Funky 5.0

I just recenly bought a '91 LX 5.0 Vert with 108k miles on it. It starts and runs great. No leaks, trans shifts smoothly. Heres the problem though.

I noticed that when you accelerate from a stop, the car just kinda oozes along and then all of a sudden pulls really hard. It's like the car bogs down when you try and take off. I have done plugs, wires, rotor, dist. cap, pcv valve, fuel filter and injector cleaner with no luck.

I thought maybe the trans wasn't shifting all the way down but it is. The previous owner did some stupid Sh!t and wired in a toyota electric fan and toyota relay with masking tape and sheet rock screws. I'm gonna rip it all out tomorrow and install an electric fan with a thermostat.

I did notice that the car isn't charging quite right. The gauge sits down on the 8 all the time even with the fan unplugged. I know I need new batt clamps but could there be a bad ground? Is my alternator shot?

I know this is long but I've waited many many years to by a vert and don't wanna spend a lot of time begin disappointed.

Don't know what's causing your acceleration problem, but these cars do have a history of charging problems. In my experience, rebuilt alternators are all over the map, and I have been through at least a half dozen or more for the four 5.0 cars I have owned. Some have seemed to charge fine at idle, while others just have low output that heads dangerously red when idling with lights and accessories on. Personally, I've sworn off Pep Boys rebuilts, especially now that they've rescinded their lifetime warrantee. I guess they got sick of replacing their own crappy alternators multiple times. I may seek out a custom high output alternator next time around (and I'm pretty confident that it will happen sooner or later). I also suspect that wiring plays a part too. I currently have 2 '90 5.0's, and one has consistently low charging characteristics, even when I swap alternators across. One day I will try to hunt down bad grounds and connections if I ever get around to it. But to date, I can't pinpoint any one likely cause for the low charging. In any case, 8 volts at idle sounds low.

you cannot run a electric fan in a 5.0 with the stock 75amp alternator, the car doesnt produce enough voltage to keep the computer happy or any of the other electrical systems. toss the celica fan and install a 94-95 mustang gt 130 alternator if you'd like to keep an electric fan set up, if not just put a clutch fan back in.

if you do the alt. go with the PA performance wire kit, i used it with great results and its a symple install

also make sure you run a 85amp relay with the electric fan if you go that route
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Regardless if its the problem or not, upgrade your alternator. www.racesystems.com has a good how-to.

A dead spot on your TPS sensor can also cause the problems you're describing.
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