Electronic retrofit question
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New User
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Electronic retrofit question
I am interested in dropping a 1996 ford thunderbird or mustang era 4.6 V8 into an older 1970 era F100 pickup with the goal of keeping the fuel injection system.
So here are my questions....
1. in order to adapt the fuel system how difficult would that be ?
2. Would the motor mounts require heavy modifications or do they make modified mounts?
So here are my questions....
1. in order to adapt the fuel system how difficult would that be ?
2. Would the motor mounts require heavy modifications or do they make modified mounts?
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,739
Likes: 14
From: Vale, NC
I don't know a lot about the 4.6 system, but fuel systems are pretty straightforward. You need a pump, a good place to mount it and a filter and then a regulator. The rest is plumbing.
For me the bigger issue is dealing with all the computer stuff, electronics, sensors and things like that. I'd do anything to stay away from all that stuff, which is why I own the old truck in the first place. But to each his own. I'm sure it will be an interesting project.
For me the bigger issue is dealing with all the computer stuff, electronics, sensors and things like that. I'd do anything to stay away from all that stuff, which is why I own the old truck in the first place. But to each his own. I'm sure it will be an interesting project.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 4,308
Likes: 19
From: Las Vegas, NV
the electronics are only an issue if you don't get the complete harness and computers that run it. Then it's basically power, ground, switched, wiring the gauges, and placing everything. Still a ton of work but if you have everything you need it isn't out of the realm of doable. Do some research and find out of the cluster from the donor vehicle is an integral part of the computer system.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 4,762
Likes: 54
From: Antelope Valley ,CA
They make kits to adapt the new 4.6 ,5.0 ..etc fuelly engines into Early Mustangs, So i think that would be your easiest route to take as our trucks wiring is basically the same as same year Mustang .
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 4,762
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From: Antelope Valley ,CA
check these guys out they seem to have it all for the Mustang switch
The Mustang Shop - How to swap a 4.6l modular engine into an early Mustang
The Mustang Shop - How to swap a 4.6l modular engine into an early Mustang
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Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 2,725
Likes: 20
From: Four Oaks, NC
You could do a Megasquirt system as a stand-alone controller for the EFI system, it uses the sensors that it actually needs, but that is significantly less than the Ford ECU (because the Megasquirt is designed to make the engine run and be completely programmable and adjustable, without regards for any emissions control stuff). It looks to be a pretty cool setup, I am gonna go this route when I do EFI into my 66 Mustang.
MegaSquirt | Premier DIY EFI Controller
MegaSquirt | Premier DIY EFI Controller
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I appreciate the all the ideas guys !
Having options is always a a good thing.
I will keep both ideas in mind, if you have anymore please share.
So tell me more about the megasquirt.......
Is it hard to get parts for ?
When you read and program it does it take a special code or special programmer/scanner for the diagnostics ?
Having options is always a a good thing.
I will keep both ideas in mind, if you have anymore please share.
So tell me more about the megasquirt.......
Is it hard to get parts for ?
When you read and program it does it take a special code or special programmer/scanner for the diagnostics ?
Thread Starter
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New User
Joined: Sep 2015
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Question.
So if I understand correctly, if I were to utilize a 96 ford thunderbird motor I would remove the ford ECU and whatever electronics tied into the fuel system, and operate solely on the megasquirt electronics
So if I understand correctly, if I were to utilize a 96 ford thunderbird motor I would remove the ford ECU and whatever electronics tied into the fuel system, and operate solely on the megasquirt electronics
Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 2,725
Likes: 20
From: Four Oaks, NC
I have not bought one or installed one, but there is lots of info on that link. They might sell one that the 96 wiring harness plugs directly into, but probably going to require you to take the original wiring harness and make modifications.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 20,678
Likes: 82
From: NorCal
Prima facie, Megasquirt is affordable but don't forget to add the costs of a laptop, dyno time, and likely a tuning consultant to dial in the system.
I think the new self-learning TBI systems from Holley, Edelbrock, FAST,and MSD make more sense.... and any subsequent upgrades only requires resetting the system so it can re-learn the new combination.. and all of 'em are good up to 500 HP.
I think the new self-learning TBI systems from Holley, Edelbrock, FAST,and MSD make more sense.... and any subsequent upgrades only requires resetting the system so it can re-learn the new combination.. and all of 'em are good up to 500 HP.
Frmr Ford Trans Engr
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 24,714
Likes: 2,640
From: SE Florida
I've put an EEC-IV controlled EFI engine into a '78 F150. The wiring part was actually very easy. The harness didn't need much outside the connections to the engine other than ground and key on and crank +12v.