Anyone have any info on converting a 4.9L speed density engine, to mass air? I know the 96 4.9L was mass air. I have a 95 4.9L, with speed density. Due to a cracked water jacket, I am pulling the engine for replacement. I figure now is the best time to connvert to mass air. Besides a maf meter, and the computers, what else will I need? What efi wiring is different between the 4.9L speed density and mass air motors. Any input is appreciated!

 

IMHO the swap is not worth the effort. You will need the wiring harness for the mass air engine as well. Another alternative might be the FRPP Mass Air conversion kit for an early 5.0 Stang combined with a mass air computer for the 4.9. It would take some research of the pinouts on the computer, but would be a much easier way to do the conversion if it will work.

 

The 96 is OBD-II. You'd have to re-wire the entire powertrain to adapt the 96 computer and MAF. Not worth the effort

 

Here is me, all bathed in ignorance!
What's the difference?
Why would a person want to change?

There must be something better about the newer of the two, or SAE wouldn't be there! What is it?

 

The older trucks use what is called speed density fuel injection. This system functions by taking measurements of air temp, engine temp, rpm, manifold pressure etc. is used to calculate airflow and then guess how much fuel the engine needs to run properly. With mass air the air flow is actually measured directly by a meter and it injects how much fuel should go with that amount of air. When the airflow is calculated there are inherent errors, especially if the engine is operating outside of its original parameters. When it is measured there is far less error, even when modifications are made, so mass air systems are more receptive to mods.

 

I can see the benefit of Mass Air. The Computer is not so busy measuring things that might change from moment to moment, but are not so important in the overall picture.
Less expensive sensors, as well as fewer sensors sensors maybe.

If we convert our older trucks to F.I., we shold look for the Mass Air vehicles to plagerize.
Now then.....Which ones would they be?
What years did the SAE start the Mass Air production?
What does the Mass Air look like?
What is striking about it's appearance that might catch my eye in a search for an engine to plagerize?

I realize I'd need the whole Computer and all the sensors. A change like this has been on my mind for years.

 

the only year the 300 I6 came with mass air was in 1996 (a few were in 1995) came with the OBD-2 diagnostic computer with is tottaly different from the speed density OBD-1. like strangeranger pointed out u would need to rewire the whole computer, fab up the 3 o2 sensors, etc...

 

Even with mass air all the other sensors are still in place and used. They are just used for fine tuning instead of the complete control of the fuel system. The easiest way to identify mass air in the boneyard is the MAF sensor located in the tube between the airbox and throttle body. The SD system goes directly from airbox to TB, mass air has a MAF in between. It would be easier and more cost effective to pursue an aftermarket fuel management system than to adapt a factory mass air system to an older truck.

 

"To seek out and confront the forces of evil and kill'em deader than hell!"

That's right!

We'll give em' a nice trial and a quiet hangin.

Why dont the rest of the world see it this way?

 

It was also available on the '97 F250 and F350's.