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Messages - Beau

17
Engine Tech / Re: Question about switching to a Mustang GT cam
Are you running the stock Tbird EEC with an HO cam?

At best you'll need a Speed Density EEC from a Mustang....make sure to NOT get one for Mass Air. Or you could switch to mass air in which case an A9L would be what you'd need. IIRC, the SD (speed density) EEC is a DA-1.


The crank is the same between an HO and an SO engine, block too.

But yeah, if you've got an HO cam, you'll definitely need the corresponding EEC to run the show...

Did you start off with the SO 5.0 and upgrade it to HO specs?

I'd almost say you're going to want to go to Mass Air since you have the P heads and an Exploder intake on there...it'll run a good deal better with it.
18
Engine Tech / Re: Question about switching to a Mustang GT cam
Yes, the cam dictates firing order...and the SO 5.0 found in Tbirds/Cougars shares the truck 5.0 firing order.

The HO and 351w are the same.

Once the HO cam is in, re-route the plug wires accordingly. Depending on what year your engine is, you may need to swap the distributor. Some of the older cams require an iron dist driven gear, newer ones require steel.

If your engine is an '87, '88...you'll be fine with your stock dist an the HO cam. Otherwise, switch the plug wires around and go like hell.
19
Electrical Chatter / illuminated switch question
Not sure if my query should go here as it doesn't exactly pertain to a Thunderbird...so apologies in advance if I posted in the wrong section..

This pertains to my 2006 Explorer...anywho, there is what is known as the brown wire mod, it basically keeps the auto transfer case from engaging when it wants to, in effect, keeping the vehicle in "true" 2wd.

My question is this; is it possible to use an illuminated switch to be able to send power to the 4wd module when I need 4x4, and have the switch illuminated when on? I don't want to send voltage to something that shouldn't have it, or backfeed into the module when the switch is off (which would be counter productive to the whole idea anyway)...

Granted, one would need a schematic to fully see what I'm talking about...

Right now I have a simple toggle switch and it works fine but I'd like to have something that's lit up when on and the auto 4wd is acting as it should...

I'm not the most well versed in 12v DC wiring and don't want to mess stuff up.


The purpose of the cutting off the signal to the t-case is two fold; a bit better mileage and the feeling of more power due to the lack of parasitic loss to the front end's getting power.
This actually won't harm the T case as everything is still mechanically connected, it merely keeps the t-case from auto engaging when the system detects (what it thinks, anyway) is wheel spin at the rear...
I've actually driven several thousand miles with the signal wire unpinned from the module's connector...only thing I've noticed is about a mile, mile and half increase of fuel mileage.

Anyway, if my rambling makes any sense, I appreciate feedback :)
20
User Rides / Re: Chuck's '83 TBird
Personally, I think it'd make a great idea for a kill switch for the ignition. Nobody would ever suspect it.
21
Engine Tech / Re: 88 3.8 V6 to 5.0 V8 Swap questions
Yeah, you'll need the '88 engine harness from a Cat/Bird 5.0, as well as fuel lines (or make your own)

It's better if you have a complete V8 car, but the engine harness alone is enough to get you where you want to be.

While not on topic, the stock V6 brakes are barely adequate for the 3.8, so I'd recommend something more modern if you've not done that already.

I might still have a set of V8 fuel lines from when I was messing with my Sport. All other parts are long gone, save for a TC hood and some smaller stuff. Where are you? Close to North Missouri? I'd make you a hell of a deal on whatever Bird parts I have left. Can't remember what all I have, but it's a fair amount of stuff. Really rather not hassle with shipping the bigger parts, but wouldn't rule it out, either.

23
Suspension/Steering / Re: Brake upgrade situation
Got those '99-'04 calipers on my 87 Stang...coupled with hawk pads, they definitely add some woah to the go.

Ought to be the first thing one does to any Fox car, along with the (obviously) 5 lug conversion..
24
Lounge / Re: Feeling frustrated with the state of my project.
For me, it comes down to *time*, *money*, and *motivation*.

None of those three seem to be able to exist all at the same time, in my life, at least right now.
Work is at least 6 days a week, and always 10 or more hours a day, just got over covid again for the second time, and have to much other puppies that's on the upper end of the priority list.

I said eff it. Gonna sell off all of my project stuff, two whole cars, an engine, (more like 3, all together), and a few boxes of stuff. Nothing to get excited about..it's just mustang puppies.

Edit...my oh my, the filters are potent now. Both times, it was a word that rhymes with "nap" and is slang for what comes out of a puppies fundament. Oh well. Guess I have to buy a membership to say a shagin' cuss word LMFAO



26
Engine Tech / Re: Help Please, Energy Drain
None of those stock (2G) alts are worth a red .

I had a fire on an '89 Tbird from the connector melting, basically the voltage reg went bad and things got....hot..

Anywho....not really relevant, BUT, if you need more amps, then a 3G and upgraded wiring/connectors may be the thing. Write up on coolcats tells how, and what ya need, as well as what to find em on, if you;re the sort that likes getting your hands dirty twice ;)
29
T-Bird/Cougar Parts & Cars WANTED / Re: HO Upgrade
I'd think honestly, to get the most, may as well swap in an Explorer engine, change the cam (would have to anyway, regardless), you'd already have the best iron heads, would still need valve springs, even with an HO cam, and finsh it off with a decent exhaust, and what...300 horses, what with an E cam, and the explorer intake?

You'd need to stab a distributor in it, the exploders had dist-less ignition, but the block still has provisions for it.

I started mine with an HO bottom end from a V8 stang...were I to do it again, I'd go with the Explorer engine. Stille the same work, but ten years newer (at least) on the bottom end, and probably less abuse....win.

Anywho, I wonder if OP will follow up. I have no need for these HO parts, he's welcome to 'em.

I *might* even have a set of EFI fuel lines...I'd have to check. Honestly don't know what I have for Tbird stuff, left, anymore..
30
T-Bird/Cougar Parts & Cars WANTED / Re: HO Upgrade
Yeah. makes the OP's query even more of a head scratcher. Surely it's a typo and he meant 84.

I knew the '93 Bird (V8)ad the HO....the first ex-wife had one. Wasn't sure about the 94, but I knew for a fact the 95 had the 4.6 as I've worked on one of those.

Anywho....OP must mean an 84...and those were CFI, were they not? Probably gonna need a harness too...