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Topic: Dash computer & engine swap (Read 3202 times) previous topic - next topic

Dash computer & engine swap

Just wonder if the dash computer will still function properly if I do an engine swap from SO to HO in 85 30th anniversary Tbird?  With new computer, wiring harness, etc. sounds like it might be a problem.
1985 30th anniversary, original owner

Re: Dash computer & engine swap

Reply #1 –
Computer will not work from so to ho.

Re: Dash computer & engine swap

Reply #2 –
By dash computer, I mean the lcd display for mpg, dte, distance, etc.  My original post was not very clear.
1985 30th anniversary, original owner

Re: Dash computer & engine swap

Reply #3 –
The display and related items should be fine.Don't worry.
'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..

Re: Dash computer & engine swap

Reply #4 –
What vinnie said.

Re: Dash computer & engine swap

Reply #5 –
Thanks for the info!  Want to keep it as close to original as I can but I really need more power.  A big change switching between my Lightning and the tbird.  The tbird really is fun to drive and with a few more ponies would really be fun.  The SO is still going strong even at 170K miles so I am not sure I want to start swapping out parts.  All still original except for caster/camber plates.  More power would be nice though!
1985 30th anniversary, original owner

Re: Dash computer & engine swap

Reply #6 –
Add an H.O. upper intake and throttlebody assembly,headers and H-Pipe.That's pretty cheap,very easy,and a few more horses.How about that?You can change out the upper intake in an hour.A little longer for the exhaust,but worth it.
'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..

Re: Dash computer & engine swap

Reply #7 –
Quote from: vinnietbird
Add an H.O. upper intake and throttlebody assembly,headers and H-Pipe.That's pretty cheap,very easy,and a few more horses.How about that?You can change out the upper intake in an hour.A little longer for the exhaust,but worth it.

It's not that simple for him. He's got an '85, which was CFI
2015 Mustang GT Premium - 5.0, 6-speed, Guard Green - too much awesome for one car

1988 5.0 Thunderbird :birdsmily: SOLD SEPT 11 2010: TC front clip/hood ♣ Body & paint completed Oct 2007 ♣ 3.55 TC rear end and front brakes ♣ TC interior ♣ CHE rear control arms (adjustable lowers) ♣ 2001 Bullitt springs ♣ Energy suspension poly busings ♣ Kenne Brown subframe connectors ♣ CWE engine mounts ♣ Thundercat sequential turn signals ♣ Explorer overhead console (temp/compass display) ♣ 2.25" off-road dual exhaust ♣ T-5 transmission swap completed Jan 2009 ♣

Re: Dash computer & engine swap

Reply #8 –
I think you have to be sure and use all digital sending units in the HO motor.  So save all the sending units from your SO.  Otherwise your gauges will be all screwed up.
-Jim
1987 Cougar LS 5.0

Re: Dash computer & engine swap

Reply #9 –
reefunkimited, I have the same 30th bird. Mine is a CFI 5.0, I just bought a 88 notchback mustang 5.0 5speed it came with pony rims and a flowmaster system $1200 cause it was rolled . I am doing the same swap in coming weeks. I was wondering about the full digital dash it would be cool to have it working. Iam not sure if I have to find a new wiring harness from a 86-88 tbird cougar for the interior.
                                                              vinyman

Re: Dash computer & engine swap

Reply #10 –
I would like to keep everything functional with the digital dash but would like to have a few more horses under the hood.  Not sure I want the power if I have to sacrifice other standard features of the car. 

Might need to see how much power I can tweak out of the SO.  Although it doesn't sound to promising from what I have read on the forum.

Keep us posted on your progress. Good luck.
1985 30th anniversary, original owner

Re: Dash computer & engine swap

Reply #11 –
Viny....

If you want to keep it simple (believe it or not)....gut the entire mustang....dash and all.  You unbolt the entire dash assembly (a few at top...two at bottom) and take it out.  The mustang dash will bolt right in....I think one of the lower bolts needed to be moved up.

Then....take the entire wiring harness....run it along the floor.  Then all you have to do is plug and play!  You must wire in the headlights, use a longer servo wire for the cruise (LTD, I think)  Take the tbird seat tracks and bolt them to the bottom of the mustang seats.  Believe it or not..much easier and more reliable.  The only pain in the ass is the fuel sending unit....the guage will read opposite of true.  If you are serious...email me off list.

nastbird@hotmail.com

Jeff :canada: