Just wonder if the dash computer will still function properly if I do an engine swap from SO to HO in 85 30th anniversary Tbird? With new computer, wiring harness, etc. sounds like it might be a problem.
Computer will not work from so to ho.
By dash computer, I mean the lcd display for mpg, dte, distance, etc. My original post was not very clear.
The display and related items should be fine.Don't worry.
What vinnie said.
Thanks for the info! Want to keep it as close to original as I can but I really need more power. A big change switching between my Lightning and the tbird. The tbird really is fun to drive and with a few more ponies would really be fun. The SO is still going strong even at 170K miles so I am not sure I want to start swapping out parts. All still original except for caster/camber plates. More power would be nice though!
Add an H.O. upper intake and throttlebody assembly,headers and H-Pipe.That's pretty cheap,very easy,and a few more horses.How about that?You can change out the upper intake in an hour.A little longer for the exhaust,but worth it.
It's not that simple for him. He's got an '85, which was CFI
I think you have to be sure and use all digital sending units in the HO motor. So save all the sending units from your SO. Otherwise your gauges will be all screwed up.
reefunkimited, I have the same 30th bird. Mine is a CFI 5.0, I just bought a 88 notchback mustang 5.0 5speed it came with pony rims and a flowmaster system $1200 cause it was rolled . I am doing the same swap in coming weeks. I was wondering about the full digital dash it would be cool to have it working. Iam not sure if I have to find a new wiring harness from a 86-88 tbird cougar for the interior.
vinyman
I would like to keep everything functional with the digital dash but would like to have a few more horses under the hood. Not sure I want the power if I have to sacrifice other standard features of the car.
Might need to see how much power I can tweak out of the SO. Although it doesn't sound to promising from what I have read on the forum.
Keep us posted on your progress. Good luck.
Viny....
If you want to keep it simple (believe it or not)....gut the entire mustang....dash and all. You unbolt the entire dash assembly (a few at top...two at bottom) and take it out. The mustang dash will bolt right in....I think one of the lower bolts needed to be moved up.
Then....take the entire wiring harness....run it along the floor. Then all you have to do is plug and play! You must wire in the headlights, use a longer servo wire for the cruise (LTD, I think) Take the tbird seat tracks and bolt them to the bottom of the mustang seats. Believe it or not..much easier and more reliable. The only pain in the ass is the fuel sending unit....the guage will read opposite of true. If you are serious...email me off list.
nastbird@hotmail.com
Jeff :canada: