I Need Help 5.8 mpfi into 88 5.0 t-bird February 19, 2008, 03:36:00 PM OK, I have a 88 t-bird 5.0. I picked up a complete running 5.8 MPFI out of a 1990 f250,I have the computer and harness for it. Can I run it as is using the existing computer and harness,and keep my digital speedometer? Or can I/should I switch it to carb for now? I am trying to do the swap on a budget,already have the fox swap pan and pickup. I appritiate any input.:burnout: Quote Selected
I Need Help 5.8 mpfi into 88 5.0 t-bird Reply #1 – February 19, 2008, 04:08:37 PM I got a warning for what was here before so all i got to say is i hope you can keep your dash if not you might need a set of gauges also it would be nice to keep it EFI. Quote Selected
I Need Help 5.8 mpfi into 88 5.0 t-bird Reply #2 – February 19, 2008, 06:24:28 PM Why? Just swap out the sensors from the old to the new engine....Anyone else want to chime in? Quote Selected
I Need Help 5.8 mpfi into 88 5.0 t-bird Reply #3 – February 19, 2008, 06:29:44 PM If you're staying with EFI your best bet is to keep your current harness. The truck harness is not sequential fuel injection, it's "batch fire" (four injectors fire at a time), and of course it isn't mass air. Neither is your T-Bird, but your T-Bird is easier to convert.About the engine: You'll have to ditch the stock intakes. The truck intakes are too tall to fit under a car hood. Because the 351 is taller/wider you'll need to either find a Lightning (GT40) style intake or go aftermarket. Your current 5.0 stuff will not work, nor will any 5.0 lower intake. You'll also need to use your 5.0 accessories with an aftermarket PS/AC bracket. You'll need 5.8 -> Fox headers and a double sump oil pan (mid 80's Crown Vic 5.8 pan). You can go carbureted and keep your current gauges, but if you've got the full digital "disco" dash you will lose your fuel economy computer functions. If you've got the digital speedo only (base cluster) a carb will present no problems.Good luck with your swap - I've got a 351 swap on the back burner myself (roller block 351). I will likely be going carbureted, simply because of the cost. Quote Selected
I Need Help 5.8 mpfi into 88 5.0 t-bird Reply #4 – February 20, 2008, 12:21:33 AM I have the headers and the oil pan,pick up and pump. I was thinking run carb for now untill I can get a upper/lower for the 351. I know efi is the best way to go,can I use a HO computer to make the mpfi sefi? I know the y sell an adapter to put my upper on a truck lower for 100.00, Can get a upper/lower for around 400.00. Man I have a lot of questions.:hick: Quote Selected
I Need Help 5.8 mpfi into 88 5.0 t-bird Reply #5 – February 21, 2008, 08:05:52 AM use a speed density H.O computer H.O and 351W use the same firing order. Quote Selected
I Need Help 5.8 mpfi into 88 5.0 t-bird Reply #6 – February 21, 2008, 05:28:57 PM Quote from: Carpimp1987;205122I got a warning for what was here before so all i got to say is i hope you can keep your dash if not you might need a set of gauges also it would be nice to keep it EFI.The dash doesn't give a rats ass about the computer, functions such as temp, oil pres, fuel level etc are operated by senders on the engine and fuel tank...SENSORS send info to the computer on operating conditions and are mostly(yes there are exceptions) the same for any EEC-IV system...IF the engine is going to be stock, I'd run it on the truck EEC(computer)... Of course that would require wiring the injectors for batch fire, but a few jumpers at the EEC connector would take care of that... Quote Selected
I Need Help 5.8 mpfi into 88 5.0 t-bird Reply #7 – February 21, 2008, 07:23:09 PM I'm with Tom....That is what I was basically getting at. Quote Selected
I Need Help 5.8 mpfi into 88 5.0 t-bird Reply #8 – February 22, 2008, 12:33:39 AM TirboCoupe50, Do you know what wires I would have to jump? I have the complete engine intake to pan and all harnesses and sensors.Thanks for all the help guys.:burnout: Quote Selected
I Need Help 5.8 mpfi into 88 5.0 t-bird Reply #9 – February 23, 2008, 12:28:31 PM Quote from: IRON MIKE;205571TirboCoupe50, Do you know what wires I would have to jump? I have the complete engine intake to pan and all harnesses and sensors.Thanks for all the help guys.:burnout:I'll have to look at the wiring diagram to see which ones to jumper... Gimme a day or two... Quote Selected
I Need Help 5.8 mpfi into 88 5.0 t-bird Reply #10 – February 25, 2008, 09:39:58 PM Well I think I'm ready. I picked up a Ford EFI book over the weekend,combine that with all the inet info and I'm pretty sure I can do the swap without much problem. I just need to know if my AOD tranny will work. I heard stories of people needing a special flexplate,Is this true? I can't find any special flexplates for a 351w they all are the same part # with auto trans. Anyone? Quote Selected
I Need Help 5.8 mpfi into 88 5.0 t-bird Reply #11 – February 26, 2008, 01:27:13 PM The 351 flex plate will be the same as a pre '81 5.0 and have a 28oz imbalance... In '81 the 5.0 cranks were lightened to require 50oz... Just look up a '90 Crown Vic with the 5.8 and that will be the correct one, if yours is the same then you're set... Quote Selected
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