Which EFI is the best
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Junior User
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 98
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From: Massachusetts
Which EFI is the best
Ford being the obvious answer...which year is the best 5.0 EFI to install. I can get my hands on a 86 5.0 EFI & A4OD with the computer and everything for cheap, but if I'm going to be plagued by bearing seal issues or other year-specific problems, I won't get it.
Anyone have any suggestions as to which year is the best?
Anyone have any suggestions as to which year is the best?
Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 3,594
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From: Southern Oregon USA
Which EFI is the best
The 89-92 model years seem to be the most popular. This is due to the fact that most of the aftermarket support is for those years.
And they have electronic systems better suited for any future engine modifications.
The 86 engine isn't that bad. However, there are some changes that make it less desireable to some. The cylinder heads and pistons are different from the later engines. Because of the piston to valve clearance, you are limited on camshaft lift. The engine control is called Speed Density. While it is a decent system and a big jump in performance and reliability over a carb, it isn't as easy to modify as the later engines. They do make conversion kits to make the early engines use the later engine controls.
FWIW, I have a 5.0 with 86 electronics and I have been very happy with the performance.
Keep in mind that this only relates to the car engines. The truck engines use a different EFI system and the intake will not clear the hood in an EB.
Jason
And they have electronic systems better suited for any future engine modifications.
The 86 engine isn't that bad. However, there are some changes that make it less desireable to some. The cylinder heads and pistons are different from the later engines. Because of the piston to valve clearance, you are limited on camshaft lift. The engine control is called Speed Density. While it is a decent system and a big jump in performance and reliability over a carb, it isn't as easy to modify as the later engines. They do make conversion kits to make the early engines use the later engine controls.
FWIW, I have a 5.0 with 86 electronics and I have been very happy with the performance.
Keep in mind that this only relates to the car engines. The truck engines use a different EFI system and the intake will not clear the hood in an EB.
Jason
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Junior User
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 98
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From: Massachusetts
Which EFI is the best
Okay, thanks for your input. I'm not racing this truck, or doing some severe rock climbing, it's just going to have an easy life as a daily three season driver, maybe some shows.
I think the motor is from a crown vic or an LTD, not really sure, I have to look at it still. My biggest worry was that the motor was a recall or failure magnet. It's going to get rebuilt if I do take it.
Thanks for all your help.
I think the motor is from a crown vic or an LTD, not really sure, I have to look at it still. My biggest worry was that the motor was a recall or failure magnet. It's going to get rebuilt if I do take it.
Thanks for all your help.
Freshman User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 37
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From: Mtn Home ID
Which EFI is the best
I installed a 88 Cougar 5.0 in my 1944 Ford GPW it works great but it uses a speed density system not a mass air type, like rcrawler said it is easier to do cam changes,and other high performace upgrades to the mass air system. But if you are looking for reliability and stock they all will work just fine 
Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 3,594
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From: Southern Oregon USA
Which EFI is the best
That is a really nice looking GPW. I wish mine was half as nice.
Is it OE steel or fiberglass? I'd love to see some more pictures.
There isn't any recall issues with the '86 engine that I'm aware of. The failure rate will depend more on the quality of your installation and age of components. You might want to double check that it is a Multiport System (will have a intake setup like the GPW pictured) or a throttle body injection (they have a regular, carb looking air cleaner). Either one will work, but the aftermarket only supports the Multiport engines for things such as conversion wiring harnesses and performance parts.
Jason
Is it OE steel or fiberglass? I'd love to see some more pictures.
There isn't any recall issues with the '86 engine that I'm aware of. The failure rate will depend more on the quality of your installation and age of components. You might want to double check that it is a Multiport System (will have a intake setup like the GPW pictured) or a throttle body injection (they have a regular, carb looking air cleaner). Either one will work, but the aftermarket only supports the Multiport engines for things such as conversion wiring harnesses and performance parts.
Jason
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2002
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From: Memphis, TN
Which EFI is the best
All Ford trucks used speed-density until the '94-95 California V-8s. In '96, they were all OBD-II MAF, which is easier to modify, but more expensive all around. I used an '88 for this '75 just because it's what I found, but if I were to pick, I'd go with '92-95 EEC-IV because the ignition module isn't on the distributor and the fuel pump system is better.
Freshman User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 37
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From: Mtn Home ID
Which EFI is the best
Its not finished yet I just got the seats in and a new roll cage built. Here is an older pic, The body is a new aftermarket steel one.
