We got a 88!

Rick88

Member
Mar 17, 2021
46
10
18
Alabama
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.
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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.
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.
 
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.
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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,,,
 
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
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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!