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Topic: Build approval someone please! (Read 8817 times) previous topic - next topic

Re: Build approval someone please!

Reply #30
Use the Explorer motor and ditch yours. I have an Explorer engine in my 88 Bird. You will need valve reliefs for those heads and an E303 cam. You will need to transfer the oilpan and other external pieces from your current engine to the Explorer engine, but a 5.0 is a 5.0.
'88 Sport--T-5,MGW shifter,Trick Flow R intake,Ed Curtis cam,Trick Flow heads,Scorpion rockers,75mm Accufab t-body,3G,mini starter,Taurus fan,BBK long tube headers,O/R H-Pipe, Flowamaster Super 44's, deep and deeper Cobra R wheels, Mass Air and 24's,8.8 with 3.73's,140 mph speedo,Mach 1 chin spoiler,SN-95 springs,CHE control arms,aluminum drive shaft and a lot more..

 

Re: Build approval someone please!

Reply #31
If you want to clean up the intake try using a citrus based degreaser and just let it soak in it for a day or two.  If that doesn't get it then try something like Citristrip and brush it on and let it sit for a couple days.  This will take it down to raw aluminum so you will want to use a good degreaser, prime and then paint.  Another option is if the intake runners are pretty clean on the inside take it to a powder coater and let them media blast it and powder coat it.  So its elbow grease, your time, and a little money or drop it off and pay for it.

83 351W TKO'd T-Bird on the bottle


93 331 Mustang Coupe - 368 rwhp

Re: Build approval someone please!

Reply #32
Use the Explorer motor and ditch yours. I have an Explorer engine in my 88 Bird. You will need valve reliefs for those heads and an E303 cam. You will need to transfer the oilpan and other external pieces from your current engine to the Explorer engine, but a 5.0 is a 5.0.
I was up on the air, as to what engine to use (explorer or thunderbird) I decided to use the explorer, it just makes a lot of sense to save time effort and money. I wanted to keep as much original parts as I can, so I was leaning towards using the original motor. Not sure why though ( this car is definitely going to be a Frankenstein) And Vinnie your right a 5.0 is a 5.0.  plus there has been some small improvements done to the 5.0L between 88-97 which also make sense too.
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]88 Thunderbird Sport 302 H-pipe,flowmaster 50 series delta flow e303 cam GT40 upper and lower intake, GT40P heads, trick flow springs and rocker arms.

Re: Build approval someone please!

Reply #33
If you want to clean up the intake try using a citrus based degreaser and just let it soak in it for a day or two.  If that doesn't get it then try something like Citristrip and brush it on and let it sit for a couple days.  This will take it down to raw aluminum so you will want to use a good degreaser, prime and then paint.  Another option is if the intake runners are pretty clean on the inside take it to a powder coater and let them media blast it and powder coat it.  So its elbow grease, your time, and a little money or drop it off and pay for it.
Thanks you suggestion to use citrus degreaser, I’m going to try it on the lower intake. I looked in to having the upper intake media blasted, $55 was the charge not sure if this is high or low, but I want to keep this a budget build so if I can avoid paying that I will.
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]88 Thunderbird Sport 302 H-pipe,flowmaster 50 series delta flow e303 cam GT40 upper and lower intake, GT40P heads, trick flow springs and rocker arms.

Re: Build approval someone please!

Reply #34
As others have said just use the Explorer engine. Add a Fox oil pan & pickup, Fox damper, Fox distributor, and a set of GT40P headers and you'll be all set.


If possible change the cam to something else. That will require a MAF conversion as well. If going that route I'd recommend 24lb injectors and a matching MAF.
88 Thunderbird LX: 306, Edelbrock Performer heads, Comp 266HR cam, Edelbrock Performer RPM intake, bunch of other stuff.

Re: Build approval someone please!

Reply #35
As others have said just use the Explorer engine. Add a Fox oil pan & pickup, Fox damper, Fox distributor, and a set of GT40P headers and you'll be all set.