Hey Steve83 Thats one beautiful ol Bronco and a great photo album
Hey Steve83 Thats one beautiful ol Bronco and a great photo album
Last edited by 5.0L 44GPW; May 7, 2003 at 11:09 PM.
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Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 3,594
Likes: 2
From: Southern Oregon USA
Which EFI is the best
Steve,
Did you use the truck batch fire system with the car intake?
It depends on whether you use the car or pickup system. In '94, the Mustang 5.0 went to EEC V (OBD-II) which is not user friendly to swap into another chassis.
The ignition module is easily remote mounted with the Ford retrofit kit. Although I have heard many concerns, I haven't heard of many actually moving it. Mine is the original module that has been with the engine since new.
And most opt to use their own fuel pumps either frame mounted or an aftermarket in tank unit.
Jason
Did you use the truck batch fire system with the car intake?
It depends on whether you use the car or pickup system. In '94, the Mustang 5.0 went to EEC V (OBD-II) which is not user friendly to swap into another chassis.
The ignition module is easily remote mounted with the Ford retrofit kit. Although I have heard many concerns, I haven't heard of many actually moving it. Mine is the original module that has been with the engine since new.
And most opt to use their own fuel pumps either frame mounted or an aftermarket in tank unit.
Jason
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Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 3,594
Likes: 2
From: Southern Oregon USA
Which EFI is the best
What does the rest of your drivetrain consist of?
That is going to be pretty sharp when your done.
Add 60 years of rust, body damage, shade tree repairs, and brushed on pink house paint and it looks just like mine...
Without the lift, tires, wheels, appeal.
Someday I will start on it, though.
Jason
That is going to be pretty sharp when your done.
Add 60 years of rust, body damage, shade tree repairs, and brushed on pink house paint and it looks just like mine...
Without the lift, tires, wheels, appeal.
Someday I will start on it, though.Jason
Freshman User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
From: Mtn Home ID
Which EFI is the best
The rest of the drivetrain is 5.0L, T-18 low gear 4 spd, Spicer 20 with 18 guts ( to drive off the right side) and a Tera low kit, Dana 44 high pinion rear end, dana 30 front both with Detroit trutracs.
This thing was also pink when I bought it!!!!!!!!!
This thing was also pink when I bought it!!!!!!!!!
Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 3,594
Likes: 2
From: Southern Oregon USA
Which EFI is the best
I run a low pressure pump (Federal Mogul P4594) that pulls fuel from the tanks. It feeds a high pressure pump (Federal Mogul P74028 or a Ford E4ZZ- 9350-B), which I believe is the stock application for a late 80's pickup. They are both external frame mounted.
That is similar to what I want to build. The only difference is that I am thinking about a Turbo EFI 2.3, or a GM Vortec 4.3.
As for the tub, I think I am heading toward a replacement steel body myself. But, my tub was one of the early Ford script tubs and they are pretty rare. I am wanting to keep some of the military look by keeping the running lights, grab handles and accessories.
Jason
That is similar to what I want to build. The only difference is that I am thinking about a Turbo EFI 2.3, or a GM Vortec 4.3.
As for the tub, I think I am heading toward a replacement steel body myself. But, my tub was one of the early Ford script tubs and they are pretty rare. I am wanting to keep some of the military look by keeping the running lights, grab handles and accessories.
Jason
I love using factory parts! 
Freshman User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
From: Mtn Home ID
Which EFI is the best
I used a NAPA # P5000 fuel pump its a frame mounted type but is a puller and a pusher all in one small package(about 5 inches long). I had to replace the pickup tube out of my stock sender to 3/8 and put in a return line.
I thought about the stock type in the tank but the baffels and all the plastic stuff that was in the bottom of the tank kinda scared me I didnt know if it needed to go into my tank also.
Hey lets talk about that Ford script tub ya know Im not that far away we could work a deal out on that
I also have all the military stuff that came off this GPW and thought about using it. I need to get the CJ3 windshield frame changed back to the original
I thought about the stock type in the tank but the baffels and all the plastic stuff that was in the bottom of the tank kinda scared me I didnt know if it needed to go into my tank also.
Hey lets talk about that Ford script tub ya know Im not that far away we could work a deal out on that
I also have all the military stuff that came off this GPW and thought about using it. I need to get the CJ3 windshield frame changed back to the original