I have acquired a 2008, Manual, 2.3L Ford Ranger that I want to turn into an EMP proof vehicle. In my research, so far, I think I only have the ECM to worry about as the truck will run fine without all the other modules. Just might not have some luxuries.
My plan is to either protect the ECM with whatever circuitry that is KNOWN to work OR put aside a good ECM wrapped in aluminum foil.
There is no PCM since it is a manual transmission and I believe the CJB is just wires and no electronics (?)
What other concerns might I have?
In looking for a spare ECM, will I be able to find one that does NOT require reprogramming? I do not have a smart key, just an old fashioned "stick it in the hole and turn it" key
Any other thoughts on this project?

 

Not for nothing, an EMP(electro-magnetic pulse) strong enough to effect electronics in a metal body vehicle would destroy the vehicle, or enough around the vehicle so there would be no place to drive

In Ocean's 11 they used a "Pinch" to Black out part of Las Vegas for a few minutes, very very cool
EMP generators do exist and they are called a "pinch" but that's where the science ends, lol, they are used for local experiments, like in the same room, local, maybe 100ft

The energy it takes to generate an EMP that will go any distance needs a nuclear bomb power source or the Sun
The US, and other Nations, have developed E-bombs, EMP bombs, but even the "biggest" only effect maybe 1 square mile, so very local effect

Engine computer is in a metal case surrounded by a metal body, it won't be effected by an EMP

Now home electrics and cell towers can be effected by an EMP because the EMP generates voltage surges, in the local power grid


But sure, another PCM(engine computer) wrapped in a thin layer of foil, no openings, will be fine, but put it in the vehicle for that extra layer of body metal
2nd Coil pack as well

2008 Ranger should have PATS(passive anti-theft system), transponder key, not an option, it was standard equipment, 1999-2011 Rangers, only year that didn't have it after 1999 was 2005, Ford had a Licensing issues with the maker of PATS that one year

Maybe previous owner did some work.................. but in that case you would need to find out what they did or spare PCM wouldn't work for you
And the PATS is in the instrument cluster 2004 thru 2011 which is also an issue when swapping out the PCM, cluster and computer are "married" so you can't swap out either without re-programming

Best bet is to avoid EMPs

 

My experience in the Hardtack series in 1958, yeah, I am that old, tells me that EMP is more powerful than you seem to think. Besides a direct hit from a Solar ejection like the one in the late 1800s that caused burns on the hands of telegraphers who were operating when it hit, would cause damage to your cars electronics. First many cars today are not made of steel Faraday cages, but of fiberglass and plastic. A fiberglass hood, or just a poorly grounded steel hood would allow the EMP into the engine compartment and the metal box the ECM is in will not protect the internal circuitry if there are wires running thru the sides of the box connected to a huge capture area "antenna" known as a wiring harness.

 

Well there is also the downside
Say an EMP fried all the vehicle computers in your area, EXCEPT yours
So you now have the only running Pickup truck in the area

Wouldn't be just your friends calling you to help them move, EVERYONE would be calling you

 

Well there is also the upside, what a chick magnet a running vehicle would be.