AFR heads and EFI question

[cradicg]

I was comparing my current 302 setup to my buddies stock 88 5.0 LX. He may sell me his 88 cheap(rear end damage), and I was wondering (other than the PITA of EFI wiring), what perfomance upgrades can I transfer over to the EFI 302? I have all MSD (distro cap, blaster, ect), AFR heads, Weiland/Holley intake/carb (this obviously won't transfer), Tri-y headers, and an aftermarket cam. I don't have any info on the cam. The heads are AFR and stamped 147 on on side, and 1472 on the other. AFR website showed different info on both part numbers. Any body that could shed some light on these heads, and whether or not they would be worth transfering to an EFI setup would be much appreciated! The 88 has real low miles and runs smooth, so I would rather swap the engines out and add my upgrades to it if possible.

 

[Bullitt]

i don't see any reason to swap the distributor. you can run the MSD box with the Ford ignition + distributor and it'll work great. same goes for coil.

you can't swap the cam unless you get a roller cam as the distributor will eat it alive.

Tri-Ys will be a restriction (although maybe not as much with a stock cam), but not as much as the stock 5.0 intake which blows.

an '88 will have speed density which is much less mod friendly than mass air (available 90+ or 89+ california cars). if you do this, it'd be worth the money to upgrade to mass air. at the same time you're going to need a new mass airflow sensor and larger injectors anyways.

basically while a lot of parts may swap, you have a LOT of work to do on an '88 motor it make it even close to worthwhile.

 

[hrspwrjunkie]

All those things will tranfser, assuming you are using a cam/distributor gear combination that will work together. However, one of the advantages of the late model block is the roller cam and its "inexpensive" aftermarket valvetrain components (as compared to retrofits). You may want to consider running something along the lines of a Comp Xtreme energy similar to the grind you are running now in the 5.0.

I would consider using the carb setup instead of the EFI because it will make more power than an EFI set up, is easier to tune than an EFI set up and if tuned properly and maintained, will have no problems running every bit as well.

Using EFI can be tricky and not as easy to do as most people make it out to be. On top of requiring a number of mods to fit an EFI system in an old Mustang, the computer does not work as easily with performance mods as some sources have lead the general public to believe. If your combination does not fall within the parameters the computer can correct for, than you will require custom tuning software to make it work. Long story short, you'll need a very good understanding of EFI tuning and the EEC-IV computer if you want to run a combination other than stock as well as the extra cash to purchase the tuning device...which ever you choose.

Ultimately, the carb will be easier.

I was comparing my current 302 setup to my buddies stock 88 5.0 LX. He may sell me his 88 cheap(rear end damage), and I was wondering (other than the PITA of EFI wiring), what perfomance upgrades can I transfer over to the EFI 302? I have all MSD (distro cap, blaster, ect), AFR heads, Weiland/Holley intake/carb (this obviously won't transfer), Tri-y headers, and an aftermarket cam. I don't have any info on the cam. The heads are AFR and stamped 147 on on side, and 1472 on the other. AFR website showed different info on both part numbers. Any body that could shed some light on these heads, and whether or not they would be worth transfering to an EFI setup would be much appreciated! The 88 has real low miles and runs smooth, so I would rather swap the engines out and add my upgrades to it if possible.

 

[Bullitt]

hrspwrjunkie, not entirely true.

you might make more HP with a carb, but the difference is minimal, this has been tested time and time again in the magazines. and you WILL make more torque on the low-end and have much better driveability (at least unless you're willing to spend huge money or many many hours tuning the carb). i'm willing to bet that your average joe's carb tuning will be worse than you'd get with a factory EFI setup.

mass-air isn't that bad. i know a number of people running AFRs, cam, intake, even 347 strokers with either a stock or A9L computer in foxes with no trouble at all. sure they'll make better power with a custom tune, but the cars are still plently quick, run great, and make good power.

 

[hrspwrjunkie]

The performance tests I've seen usually place carb set ups exceeding fuel injected setups by 10-20 horses almost consistently.

As far as torque and tuning of EFI systems, it has been my experience that setups with cam setups, even as mild as an E303 can really throw the factory computer off, even an A9L. Other changes such as swapping heads and intake can also change the torque output and idling characteristics to the point that computer tuning will be necessary to provide decent drivability.

Both of these are easier to tune out of a carb, especially if the tuner is familiar with carburetor tuning and has no experience with fuel injection.

hrspwrjunkie, not entirely true.

you might make more HP with a carb, but the difference is minimal, this has been tested time and time again in the magazines. and you WILL make more torque on the low-end and have much better driveability (at least unless you're willing to spend huge money or many many hours tuning the carb). i'm willing to bet that your average joe's carb tuning will be worse than you'd get with a factory EFI setup.

mass-air isn't that bad. i know a number of people running AFRs, cam, intake, even 347 strokers with either a stock or A9L computer in foxes with no trouble at all. sure they'll make better power with a custom tune, but the cars are still plently quick, run great, and make good power.

 

[NasaGT]

As far as torque and tuning of EFI systems, it has been my experience that setups with cam setups, even as mild as an E303 can really throw the factory computer off, even an A9L. Other changes such as swapping heads and intake can also change the torque output and idling characteristics to the point that computer tuning will be necessary to provide decent drivability.

Computer tunes are getting pretty cheap for the 5.0s.

 

[302 coupe]

its buying 2 piece intakes, throttle bodies, MAF sensors, and injectors that gets expensive. Carb setups are cheaper and will give equal or better performance when properly tuned.

 

[10secgoal]

Throw your carb and timing chain cover on there. Swap the distributor gear, stab it in, fire and drive.