88 Gt Resurection, Need Advice.

[Alex Green]

Hello everyone,

My name is Alex and a few weeks ago I picked up an 88 GT with a blown tranny...sitting for ??years?
Everything seems in mint condition and the odometer reads 34k miles.....but u never know.
I swapped out the AOD tranny in favor of a T5. I found in the trunk of this thing a T5 4 cyl tranny and an expensive Centerforce dual friction clutch kit? I put her back together and she runs like a top!
Everybody tells me that the 4cyl T5 suck and they are weak?? Idk...I drive this thing HARD and it does just fine. 1st gear is short , but I start in 2nd .

I picked up this car because it reminded me of my old 89 GT(my first ever car)! LOL
Since the good old 302 runs like a top now, I would like to do a few mods.
My 88 is a Speed Density car with an automatic ECM.
I would like to swap it to MASS since I have my old MASS and 30lbs/injectors.
I understand I need a pigtail and a new ECM?
I am unsure of what ECM to purchase? What is the most recommended ecm code for this?


Thanks in advance.

 

[Alex Green]

Also it seems like it has the Original exhaust system....as it is stamped Ford all over and leaks quite a bit.
I am on a budget and would like to upgrade the whole exhaust system....Ebay is my cheapeast option? or?

 

[86lxhatch]

I can't speak as to the fuel inj. stuff...but as for the exhaust, I would look on craigslist in your area. Find headers, h-pipes, etc. that are close enough to you so you can see them in person before you buy. Headers, x-pipes, etc. can be found very easily and you can get a good deal there, especially since you are on the budget... I would not buy any exhaust from the midpipes back though, as almost all of it has been welded, or bent for each particular application, and may or may not fit your car. That's just my 2cents though.

 

[2000xp8]

t5's from 4cyl cars aren't as bad as people make them out to be.
As for starting in second, that's a little excessive for a car with no mods, probably going to burn your clutch out slipping it for a smooth take off.

There is a mass air conversion post in the helpful thread section here, find it. It's not really a big deal.

You can't use 30lb injectors and meter, they are for cars with 330rwhp and up.
Right now you are like 130rwhp short of that.

For exhaust, buy better quality parts, like bassani. infinitely adjustable, goes on and off easily. You can buy bassani used, but you shouldn't with any kit that needs to be welded or uses standard U clamps. Rarely does an exhaust that is welded fit 2 different cars properly.