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Topic: Question about parts for MAF Conversion (Read 3339 times) previous topic - next topic

Question about parts for MAF Conversion

I have been considering doing a Mass Air Flow conversion on my TBird (as I have been considering doing a lot of things), but I know absolutely nothing about things having to do with wiring.

What are all of the parts I need in order to complete a MAF conversion on my Bird? Any info will help.

If I don't do the conversion soon, I'll do it eventually so it will work with whatever CAI I decide to get.
'88 Thunderbird LX
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
Engine:  FR B303 cam, GT40P heads w/ Trickflow valve springs, Explorer upper/lower intake, SR cold air intake w/ MAF
Exhaust:  shorty headers, BBK O-R X-pipe, glasspacks w/ turn downs
Misc:  8.8 rear, Saleen SC replicas 17x8/17x10, Mach 1 front springs/SN95 rear springs
&
'74 F100 Custom 351W

Question about parts for MAF Conversion

Reply #1 –
Look Here...

You can find the harness multiple places, a lot of the standard mustang parts places have them, but there are two plugs, as I found out.  Make sure that the sensor matches the plug on the harness.  My first one was a mismatch.
T-Birds can't fly.  Ask how I know...

Question about parts for MAF Conversion

Reply #2 –
You can keep Speed Density and use a CAI, or even swap the heads and use an H.O cam and upgraded exhaust. Your cam choices are limited due to the factory flat top pistons. Until you get to bigger cams than an H.O piece, leave it Speed density. Mass Air isn't going to give you a power boost.. A speed Density H.O computer is a direct swap for the H.O upgrade, no wiring changes, and a LOT cheaper for the same results when doing an H.O upgrade.
'88 Sport--T-5,MGW shifter,Trick Flow R intake,Ed Curtis cam,Trick Flow heads,Scorpion rockers,75mm Accufab t-body,3G,mini starter,Taurus fan,BBK long tube headers,O/R H-Pipe, Flowamaster Super 44's, deep and deeper Cobra R wheels, Mass Air and 24's,8.8 with 3.73's,140 mph speedo,Mach 1 chin spoiler,SN-95 springs,CHE control arms,aluminum drive shaft and a lot more..

Question about parts for MAF Conversion

Reply #4 –
That's what I used for the Sport.
'88 Sport--T-5,MGW shifter,Trick Flow R intake,Ed Curtis cam,Trick Flow heads,Scorpion rockers,75mm Accufab t-body,3G,mini starter,Taurus fan,BBK long tube headers,O/R H-Pipe, Flowamaster Super 44's, deep and deeper Cobra R wheels, Mass Air and 24's,8.8 with 3.73's,140 mph speedo,Mach 1 chin spoiler,SN-95 springs,CHE control arms,aluminum drive shaft and a lot more..

Question about parts for MAF Conversion

Reply #5 –
Quote from: vinnietbird;434652
You can keep Speed Density and use a CAI, or even swap the heads and use an H.O cam and upgraded exhaust. Your cam choices are limited due to the factory flat top pistons. Until you get to bigger cams than an H.O piece, leave it Speed density. Mass Air isn't going to give you a power boost.. A speed Density H.O computer is a direct swap for the H.O upgrade, no wiring changes, and a LOT cheaper for the same results when doing an H.O upgrade.

I have GT40P heads, an Explorer intake, stock Mustang headers, and a BBK Catless X-Pipe all waiting to go on.  Would Mass Air be a good option after these installs? (which I will probably bother you guys about further down the road)
'88 Thunderbird LX
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
Engine:  FR B303 cam, GT40P heads w/ Trickflow valve springs, Explorer upper/lower intake, SR cold air intake w/ MAF
Exhaust:  shorty headers, BBK O-R X-pipe, glasspacks w/ turn downs
Misc:  8.8 rear, Saleen SC replicas 17x8/17x10, Mach 1 front springs/SN95 rear springs
&
'74 F100 Custom 351W

Question about parts for MAF Conversion

Reply #6 –
Nope, don't bother.

if everything works out well, 24# fuel injectors should be on your list as well.
Quote from: jcassity
I honestly dont think you could exceed the cost of a new car buy installing new *stock* parts everywhere in your coug our tbird. Its just plain impossible. You could revamp the entire drivetrain/engine/suspenstion and still come out ahead.
Hooligans! 
1988 Crown Vic wagon. 120K California car. Wifes grocery getter. (junked)
1987 Ford Thunderbird LX. 5.0. s.o., sn-95 t-5 and an f-150 clutch. Driven daily and going strong.
1986 cougar.
lilsammywasapunkrocker@yahoo.com

Question about parts for MAF Conversion

Reply #7 –
I'd say with those mods and an H.O cam, speed density and 19# injectors are fine.
'88 Sport--T-5,MGW shifter,Trick Flow R intake,Ed Curtis cam,Trick Flow heads,Scorpion rockers,75mm Accufab t-body,3G,mini starter,Taurus fan,BBK long tube headers,O/R H-Pipe, Flowamaster Super 44's, deep and deeper Cobra R wheels, Mass Air and 24's,8.8 with 3.73's,140 mph speedo,Mach 1 chin spoiler,SN-95 springs,CHE control arms,aluminum drive shaft and a lot more..

Question about parts for MAF Conversion

Reply #8 –
Quote from: vinnietbird;434717
I'd say with those mods and an H.O cam, speed density and 19# injectors are fine.

+1

With GT40P heads, GT40 intake, and a HO cam 19lb injectors and SD should be fine. If you change the cam to something else you may need MAF, depending on your cam choice.

Also FYI: don't convert to MAF till you do the HO swap. If you do it before the injector firing order will be wrong.
88 Thunderbird LX: 306, Edelbrock Performer heads, Comp 266HR cam, Edelbrock Performer RPM intake, bunch of other stuff.

Question about parts for MAF Conversion

Reply #9 –
Saw this thread and had a question. Gdawg said earlier he was using stock Mustang headers? I thought with these heads you had to go with aftermarket headers?
87 Tbird LX w/Factory floor shifter:D   3G upgrade. Tinted Windows...85 Mustang GT steering wheel(non-cruise) 17'' Saleen SC style wheels,Front/Rear TC sway bars/poly bushings & Mustang GT steering rack...'05 Mustang V6 springs...93 Cobra MC & booster, MM adjustable C/C plates,  Work  In  Progress.......  ( On The Shelf---HO computer, 19lb injectors, HO cam, BBK headers, Explorer Intake, Cold Air Intake ,Phantom Gauges, Stinger stainless exhaust pipes )
 S O L D

Question about parts for MAF Conversion

Reply #10 –
Spark plug clearance.
Some people get away with 90° boots and using a wrench instead of socket.
Quote from: jcassity
I honestly dont think you could exceed the cost of a new car buy installing new *stock* parts everywhere in your coug our tbird. Its just plain impossible. You could revamp the entire drivetrain/engine/suspenstion and still come out ahead.
Hooligans! 
1988 Crown Vic wagon. 120K California car. Wifes grocery getter. (junked)
1987 Ford Thunderbird LX. 5.0. s.o., sn-95 t-5 and an f-150 clutch. Driven daily and going strong.
1986 cougar.
lilsammywasapunkrocker@yahoo.com

Question about parts for MAF Conversion

Reply #11 –
Quote from: Aerocoupe;434659
The conversion kit is here if you just want to buy something instead of trying to do it with salvage yard stuff:

http://www.brothersperformance.com/1986-88-mustang-5-0-pro-m-mass-air-conversion-wiring-harness.html?gclid=CIfKlLae674CFUMF7AodU1EALg

Darren


I decided to go with a B303 cam and I am doing the MAF conversion.  If I buy this MAF conversion kit, does it take place of buying a used computer harness?  or does it also take place of having to buy a computer too?
'88 Thunderbird LX
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
Engine:  FR B303 cam, GT40P heads w/ Trickflow valve springs, Explorer upper/lower intake, SR cold air intake w/ MAF
Exhaust:  shorty headers, BBK O-R X-pipe, glasspacks w/ turn downs
Misc:  8.8 rear, Saleen SC replicas 17x8/17x10, Mach 1 front springs/SN95 rear springs
&
'74 F100 Custom 351W

Question about parts for MAF Conversion

Reply #12 –
http://www.coolcats.net/modifying/massair.html

Read here. Your adding/splicing 4 wires to your existing harness. You still need the computer and mass air meter.

This isn't much harder then running two speakers to your stereo. Take your time, ask questions if you need to, and make sure you have everything you need. If all goes well, it shouldn't take more then 2-3 hours, once you have all the engine stuff done.
Quote from: jcassity
I honestly dont think you could exceed the cost of a new car buy installing new *stock* parts everywhere in your coug our tbird. Its just plain impossible. You could revamp the entire drivetrain/engine/suspenstion and still come out ahead.
Hooligans! 
1988 Crown Vic wagon. 120K California car. Wifes grocery getter. (junked)
1987 Ford Thunderbird LX. 5.0. s.o., sn-95 t-5 and an f-150 clutch. Driven daily and going strong.
1986 cougar.
lilsammywasapunkrocker@yahoo.com
 

Question about parts for MAF Conversion

Reply #13 –
Do a search, its been covered with the short plugs and 90 boots.

Darren

83 351W TKO'd T-Bird on the bottle


93 331 Mustang Coupe - 368 rwhp