So I just picked up a 1989 crown vic with a 5.0 engine in it.
I know this is a truck forum but I believe the engine is identical.
So I've never actually owned a vehicle with the 5.0.
I. Just wondering if there's anything much to know or pay attention to.
When it starts cold it knocks a bit, I thought it might be a lifter but friend says 302s have piston slap and I should ignore the noise.

Would there be anything wrong with running 15w40 in this engine? I've ran 15w40 in most of my gas vehicles and had good luck.

I'm I correct in thinking that a 5.0 isn't the best engine ever, but it's pretty good as long as it stays stock?


Also I only buy premium gas for all my stuff because the regular has ethanol in it here, and I don't waste time on that. With that being said, is there an easy way I can program this old car or is it complicated and only shops program ecm for 1989 Era fuel injection?
Just thinking if I'm gonna pay for premium fuel I might as well have it running to take advantage of the higher octane fuel.

I know a few guys that had this type of 5.0 in f150s and never had a problem so I have a lot of faith in this car.

 

Programming it is technically possible but a very difficult process on older vehicles. Me, I love my 5.0, awesome motor. If you just got yours do a tune up and change ALL THE FLUIDS. 15W40 will not kill the motor but diesel motor oil is not made to the same standards as gas motor oil and it does not flow well at colder temps. Use 5W30 or 10W30, I always recommend Motorcraft brand. Also, use ONLY the FL1A oil filter, also Motorcraft, you can get them at any auto parts store or the dealer.

 

15W-40 is way too thick. I have run the recommended 10W-30 in my 302s and put hundreds of thousands of miles on them without issue. What oil filter is on there? It might be that the oil is draining back to the pan after sitting overnight.

You may have an issue with ethanol but you are wasting your money paying for premium gas. It was designed to run on 87 octane fuel. You could try bumping up the base timing a couple degrees and see if that helps. As far as a program I’m fairly confident that a tuner/shop could burn you a chip for the car but that won’t be cheap. I doubt there would be anything for a Crown Vic on the shelf. It would have to be a custom program.

 

I don't know how comparable the Vic eec computer is to the mustangs for tuning options. But, the 86 to 89 speed density t-birds have all the same pin out locations as the Vic.
And I'll bet it has some computers that are tunable or even more aggressive from the factory, could always ask the T-bird forums

 

Thanks guys. I probably won't bother with tuning then. I probably should bump the timing as you can't even buy less than 89 octane here.
The car runs great.
The 302 feels solid and runs like a top.

I've usually always run 15w40 in gas vehicles I've owned just because it's thicker when hot and apparently has a better detergent package than 10w30 but yes it does make cold starts harder, but I've always plugged in when it gets cold.

I know premium is kind of a waste, but our 89 regular is 10% ethanol and in the past I've got crappy mileage from it so over the years I've run premium in everything from cars to lawn mowers and it seems like a better grade fuel altogether, and I've seen better mileage from it too even though they say you shouldn't.

 

Don't bump it too much or you will actually need premium gas. Pre ignition is awful, I'm trying to fix it on my truck. Even at 10* base timing it occurs sometimes. If you do bump, check your fuel system and make sure it's putting out enough pressure/flow, check for any dead injectors or wiring.

 

Not true so your copy isn't the healthiest or you have too heavy an oil in it.

It's a far better motor that the '80s GM 305.


I hear you on that, ethanol is hard on fuel system components and best avoided.

None of these old PCMs can be directly programmed but a chip can be burned and attached to it if you like, but that is a total waste of money if you're just looking for timing advance because you can do that for free at the distributor with a timing light.

It is a good motor, the one you have is the least powerful copy ever produced.. about 150hp, but you can double that with bolt-ons if you're feeling ambitious.

 

So far it's been a great car. Lifter noise went away after first oil change. Decent mileage, starts great all winter, comfortable .... great all around. Theres a little coolant disappearing somewhere but no drips on ground so maybe evaporating.