Mass Air Conversion

[snowman74]

Hi All,

Well, I'm ready to convert to mass air. This will be on my 1987 5.0 full size Bronco. After reading stuff from just about everywhere, I found something I was not aware of, and hope you can help:

When switching to MAF on 86-87, early EFI owners should have the excitor ring on distributor checked and make sure the #1 identifier is present in your distributor.

As I understand it, this is because the speed density setup was bank-fire, and switching to MAF will convert to sequential...which I definitely want.

So, has anybody run into this with their 87's? If it turns out my distributor does not have an identifier for cylinder #1, what option am I left with? If I have to replace the distributor, would you have a suggestion as to which one I should get (specific part # please)?

As of right now, I guess I am going with the kit from Ford Racing...although I'd really love to find something much cheaper; so, if you have a suggestion, I'm all ears.

Thanks for your help!

Snowman74 >-

 

[miesk5]

yes; you need the distr. w/da ring;

ny James O "Early EFI owners, especially 86-87, should have the excitor ring on distributor checked and make sure the #1 identifier is present in your distributor."

& by Ryan

" Stator

This sensor tells the computer engine rotation. It sits under the distributor cap and picks up a signal from a wheel with teeth. The wheel has the same number of teeth as cylinders in the engine. The #1 cylinder tooth is smaller to identify firing order. This is the most important sensor. Without it working properly the computer never senses the engine moving and the entire vehicle is a paper weight"

and in Ryan's EFI Swap article series;

"Ford used 2 different distributors with the

 

[RJLougee]

I've never run into one of the integrated TFI distributors that didn't have the exciter built in, but they must exist or there wouldn't be a warning on it. I think you should be able to look at it and make sure that one of the cutouts is sized differently than the others. If yours doesn't have one, just get a stock '90 5.0 truck distributor.

On the MAF conversion, the FRPP setup is the path of least resistance, but you can do it for less of you want. It'll depend on your level of comfort working on a wiring harness and willingness to scrounge and/or get used parts. You don't have to worry about transmission control, so you can go with any of the A9x series EECs and stock 'Stang wiring. You can get those parts pretty cheaply through a local U-pull or even on Corral.net (a Mustang site similar to this). The hardest part to find used is the MAF meter to twin TB air hose. With a 5.0 you can put on a car upper/lower and not worry about it, but you'll lose some of the low end torque. The Explorer intake is a little better, but more $$. If you can spend a couple of days becoming familiar with the wiring, then you can do a complete MAF swap for about $350 or so, using mostly used parts.

I've done several EFI conversions and always wire in the remote TFI where I can (some customers just don't want them). Ford went to the RTFI to help reduce TFI module failure.

Joe

 

[snowman74]

Thanks guys...I'll have a little time to work on it this weekend. I appreciate the help.

Snowman74 >-