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Topic: engine swap, 88 302 to 89 302HO (Read 3055 times) previous topic - next topic

engine swap, 88 302 to 89 302HO

Iwant to swap my 88 302 t'bird motor for a 89 mustang 302HO motor, (very low milage). the 88 bird 302 is in my 48 ford with an AOD trans. From the coolcats forum I know I will need the HO computer, harness and MAP sensor. Being a streetrod, there is no smog equipment to worry about so do I need any other sensors? My present O2 sensors are located in the cast iron manifolds and will be relocated to the pipes after the headers. Does this HO motor need to have an "H" or "X" pipe or can I run my duals without this configuration? Thanks for any help you can give.

Re: engine swap, 88 302 to 89 302HO

Reply #1 –
On the exhaust part, I see no reason why you would have to run an X or an H.  It will just deliver a different sound, that's all.

Re: engine swap, 88 302 to 89 302HO

Reply #2 –
where do I locate the bung for the O2 sensors? How far after the s?

Re: engine swap, 88 302 to 89 302HO

Reply #3 –
Quote from: larrycar78
where do I locate the bung for the O2 sensors? How far after the s?


They are generally 6"-8" from the . If you are planning on using the Mustang headers you current pipe is not going to bolt up(the headers are longer and have a larger opening). I'd use a Mustang off road H pipe(hopefully it will fit your chassis), as it will already the bungs installed. To get the most from the HO it needs to breathe, I'd reccomend no less than a full 2 1/4" exaust system and 2 1/2" would be my choice.

BTW you mentioned needing a MAP sensor, not necessary... I've subbed every way possible(std 5.0 to HO even 4 cyl to HO and the reverse) and all worked fine. If you go to Mass Air you will need to get the MAF sensor and make some wiring changes, but a '87-'88 Mustang HO speed densety computer is plug in and go.

Re: engine swap, 88 302 to 89 302HO

Reply #4 –
I am using a 89 HO and I am getting the HO computer with it for $40 bucks. I will need the wiring harness which I'll probably buy from Ford. I"m not that familiar with fuel injection (Always used carbs) so I"m getting an education, which is cool! Never too old to learn new tricks. Some of my questions may sound dumb but I"m also new to Fords (Always been a chevy guy). Any help you guys can give is appreciated.

Re: engine swap, 88 302 to 89 302HO

Reply #5 –
The exhaust is costom bent so I"ll modify the front s as needed. Do I need an "H" pipe or can I run straight back (present setup)? If 2 1/2" will fit , thats what I"ll use. The 48 frame has an "x"member in it with lightening holes in it and the pipe runs thru the holes.

Re: engine swap, 88 302 to 89 302HO

Reply #6 –
If you use a '87-'88 Mustang speed densety computer, your present wiring will be fine. There is actually no difference in the std 5.0 and HO connections, sensors, etc, with the speed densety system(the '89 engine won't care in the least, it will run fine on a '87 computer. But if you plan on modifing it later with big cam, better heads, etc. go with the mass air system.).

If the computer is a '89-'93 then you can convert your present harness to the newer mass air system. There are kits marketed by the Mustang parts houses and on ebay just for this at around $40. Either way as long as your present harness is in good condition, there is no need to replace it.

The "H" pipe really isn't necessary, just as long as the system flows well.

Re: engine swap, 88 302 to 89 302HO

Reply #7 –
if you wanna swap over to speed density, i have a speed density computer ill trade you for the MAF computer
It's Gumby's fault.

Re: engine swap, 88 302 to 89 302HO

Reply #8 –
thanks "turbo". I'll be in touch.

Re: engine swap, 88 302 to 89 302HO

Reply #9 –
My present setup is an 88 302 tbird motor, speed density, and I am upping to a 89 HO motor with mass-air. This is a used, low mile motor and comes with the HO computer. Thanks for the offer. If everything works out I'll be selling the 88 motor.

Re: engine swap, 88 302 to 89 302HO

Reply #10 –
the speed density computer i have is for an HO, its the computer that TurboCoupe50 mentions when he said 87-88 speed density computer
It's Gumby's fault.

Re: engine swap, 88 302 to 89 302HO

Reply #11 –
I"ll let you know. Thanks.

Re: engine swap, 88 302 to 89 302HO

Reply #12 –
tbird232,, how much you take for your computer???
88 sport,TW heads, comp xe270hr, cobra u/Tmoss ported lower, 65 mm throttle body, under drives,smog delete,
1.7 roller rockers, cai, k&n, bbk adj regulator, 76mm Pro-m,all MSD ign. MSD dist,18° base timing, 3g alt.1 5/8 ceramic headers, 255lph walbro, 2.5" h-pipe, flowmasters, silverfox valvebody, 3.73 gear,
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc154/flipnbird/DSCF0185.jpg ( RIP : ( )