I'm a little late on this subject, yes you'll need a new computer, the firing order is different on the HO 5.0 than a truck 5.0. also as stated most trucks are not mass air which you'll need, to support the hp level of which you speak, and if using a HO 5.0 motor.

 

My previous vehicle was similar to yours, 92 f150 5l with speed density,bank injection, standard transmission. I did the mass air conversion with SFI, high compression and a torque cam. To put in a 5l mass air mustang engine involves a lot of work. Some of the items are as follows.
1) new mass air computer with associated pin reconfigurations.
2) rewire injectors for sequential injection.
3) Add a mass air meter and wire back to computer
4) revise firing order ( no big deal)
5)revise exhaust manifolds to new model f150( 94-96) which have o2 sensors on each manifold and wire both back to computer
6) revise bap sensor to map ( or vice versa, I cant remember which one)
7) Change fuel injectors to the mustang type. ( they are definately different)

I used a f150 lower intake and the upper plenum on a mustang but reversed the TB on the drivers side. The mustang plenum apparently flows better. Requires modifying the bracket for the throttle cable but then you can use a larger, more readily available TB for a mustang and use your old fuel rail connection point. You will need a larger plenum spacer for clearance of the upper plenum over the fuel rail.

The results. More power but I think in retrospect, I would have been better off building a 5.8l similar to the lighting. I think Ford motor sports has a mass air conversion kit for that vehicle but its pricey. Good luck but please note, You cannot modify your speed density engine without changing the computer and you probably cannot do it if you have a automatic transmission.

 

ok guys, how about htis idea...
i could get a 302 HO longblock from summit for just under 3000, then iinstead of going thru all the hassle of mass air and injectors and all, how about if i put in a weiland/edelbrck intake manifold and holley carb? remember, i dont care about gas mileage (this wont be my daily driver), i only really care about power and torque. after i do all that, then ill save money for some good aluminum heads and a cam with some good low-midrange power. what do you guys think?

 

I like EFI, it seems easier for me to understand and make changes to than a controled vacuum leak!!(carb)

with todays emissions standards closing the noose tighter every year, EFI seems to be smarter, thats what I would do. Just 1 opinion.

 

What about tailpipe emissions. I assume you probably have some form of emission testing in that nice balmy climate down there. Your 89 vehicle is computer controlled. Does it have an automatic computer controlled tranny.

You won't pass emmissions requirements for that model year with the changes contemplated. Perhaps its not an issue. If so, research the pain you may experience if the feedback on the computer controls are no longer there. May not be a problem.

 

there are no emissions here in florida, they were cancelled a year or two ago, so thats no problem. also, a couple of people have told me that for my year, my trannyis not computer controlled, so i shouldnt run into a problem there. keep those opinions coming, im really undesicive on which way i should go with this. thanks a lot guys!!!

 

If you're going carb, what about stroker engines; stroking a 302 or 351? That would makes gobs of more power and torque? The stoked 351 sounds good for a truck application. Talk to a reputable engine builder.

 

As far as the computer goes, the speed density EEC IV that's in the 89 F-150 will not work well with the explorer 65mm throttle body and the GT40 heads. You'd be wise to invest in a mass air conversion to do this swap to a GT-40 motor. I used the FMS M-9000-T50 on my 87 5.0 Bronco. Summit had it for about $600. There is also a Pro-M mass air kit that is supposed to be more adjustable, but costs more.

I'm still thinking about getting a chip from Mike T. for the Bronco eventually...

Mitch

 

Does the mass air conversion change the computer and switch it to SFI? Possibly converting a Mustang computer for use in the trucks? I thought all trucks used the batch fire injection. The firing order changed to the HO order in '95 and from what I have seen the injection system remains the same. If this is the case why the need to change injectors, unless you need bigger?

Also, my '95 uses the single O2 sensor. I think they went to 2 in '96 when the trucks started using OBD2.

As for mass air vs speed density, the debate rages. There are quite a few SD trucks with heads, cam etc. Some claim the mass air makes more power. Some claim SD makes more power. I have no idea how it affects the trucks, but if anyone has any proof either way (i.e. dyno links or hard numbers) please pass it on.

If mass air isn't needed, the only change required should be to the firing order.

It would be interesting to see the spec differences vs HP ratings. I think the last HP bump was in '94 which is when SOME trucks first got mass air. The firing order didn't change until '95 according to the Haynes manual I have. What produced the power bump?


BTW Flyfisher..... not trying to question what you had stated, just trying to figure this out. You had listed many of the items that it seems there are many versions coming from many people, and I'm hoping someone has some solid answers.

 

I'd stick with SD.

Signmaster-
There's a gentleman who participates on the mb's at MustangWorks who goes by 88workcar who is an SD wizard. He has an 88 SD Mustang that turns a 12.17 @ 112mph 1/4 mile. He could help answer many of your SD questions.

Donate54-
Before you spend any money on an engine, or any part of one, call Jim Baker at Hawaii Racing (there are 2 Jims, so make sure to ask for Baker), and tell him "Peckerwood" sent you. They are an FMS ("Ford Racing" now, isn't it?) dealer, and have always had excellent prices. About a year ago, they had a warehouse full of complete 5.0's that they were selling for around $2000. These engines included everything (except probably the ECM). They were complete from injector harness (and injectors) to oil pan, accessory drive belt to flywheel (or flexplate if you had an automatic tranny). Everything. Brand new. Distributor, water pump, even the oil. Everything. It was a complete bolt in replacement engine from Ford. I believe he mentioned a month or two ago that the quantity was getting low, and the price may have gone up. He can get anything in the FMS catalog (long blocks, short blocks, heads, etc.), and Hawaii Racing has most of it in stock. They have an on-hand inventory worth several million dollars, from Ford to Holley to Autometer to you name it. I'm not guarantying (sp?) he'll have the best price, but there's an excellent chance. That, and they'll more than likely have it in stock, which means not having to wait for someone else to order it from Ford. Tell him I sent you, and he'll help you out with the price. He works Tuesday - Saturday, 9am-6pm (4pm on Sat.) pacific time, and can be reached at (805) 583-8880. He wants me to rebuild the turbo on his sisters Volvo, so he'll treat you right knowing you're a friend of mine.

Take care,
-Chris

I just checked, and their website is back up, but it's still being worked on. They need a better webmaster! http://hawaiiracing.com/default.html (don't email, call and ask for Baker).

 

thanks for the tip, pkrwud!