5.0 non-HO swap

Hey guys I'm trying to piece together a 5.0 EFI setup for an early 302. I found a computer and harness for a non-HO thunderbird and was thinking of using it since it has the early 15426378 firing order. Can I put an HO manifold, TB, and injectors on the engine and run with the non-HO computer? I'm kinda worried that it will either not work right or be really slow. BTW, I was trying to do this without swapping cams, hence the early firing order. Will this work or does anyone have any tips? Thanks.

Not positive but i think the only difference between the HO and the nonHO is the throttlebody size and the size of the cam. Also it might be a non rollercam. Not positive, just what i always thought.

If you use the 19lb HO inj with the std computer it will be too rich. You'll need HO computer for those, or run the std 14lb inj. Either computer(speed densety) will work with the Bird harness, but will requre some mods if you go to mass air. It's possible to switch the injector wiring at the EEC connector to correct the firing order(just have to swap 2 pair of wires 3-5 & 7-4).

What cam do you have in your 302???

[addsig]

Turbocoupe, thanks for the reply. Right now I'm running the stock flat tappet hydraulic cam in the 302. Are you saying that I can change the injector wires and run an HO computer with the early firing order? If so, that's what I'll do. [img]/phpBB/images/smiles/icon_tup.gif[/img] Also, are the stock non-HO injectors only 14 lb/hr? that's pretty weak. Another question: Will it hurt to run EFI with no EGR valve? Some people have told me that it doesn't make a difference, but others have said I'll have detonation. Obviously, I don't care about the check engine light or anyhting.

With a stock 302 cam I'd run the SO(standard output)stuff, here's why(remember were talking speed density systems here, not mass air). The EEC(computer) is programed for a certain air flow through the engine. The EEC, cam, injectors, throttle body, exaust system, etc are basically matched for optimum performance and drivability. If you use the HO EEC, intake throttlebody, and inj, but have a wimpy cam and weak exaust system you're gonna be too rich at WOT. Possibly could run a mass air setup with your stock cam, as it is measuring actual air flow.

Even the SO system should give you a noticable increase in torque and gas milage. You may be able mix the components and use a adj fuel pressure regulator, but this may cause off idle/part throttle issues. Remember I'm just reccomending what would yield the best reults. Doesn't take long for a bucking, surging engine to get old..

If you want to go HO(and get 60-70 more hp), then swap to a 351 cam with approx 210* duration on a 114-115 LCA, and have a good 2 1/4" exaust system. With these mods you'll think someone slipped a 351 under the hood. [img]/phpBB/images/smiles/icon_spin.gif[/img]

Detonation won't be a problem with a properly tuned engine, EGR is closed on WOT anyway.

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1988 Turbo Coupe...5.0 Conversion... AOD... 3.73s
NA 13.11@105.32....W/90 Shot 12.23@112.19



<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: TurboCoupe50 on 2/24/04 6:10am ]</font>