VAM.. What is difference between stock and big?

[JosephB]

I have a 1989 mustang lx that has a new remanufactured ford motorsports 1987 thunderbird turbo 2.3L engine. It is stock with the exception of a slightly ported intake manifold and a gillis boost valve set to about 12 psi. I saw big VAM on ebay and I was wondering if I should purchase one. Is there a difference between mine and this other one. I have brown top injectors and stock turbo setup. Do i need a different computer?

 

[driftingalong1]

Needing a New Computer

If you install the 360cfm Big VAM, you will need to install the Big VAM computer. The VAM that you have is either a 280cfm, or a 320cfm. The Merkur XR4Ti (1985-1989) has a 280cfm unit. There is a noticable difference in the size of the two in comparison.

The 360cfm VAM flows much more air and is less restrictive. If you cant figure out the system, try a MASS Air system.

Zach
1988 5.0 LX Coupe

 

[JosephB]

Thanks for the reply. So where can I find this computer?

 

[88stangmangt]

*cough* *cough* JY

 

[evintho]

They come stock in '87-'88 5-spd turbo coupes only. Good luck finding one in a junkyard, most of 'em are scooped up and sold on Ebay. If I were you, I'd jump on this one right quick! $50 is a pretty good deal!

http://www.turboford.net/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=6;t=009547

 

[Red_LX]

Hold on, before he goes buying something he doesn't need, if his car has an '87 Thunderbird engine in it then it should already have the big VAM. Joseph, measure the diameter of the inlet & outlet flanges on your VAM...if they're ~3", you've already got the big VAM on there (which I'm sure it is)

Oh yeah, turn that boost up!

 

[JosephB]

Hey it is, thanks. I learn something everyday.

 

[65ShelbyClone]

If you install the 360cfm Big VAM, you will need to install the Big VAM computer. The VAM that you have is either a 280cfm, or a 320cfm. The Merkur XR4Ti (1985-1989) has a 280cfm unit. There is a noticable difference in the size of the two in comparison.

The 360cfm VAM flows much more air and is less restrictive. If you cant figure out the system, try a MASS Air system.

The Big VAM ECUs being coded as LA2 or LA3, BTW.

I have a question, though. If the small VAM is 280cfm and the 360 came on the '87-88s, then what did the 320 come from?

On converting a VAM system to run a MAF, that's a whole other can of worns.

 

[65ShelbyClone]

If you install the 360cfm Big VAM, you will need to install the Big VAM computer. The VAM that you have is either a 280cfm, or a 320cfm. The Merkur XR4Ti (1985-1989) has a 280cfm unit. There is a noticable difference in the size of the two in comparison.

The 360cfm VAM flows much more air and is less restrictive. If you cant figure out the system, try a MASS Air system.

The Big VAM ECUs being coded as LA2 or LA3, BTW.

I have a question, though. If the small VAM is 280cfm and the 360 came on the '87-88s, then what did the 320 come from?

On converting a VAM system to run a MAF, that's a whole other can of worms.