1988 Computer

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You cannot keep your SD computer if swapping to MAF. You will need an A9l or A9P EEC.
Ford used to sell an MAF adapter back in the day. Ford Motorsport P/N E8ZM-12A582-B32.They are very hard to come by these days. I had one a few years back and sold it for $200. I'd check Ebay . The other option is to obtain an A9L computer and corresponding harnesses from either a JY or someone parting out a car. There should be a post in the archives or sticky section on the conversion.

good write up on the conversion

http://www.mustangandfords.com/how-to/engine/mmfp-0910-mass-airflow-conversion/

good videos on the conversion


View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mnnTgXkHU9Q#t=242.632947




View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UalM2EcRNVk
 
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The conversion is stupid easy without that kit or connectors. I think what... 2 pins have to be moved?

It's been a little while but it's not hard. If you can't/don't solder, find yourself a buddy that does.

Here's a simple conversion harness. If you scroll down, there's even a video for installing this specific harness:

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


I DO NOT recommend using the butt connectors in this video. Solder and shrink tube all of your connections.
 
The MA conversion is pretty easy using conversion harnesses. I've used this one before

http://www.mass-air.com/Products.htm

About halfway down. $40.

You'll still need to buy the A9L/A9P/A9S and appropriate Mass air meter and hoses. The install is pretty straight forward really. Run 4 wires from the MAF to the EEC, move some pins around, add the 4 wires, and then run 3 additional wires over to the VSS sensor, and the fuel pump.
 
MASS air conversion instructions from http://www.stangnet.com/tech/maf/massairconversion.html FREE

Revised 2 Aug 2014 to add new links to conversion harness suppliers, diagram for repining computer wiring connector and YouTube video

A9L (5 Speed) computer from junkyard $100-$150
A3M (5 Speed) computer from junkyard $100-$150
A9P (Auto or in a pinch, it will work in a 5 Speed car) computer from junkyard $100-$150
70MM MAF from 94-95 Mustang GT - $40-$70
MASS Air wiring harness kit $30-$85

The whole thing is probably less than $300 using junkyard parts.

A9L computers are 5 speed only
A9P computers are automatic, but will work with a 5 speed.

The conversion harness seems to work well for most folks. It avoids the compatibility problems in using a harness from the junkyard. Simple and cheap, actually less work that swapping the wiring harness.
Conversion Harness kits & parts
http://www.mass-air.com/
http://www.latemodelrestoration.com...ustang-50L-Mass-Air-Conversion-Wiring-Harness

Youtube video how to do a Mass Air conversion using a conversion harness kit (somewhat long but useful)

View: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mnnTgXkHU9Q


hrdp-0705-26-z%2bford-thunderbird-harness%2b.jpgl


Wire side 60 pin computer wiring harness connector
a9x-series-computer-connector-wire-side-view-gif.71316


Computer side 60 pin computer wiring harness connector
eec-iv-computer-connector-for-5-0-mustang-gif.88243



If the idea of moving & soldering wires scares you, here's a list of compatible Mass Air wiring harnesses.

Copied from bbunt302
Just for reference, here's a list of all the compatible years:

89 harness should work for 86-89 as long as you're using mass air.
90 harness will only work in a 90. (because of air bags and dual dash connectors)
91 through early 92 harnesses should be compatible (single dash connector, fuel pump relay under driver's seat)

Late 92 through 93 harnesses may be compatible (single dash connector, fuel pump relay under the hood). You may end up running some extra wire for the fuel pump relay. Comments and input from someone who has actually used the 92-93 EFI harness would be nice.

Larger MAF to go with Mass Air conversion:
94-95 Mustang GT MAF - $40-$100. It is 70 MM instead of the stock 55 MM on regular stangs built prior to 94. It uses a slip on duct on the side that goes to the throttle body and a 4 bolt flange on the other. You need a flange adapter to fit the stock slip on air ducting that goes to the air box. Wiring plugs right in with no changes. *1 *2

*1.) Metal flange adapter http://www.kustomz.com/cat3.html Buy the TR70 for $40-$45 depending on if it’s on sale or not. Or spend some time on eBay looking for one that may fit.
Try AutoZone and ask for 81413 - Spectre / 3 in. Aluminum Intake Mass Air Flow Sensor Adapter at $12.00. You may have to order it online.

*2.) MAF & sensor interchange
The 94-95 Mustang 5.0 MAF & sensor is also found on:
1995-94 Mustang 3.8L F2VF-12B579-A2A,
1994-92 Crown Victoria 4.6L F2VF-12B579-A2A,
1995-94 Mustang, Mustang Cobra 5.0L F2VF-12B579-A2A,
1994-92 Town Car 4.6L F2VF-12B579-A2A,
1994-92 Grand Marquis 4.6L F2VF-12B579-A2A,
Evidently the –A1A, -A2A, AA, etc. on the end of the part number is a minor variant that did not change the operating specs. You should be able to ignore it and have everything work good.