If possible change the cam to something else. That will require a MAF conversion as well. If going that route I'd recommend 24lb injectors and a matching MAF.
I picked up a MAF off of a 89 mustang I just have to track down the computer which is challenging to get it for a fair price.
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]88 Thunderbird Sport 302 H-pipe,flowmaster 50 series delta flow e303 cam GT40 upper and lower intake, GT40P heads, trick flow springs and rocker arms.

Re: Build approval someone please!

Reply #36
Oh yes people are proud of their A9Ls and A9Ps and anything GUFB. I got lucky a few years ago with a Craigslist one. For $200.


Also if you haven't already found or made one LMR has the conversion harness I bought, makes it a little easier to wire up:

https://lmr.com/item/PMA-EMAWH/1986-88-Mustang-50L-Mass-Air-Conversion-Wiring-Harness



Re: Build approval someone please!

Reply #37
Or you can buy the harness from the manufacturer:

http://www.promracing.com/mass-air-conversion-harness.html

Good thread on how to do it yourself:

http://vb.foureyedpride.com/showthread.php?165673-86-gt-maf-conversion-kits

You are looking for the following EEC's for a 89-93 5.0 Mustang MAF with 19 lb/hr injectors:
A9l - 5 speed only
A3M - 5 speed only
A9P - Auto but will work on a 5 speed

If you want an EEC factory calibrated for 24 lb/hr injectors then you will need the one from a '93 Cobra and the MAF from a Cobra.  EEC is a X3Z and only works with a 5 speed.

Typically I can find the non-cobra EEC's for $125 to $150 on the Mustang sites.  The Cobra units are way less common so I have no idea there.

You can run larger injectors with the non-Cobra EEC's but it will require a MAF from Pro-M or the like calibrated for the size injector you want to run.  Its that or get a chip like SCT.


83 351W TKO'd T-Bird on the bottle


93 331 Mustang Coupe - 368 rwhp


Re: Build approval someone please!

Reply #39
I was tearing the engine down today and I drop a piston!  Theres’s a ding. Should I replace it or will it be fine?
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]88 Thunderbird Sport 302 H-pipe,flowmaster 50 series delta flow e303 cam GT40 upper and lower intake, GT40P heads, trick flow springs and rocker arms.

Re: Build approval someone please!

Reply #40
Personally, I'd say don't sweat it, I've seen worse work fine. but try not to drop anymore   :smile:

Re: Build approval someone please!

Reply #41
Just scored some used shorty headers with new gasket $65. I plan to wrap headers instead of painting.
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]88 Thunderbird Sport 302 H-pipe,flowmaster 50 series delta flow e303 cam GT40 upper and lower intake, GT40P heads, trick flow springs and rocker arms.

Re: Build approval someone please!

Reply #42
That lower intake isn't tapped for the air charge temperature (ACT) sensor (bank 5). You will want to take the intake to a machine shop, or get a different lower.

I wouldn't try a hand drill and tap, but that's also possible.

That said, the computer doesn't use ACT changes for much.
1988 Thunderbird Sport

Re: Build approval someone please!

Reply #43
So I know sometimes there's issues with GT40P heads and headers. Haven't personally been through it but something about spark plug interference with aftermarket headers? Maybe put them up to the heads and made sure everything is fine? I may be mistaken. Either way that's a good price for those headers.

Re: Build approval someone please!

Reply #44
So I know sometimes there's issues with GT40P heads and headers. Haven't personally been through it but something about spark plug interference with aftermarket headers? Maybe put them up to the heads and made sure everything is fine? I may be mistaken. Either way that's a good price for those headers.

Yes, the spark plug angle is a pain. My FMS headers I needed to use a modified socket to install/remove some spark plugs with gt40p heads, and a wrench on one iirc. I was very happy to get back to a normal spark plug angle with TW170  heads.
1988 Thunderbird Sport