i'm reading abvout you guys throwing turbos on efi l-6's so is there a way to convert mine to newer efi manifold or will they not interchange? hoping you guys can help.

 

Probably easier to do a full EFI swap like I did. That way, you get everything you need at once, so you'll know it's working right. Look for a donor truck with a decent long block - a complete engine would be even better. I paid $1200 for the engine, all the accessories, air filter, Y-pipe, all engine compartment wiring, computer, ignition module, fuel lines, & tank.

 

I think Steve has a very good point because using factory hardware and software will ensure all the components work together and correctly from the get go. The problem is that's the only way they will ever work. If you're planning a moderately modified engine with a turbo I would look into a hybrid setup using Ford hardware and software from FAST Injection, Electromotive, etc. This will be more expensive, but will allow you to tailor the system to your specific needs and make adjustments easy to make without purchasing special software or trying several different programs on a custom chip before it's right. You could use an OE Ford intake, TB, and sensors and wire it to the aftermarket EFI. This also leaves you the option of using electronic timing control, or the old standby DSII. It's your call. If you want to plug it in and go use stuff from a donor truck. If you want something with full adjustability and the ability to grow with your truck I would go with the aftermarket.

One benefit that would typically be an asset of an OE system is the ability to scan it and retrieve codes. Unfortunately, the Ford system isn't much help in this area. No codes are available unless the SES light is on and many of them don't offer a data stream that can be read by common scanners. I learned this the hard way on my 90. I plugged in the scanner at work and got nothing because my SES was intermittent. If I scanned it with the light on I could get a code out of it. A good technician won't absolutely need a scanner to find your problem anyway. They are helpful, but don't let OBD capability influence your decision.

 

The '96 MAF 4.9L should be able to handle more significant mods, and you CAN get data without trouble codes. Read my latest addition to this thread.

 

On a 96 you should be able to because it's OBD II. I would still go with the aftermarket stuff. You can get a mass air setup from the aftermarket as well.

I didn't see anything about data in that thread. I know that our Snap On scanner won't give data from my truck, and neither will a Master Tech. Snap On scanners suck as far as Fords go, but most places around here use them. I would love to be able to see sensor data on my truck just so I know what needs looked at before it throws a code.

 

By "data", I mean the "Output State" and "Wiggle Test". You can set the computer to cycle all the sensors/actuators at your signal, or to give you continuous feedback while the engine is running.

 

OK. I'm looking for actual sensor readings.

 

How about just hooking a multimeter to each sensor? That's raw real-time data, and probably the best the EEC-IV system can offer.

 

That's what I've done in the past, but it's a PITA. That's one reason I want to go to an aftermarket engine management system. That way I can view all outputs on a laptop.