking about SVE’s solution to mount the PCM. Having completed a few of our own swaps here in the shop, we knew there needed to be a simple, effective, and more importantly an affordable solution to mount the Coyote PCM. After all, you’ve already spent a chunk of change on the rest of the swap components, so the last thing you need to do is spend an arm and a leg on is a bracket to mount the PCM.

So both brackets we have here were designed specifically for the Gen 1 Coyote PCM and the Gen 2 Coyote PCMs. For those of you that are wondering, the Gen 1 PCM has a different casing than the Gen 2 units which is why you see the two different offerings. Taking a closer at the brackets, each one features laser-cut holes and precise bends to ensure a great fit and finish. They are built from lightweight aluminum and then powder coated black.

Once installed, each bracket will clear the inner fender splash shield. Both brackets get installed directly behind the core support on the passenger side and are positioned just above the frame rail. We felt that this is a good location for most Coyote swaps because of the routing for the harness and connectors. Now we say “most” because of the custom nature of engine swaps. If you’re unsure on whether or not these brackets will work for you, read further for the installation procedure to have a better understanding of where these brackets get installed.

In typical SVE fashion, a hardware pack is included with all of the necessary hardware to install the bracket. We even include two pieces of dense foam that have an adhesive backing which will ensure the PCM doesn’t rattle against the surrounding metal and prevent unnecessary movement. You will need to drill a 1/4-inch hole for either bracket, but we are going to cover that below. As far as fitment is concerned, each of these brackets will fit 1979 to 1993 Fox Mustangs. The car we’ll be working with today is our mock-up car, so let’s right into it!

Gen 1 Coyote PCM Bracket Installation Steps

1. So for this install, we’re beginning with the front bumper and inner fender splash shield removed from the car. Check out our front bumper and inner splash shield removal article for additional assistance. So, with the bumper and splash shield removed, we're going to show the steps for the Gen 1 bracket first.


2. Locate the bolt securing the fender support brace to the core support. Remove the bolt with an 8mm socket and then remove the j-nut.


3. Make note of the orientation for the Gen 1 bracket and install a new j-nut onto the bottom tab on the bracket.


4. Hold the bracket in position and snug down one of the new bolts.


5. Verify that the bracket is centered and use either a marker or center punch to mark the hole in the upper tab. Remove the bolt and set the bracket aside.


6. First, drill a pilot hole with an 1/8-inch drill bit. Then you’ll want to use a 1/4-inch bit.


7. If needed, use a deburring bit to knock down any burrs or sharp edges.


8. Use some touch-up paint or rust-prevention paint and cover the exposed metal. Depending on the coverage, (2) coats of paint may be needed.


9. Back on the workbench, use one of the provided bolts to cut threads into either one of the small holes. Repeat this for the second small hole. You’ll want to run these down until they stop. Once installed, the bolts will be facing down.


10. Go ahead and install another j-nut onto the upper tab on the PCM bracket. It will have the same orientation as the other j-nut.


11. Position the bracket into place and loosely install (2) bolts. Hand tighten these bolts in a uniform sequence.


12. Now we can go ahead and determine where the foam pads need to be placed. We chose to stack the (2) pieces and position them in a way where the PCM is slightly pushed outward by the foam.


13. Once you determine an adequate location, wipe this area with alcohol or prep spray.


14. Now you can peel the adhesive backing off of one of the pads and stick to the other one.


15. Peel the other backing and install these pads into place. Apply pressure to the pads to ensure good adhesion.


16. Slide the PCM over the bolts in the correct orientation. Hand tighten the two nuts. Be careful you don’t overtighten these.


17. That completes the steps for the Gen 1 brackets so let’s install the bracket designed for the Gen 2 and 3 PCMs.

Gen 2 Coyote PCM Bracket Installation Steps

1. Make note of the orientation for the Gen 2 bracket and install a new j-nut onto the bottom tab on the bracket.


2. Hold the bracket in position and snug down one of the new bolts.


3. Verify that the bracket is centered and use either a marker or center punch to mark the hole in the upper tab.


4. Remove the bolt and set the bracket aside. First, drill a pilot hole with an 1/8-inch drill bit.


5. Then you’ll want to use a 1/4-inch bit.


6. If needed, use a deburring bit to knock down any burrs or sharp edges.


7. Use some touch-up paint or rust-prevention paint and cover the exposed metal. Depending on the coverage, two coats of paint may be needed.


8. Go ahead and install another j-nut onto the upper tab on the PCM bracket. It will have the same orientation as the other j-nut.


9. Back on the workbench, align the PCM with the (3) holes in the bracket. The bracket will be positioned in a way so that when it is installed into place the PCM will sit between the fender apron and the bracket. Use the provided nut and bolts and install them into place. This hardware only needs to be hand tight so be careful not to overtighten.


10. Once the PCM is secured, mock up the assembly so you can determine where you need to place the foam.


11. Similar to the Gen 1 assembly, I chose to double stack the foam and position them in a way where the PCM is slightly pushed outward by the foam.


12. If needed, remove the assembly and install the foam. Wipe this area with alcohol or prep spray.


13. Now you can peel the adhesive from one of the pads and install this pad onto the other one. Peek the other backing and install the pads into place. Apply pressure to the pads to ensure good adhesion.


14. Then you can reinstall the assembly and hand tighten the two bolts.


15. After that, you’re good to go.

So wrapping everything up… we're definitely digging the simple design of these brackets and how easy they are to install into the car. These SVE Coyote swap PCM brackets without a doubt eliminate the guesswork of selecting a location to mount the PCM. Like we stated previously, there are certain variables when it comes to Coyote swaps so please keep that in mind if you’re in the market for one of these brackets. As always, please reference LMR.com for the most up-to-date product information, pricing, and availability.