Posted by Sam Mangano on February 21, 1999 at 23:27:15:
In Reply to: Re: Fuel Injected engine swap posted by Brian on February 21, 1999 at 01:56:02:
Hi All,
I don't have any problem writing about this subject for the FAQ, but I have to tell you that it would be a rather narrow report. What I mean is that I can only tell about how I did it, and there are so many different approaches a person could take. I did it the hard way by cobbling together parts from several different vehicles over a period of years. I'm not sure I could put down in writing everything a person would need to know about what to look for if they wanted to follow this course. The other side of the coin is that if you have enough $$$$$, there is a company that will build you a custom kit with everything you need and detailed directions for installation. Since most of us aren't named Rockefeller, I would think the "do it yourself" attitude is the most popular. But even then, there are so many variables. For instance, I have been asked time and time again about how I solved the fuel delivery problem. Since the new style pumps are located in the tank, everyone thinks they have to carve up
their Maverick tank in order to do this project. Not true. I used a frame-mounted electric pump from a Lincoln Mark VII, and just plumbed a return line into the tank. It was actually one of the easier parts of the whole job, but that was just MY solution. You could still do the in-tank setup if you have enough hair on your chest, but I couldn't begin to give advice on that course of action. This whole project was one of the most ambitious things I've ever done, and it was not easy by any means. Fortunately I made a lot of notes during the process, and I would be happy to share my experiences if there is enough interest in this subject.
: Sam, I do not know if this has been mentioned too you, but, I think this conversion would be an excellent addition to the "How To" section, if you would be willing that is. I have run across several late model GT 'stang's recently here in Dayton Ohio that have been totalled in the ass-end or side-swiped and passed on them due to lack of info on how to make the conversion. Maybe a 3 or 4 part "story" on how to make everything work. But then, maybe it is to complicated to try and write about it here....just a thought, didn't say it was a good one....
: : I made this conversion to my '72 Maverick, and it was anything but easy. You're welcome to email me with specific questions, including the fuel tank issue, as it's much too involved to go into here.
: : : I realize that this is probably something that will require a long answer, but here goes.
: : : I don't know the first thing about fuel-injected cars, i've never owned one nor taken the time to look at a friends. However, a friend of mine recently offered to sell me his POS LTD ('88?). Normally, i would say forget it, but this is an ex-cop car with all the goodies: 5.0L High Output, Tuned port fuel injection, super charged, recently rebuilt with new heads and all (also 4spd tranny)--we're talking about ripping some 'stangs a new one. He says he wants $1500 for the whole car.
: : : How easy would it be to get the engine into my maverick (everyone's seen the LTD, don't ask me why i don't want it)?? I know enough that getting the actual engine into my car would be no problem, however the computers are what worry me. How easy will it be to put in the necessary computers, hook them up, etc....and how easy will the wiring be? How many necessary processors are there, and will anything need to be changed? A friend also mentioned something about needing a special gas tank for FI cars???? I don't know about that....
: : : Has anyone converted their mav. to FI? I'm sure there are plenty, please give me any help you can.
: : : Thanks,
: : : Chris