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We got a 88!

  • Thread starter Thread starter Rick88
  • Start date Start date Mar 17, 2021

Rick88

Member
Mar 17, 2021
46
10
18
Alabama
Mar 17, 2021
#1
  • Mar 17, 2021
  • #1
Hello everyone, my wife and I did a thing and bought a 88 GT! I am a disabled vet that cannot work so this will hopefully fill my time and keep me from going too crazy! Lol. The car is in really good condition considering it’s age. I’m not entirely sure on the mileage of the car as the owner couldn’t give me much info. It does run and runs pretty well, that’s all I care about at this point. Some interesting things are going on under the hood. It has a MAF sensor but no hookup and I can’t find the cable, they removed the A/C, and the coolant catch doesn’t have a cap nor the sensor wiring. He did install an aftermarket temp gauge but I haven’t investigated how he hooked it up.

Anyway, I know that’s a lot of random info so here’s the pics! Sorry for the mess we are dealing with some bad storms right now.
 
Reactions: Wayne Waldrep, LILCBRA and Mustang5L5

Potomus Pete

I'm still waiting for the fully nude shots
5 Year Member
Mar 7, 2019
3,308
1,223
153
Sarasota Florida
Mar 17, 2021
#2
  • Mar 17, 2021
  • #2
Super Nice
 

nickyb

I gotta say i never painted my nuts, Never Ever
15 Year Member
Apr 3, 2009
2,978
1,621
153
nevada
Mar 17, 2021
#3
  • Mar 17, 2021
  • #3
Nice buy,good luck.And thank you for your service.
 

7991LXnSHO

wanna catch the space herp
10 Year Member
Sep 1, 2010
7,387
2,745
194
Kearney, NE
Mar 17, 2021
#4
  • Mar 17, 2021
  • #4
Nice Storm Trooper!
 

General karthief

wonder how much it would cost to ship you a pair
5 Year Member
Aug 25, 2016
27,856
10,533
203
polk county florida
Mar 17, 2021
#5
  • Mar 17, 2021
  • #5
IIRC, the only maf mustangs in 1988 were California cars, check the sticker on the door jamb for a DSO code, let use know over in the fox forums if you need help decoding it.
Welcome to stangnet.
 

Rick88

Member
Mar 17, 2021
46
10
18
Alabama
Mar 18, 2021
#6
  • Mar 18, 2021
  • #6
7991LXnSHO said:
Nice Storm Trooper!
Click to expand...
Didn’t even think of that!
 

Rick88

Member
Mar 17, 2021
46
10
18
Alabama
Mar 18, 2021
#7
  • Mar 18, 2021
  • #7
General karthief said:
IIRC, the only maf mustangs in 1988 were California cars, check the sticker on the door jamb for a DSO code, let use know over in the fox forums if you need help decoding it.
Welcome to stangnet.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the code. That’s the plan today, going to check out the ecm and get knee deep into the engine bay. Probably going to do the usual tune up; plugs, check wires, distributor, etc.
 

Rick88

Member
Mar 17, 2021
46
10
18
Alabama
Mar 18, 2021
#8
  • Mar 18, 2021
  • #8
So I'm thinking my ECM is not a mustang ECM... it is in a ford case but this is the only identifying sticker on it. Any help would be appreciated! Car runs but now I'm a bit worried about the ECM and motor.
 

Rick88

Member
Mar 17, 2021
46
10
18
Alabama
Mar 18, 2021
#9
  • Mar 18, 2021
  • #9
Nevermind found the answer! Amazing what a cup of coffee can do lol! 88 Speed Density ECM for 5.0. All is well lol. Seems the owner was doing the MAF Swap. Now to decide if I want to continue that,,,
 

BlakeusMaximus

Still got to try a little lube on my speedo head
5 Year Member
Jul 12, 2017
2,474
1,348
173
Mar 18, 2021
#10
  • Mar 18, 2021
  • #10
Nice car man, I have a white 88 GT myself.
 

General karthief

wonder how much it would cost to ship you a pair
5 Year Member
Aug 25, 2016
27,856
10,533
203
polk county florida
Mar 18, 2021
#11
  • Mar 18, 2021
  • #11
Do the maf upgrade.
 

LILCBRA

I wish I didn't have all of these balls in the air
Mod Dude
Dec 6, 2005
6,334
5,308
194
Corn County USA
Mar 18, 2021
#12
  • Mar 18, 2021
  • #12
Nice looking car! And welcome to Stangnet!

I agree, I'd finish the MAF install.
 

Mustang5L5

That is…until I whipped out my Bissell
Mod Dude
Feb 18, 2001
43,200
17,890
224
Massachusetts
Mar 18, 2021
#13
  • Mar 18, 2021
  • #13
If the car is stock (which it appears to be) there’s no need to convert to MAF. In fact, the Speed Density cars tended to be a little quicker (they had a slightly more aggressive cam too)

I’d actuslly take the MAF tube off and replace it with the correct 86-88 intake tube. Less restriction
 

General karthief

wonder how much it would cost to ship you a pair
5 Year Member
Aug 25, 2016
27,856
10,533
203
polk county florida
Mar 18, 2021
#14
  • Mar 18, 2021
  • #14
I agree with Mike, I was under the impression there was modifications planned.
 

Mustang5L5

That is…until I whipped out my Bissell
Mod Dude
Feb 18, 2001
43,200
17,890
224
Massachusetts
Mar 19, 2021
#15
  • Mar 19, 2021
  • #15
Short of a cam swap, speed density is still a viable choice. I had mods on my car and it still ran beautifully with speed density
 
S

Specracer

Active Member
Nov 24, 2020
71
28
28
SE MA
Mar 19, 2021
#16
  • Mar 19, 2021
  • #16
Thank you for your service!!

I too have an 88 (bought new), and runs just fine with out the MAF. The pony wheels are a nice upgrade, as are the change out of the "cheese grater" tail lights. I also personally like the "porno red" interior (period correct). Car looks very clean, enjoy it!
 

Wayne Waldrep

Before I post a pic, do you have one of yours?
20+ Year Stangneter
Apr 14, 2003
1,338
659
143
Cuba, AL
Mar 20, 2021
#17
  • Mar 20, 2021
  • #17
Welcome to Stangnet and thanks for your service! Fellow Alabamian here
 

ppost

Member
Feb 11, 2020
29
3
13
Racine, Wisconsin
Mar 20, 2021
#18
  • Mar 20, 2021
  • #18
nice car welcome I have an 89 same colors. Thank you for your service. Only problem with that red interior is can't find replacements to match.
 
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