T-bird 5.0 vs Mustang 5.0

[Mark E.]

Need a little help here, and yes, I did search.

I just purchased a 66 Bronco Rock buggy with a 87 T-bird 5.0.

In my search, I read that the Mustang motor was more desirable and the acessories were different.

The T-bird motor will be fine for my application. All I need is a smooth running motor with good low end torque, and EFI for the angles I will be running.

My questions are these:

1) Is the computer pinout the same as a Stang so I can do the MAF conversion using a Mustang computer?

2) Can I use a Mustang AC delete pulley? I plan to remove the smog pump and I may do the AC delete pulley so I do not have to rework my power steering pump as that is already a custom install and I do not want to replumb it.


Thanks in advance, Mark

 

[TheRipper]

Need a little help here, and yes, I did search.

I just purchased a 66 Bronco Rock buggy with a 87 T-bird 5.0.

In my search, I read that the Mustang motor was more desirable and the acessories were different.

The T-bird motor will be fine for my application. All I need is a smooth running motor with good low end torque, and EFI for the angles I will be running.

My questions are these:

1) Is the computer pinout the same as a Stang so I can do the MAF conversion using a Mustang computer?

2) Can I use a Mustang AC delete pulley? I plan to remove the smog pump and I may do the AC delete pulley so I do not have to rework my power steering pump as that is already a custom install and I do not want to replumb it.


Thanks in advance, Mark

I believe all the stuff is interchangeable.Are you on the pirate board also?We just took a 5.0 out of a lincon and the intake was different than in the mustang.The intake was on the oppisite side.If I remmber correctly the thunderbird motor is identical.My brother has a 84' model and all the mustang stuff from that year has been the same.

 

[Mark E.]

Yeah, I'm on Pirate as 440-fide Ramcharger.

I figured they may cam up a Mustang a bit compared to a T-bird, but I assumed the other stuff would be very close. The throttle body is correct on the passenger side.

The motor runs well, but it's rich and the idle is not stable. The smog and AC pump are not used and will be removed. Cleaning the throttle body and air control valve should help. Along with adding a MAF conversion, I don't plan modding much more.

Mark

 

[TheRipper]

I am TheRipper on the pirate also.I know when I had my 5.0 if it had any kind of vacum leak the idle would be screwed.I fyou take the damn upper intake off the wrong way it will sometimes warp a little.I had to double gasket one once to make it stop leaking.Also do you have the o2 sensor's in the new rig because it will need them.

 

[Mark E.]

Yup, Got the O2's. Seems like a pretty good install except no check engine light. No idea why the smog pump was left on other than to just drop the motor in easy. I'll check for vacuum leaks. I just picked it up last week. Mark

 

[tjm73]

Lots of info here.

http://www.fordfuelinjection.com/

Any pics of your buggy? I always get interested in Buggy's and 4x4's this time of year.

 

[SQUEEZE&STROKE]

The T bird's pin out is definately different. The injectors are smaller too (something like 14LBS). When I made my A9L conversion harness I used a T bird computer pig tail and had to re-pin. Also did a search on the computers...they were really different. Hope this helps

 

[Mark E.]

Thanks for the info. I had checked out the fordfuelinjection site. Maybe I will just take care of the accesories and leave the MAF for later. It does run rich. I wonder if they slapped some Mustang injectors in there..........

 

[tjm73]

Not sure what kind of money you are willing to spend, but you might want to consider a WMS (Western Motorsports) stand alone Speed Density EFI computer system. It'll plug into the harness you have and give you control over everything. Plus it's simple and all inclusive. No lap top needed.

Might not cost much more than upgrading to a MAF computer, MAF meter, bigger injectors and the work to change it all over.

I checked their website (www.wmsracing.com ) and I think they can set you up without much trouble. No I don't work for them, just appreciate their system for it's flexibility and cost (just $1095 US).

Just thought I'd present another option.

Also will you be running extreme angles a lot? Would a dry sump oil system be appropriate? Just curious.

 

[Mark E.]

The WMS kit would be cool, but overkill for my application.

There is a local guy who parts out cars and I see complete 5.0 HO with accesories, wiring ect for around $500. Would not be a bad idea to upgrade to 1992 instead of 87.

As far as the dry sump, even if I loose oil for a few seconds, there will not be too much load or RPM, so I guess I will cross that bridge when I come to it.

Next I think I need to ID the injectors.

Mark

 

[Mark E.]

Injector ID

OK, They are off-white on the tops and have RIN-710 and 4U48 on them. Any idea what they are? I think he said they had been changed. Mark

 

[Allforspeed]

i know the lower intake is exactly the same, i have compared both, just for info for anybody here

 

[brian15]

ok heres a cool site with some t-bird info
www.coolcats.net

differences
crappy flowing e6 heads
upper intake / t/b
14lb injectors
even the cam is different
and the t bucket has flat top pistons

if i were you id keep it speed density , and find all stock mustang parts and swap the computer is suppose to be a direct swap if you keep it s/d but you also have to swap injectors .

hope this helps

 

[Mark E.]

Thanks for the link. I worked on it a bit yesterday and found an open vacuum line. Also the hose to the MAP sensor was stuck under the throttle body against the linkage. That explains a lot.

My guess is the previous owner changed the injectors and got 19 lbs instead of teh 14 lbs. Mustang computer and MAF should be calibrated for 19's if that swap is feasable. Or else stick with the speed density and make it run better.

Looks like the 5.0 sure got detuned for the T-bird. This is no drag car, so it should not bother me too much. The transfer case has 3.8:1 reduction.

I am going to work on it today and see how it goes. I'll shoot a pic also as requested.

Thanks for all the help so far.

Mark E.

 

[tjm73]

Was the T-bird engine a H.O.? If it was a H.O., it might be a 225 hp spec Mustagn engine. Some of the T-birds and the XR7 model Cougars had the Mustang spec engine.

 

[Mark E.]

I don't think it is a HO. The top of the intake does not state HO. The computer is code DG1 which is 87 t-bird.

It runs much better now and is not as stinky since I fixed the vacuum leak. I cleaned teh throttle body right before I saw the sticker that said not to. Oh well. Also I removed and cleaned the Idle air vavle. It still seems slow to respond. Idles very nice now when it gets there.

I'll mess with it more today. Not much energy this weekend as I am getting over a cold.

Here are a couple of pics too.

Mark

 

[tjm73]

That is one cool buggy and I see a GN in the background. Also a cool car!