***I posted this in the small block forum also, but this forum gets a lot more traffic and maybe someone can help me here.***

I have a problem. I am trying to put new valve covers on a 2000 explorer 5.0. that is going into my '50 F-1. The Ford Racing valve covers look great and I've Powder coated the plenum to match them, but I failed to realize until once I began to install everything that the oil filler cap falls right under the throttle body . My question is - can the EGR elbow be removed and can I run the throttle body attached directly to the plenum? I have already deleted EGR from the PCM, so I was going to have to block the EGR anyway.

Pics:



if it will work, I will need to fabricate a new throttle cable bracket since the stock one attaches to the elbow, but I was probably going to do that anyway.



thanks in advance.

 

That is your pcv ( positive crankcase ventilation ) which you need . EGR is most likely internal on that engine but I'm sure someone will chime in .

 

Thanks for the quick reply EBEAR!

It is definitely EGR. the PCV is on the rear center of the lower intake manifold and connects to a vacuum port under the upper plenum. The EGR with ACT was removed from the #5 runner on the intake manifold in '98 or early '99. The elbow only has the external EGR solenoid on it that connected to the PS header via a small pipe. I was going to have to block it off anyway since I deleted it from the tune. With no other function, it seems the elbow is just going to be an additional 4-5" of air intake and it orients and provides a mounting point for the throttle linkage bracket.

This motor is almost a one-off deal. In 2000, the explorer 5.0 was distributorless ignition, returnless fuel rail, computer controlled 4r70w transmission, GT40P heads with a different plug angle than any other 302, and had a modulated in-tank fuel pump. Although the 96-00 explorers are similar, the 96-98 had the internal EGR system, a distributor, GT40 heads (standard plug angle), return style fuel rail, and an AOD Transmission. controlled by a TV cable.

I am almost certain I can delete the elbow, but I'd love for someone that has done it (or knows why I can't) let me know before I move any further. This should be my last hurdle with the motor. I've already had to overcome the PCM tuning, wiring harness, headers, transmission control, and fuel pump issues!

 

I can’t help with your question but that is a Nice looking engine
do they have an application where the TB comes straight out

 

Sorry I had to reread it I thought you were referring to the nipple on the oil filler neck which used to be used as the port for the pcv . I don't think there would be any reason you couldn't eliminate the egr plate , Is there any room to swap the valve covers side to side .

 

no sir, the back side of the plenum causes the same problem

 

Thanks. Everything I’ve seen has an elbow (either 45 or 90) or a plate between the plenum and TB.

I need to powder coat a few more pieces and the engine and transmission will be done!

 

All you need is an 1987-93 Mustang 5.0 EGR delete spacer for a 65mm throttle body to make it come out straight. It will also give you a mounting spot for your throttle cable.

 

There it is! I searched, but apparently not good enough! That is the ticket!

 

I am always amazed on these forums. Someone’s always has the answer!

 

I don't know if it's still available, but once upon a time Ford Motorsport has a spacer that went between the two intake halves that gave additional clearance for this situation. As I recall it gained you about an inch.

 

I considered that, but found that although it would likely clear the filler and cap, the intake pipe and TB would still make it almost impossible to add oil.

That spacer is supposed to improve performance as well due to the heat sink effect of the phenolic material it is made from. I’m not sure if it is a noticeable gain or not.

 

Hey OK F1,
What did you do for a throttle cable bracket?
I bought a set of cables, both throttle and TV, and a nice bracket. BC BRONCOS is the name. Just a thought.
Are you controlling the 4R70W with the Ford EEC? I know you had a flash tune (whatever it's called) just very curious.
I'm running an AOD, but I have run across some pinout changes to run the AODE/4R70W it was about 5 pins to relocate on the 60 pin connector. After all this fuel injection drama, I am wondering about the EEC IV computer and if I will need a tune for mine. I mean I know it will run with what the EEC has, but it would be cool to have it dialed in to the specifics of the truck!

 

this is the unit I have I made a bracket for the throttle and TV cables I also flipped my valve covers oil filler is now between the TB and fire wall
I looked a little closer my bracket is not that thick maybe 12 gauge metal

 

I pulled this over from my PMs because I think it is good info and it may help clarify my issues.

Jeff- I looked at doing the same mod, but I figured it would be just as easy to modify the bracket to fit the current TB setup as it would to find a Mustang TB and related bracketry, remove the bell crank and adapt it to mine.

I have the original and can put it on. Then I can locate where the cable end goes and fabricate a simple bracket to attach to the throttle body since the original indexes off of the elbow I deleted. I hope I'm explaining it clearly. Here is a pic of how it sits now and the rotation. Do you think your bracket will work to actuate my bellcrank the same way? I couldn't tell by the pics you referenced.



My only hesitation is the routing of the throttle cable. In order to avoid binding, my cable will have to go around the front of the engine in wide arc to the passenger side and to the TB 90 degrees to the intake. As you can see in this pic, the cable already turns 180 degrees. My setup will have it turning 270 degrees. Not really that big of a deal, just a lot of cable.


Thanks again to Jeff and Schoo for the help.