Many thanks to those who took the time to address "engine tapping." Can't abide the noise, so looking at engine swap. I have 2.9 out of a 1990 B2 auto. Want to put into my 88 B2 manual. Have computer from donor vehicle. Do computers need to be swapped, or will 1990 engine do okay on one already installed?

 

You'll need the computer from the auto. Good luck with your swap!

 

I'd be interested in your fuel rail and injectors of of the 88 2.9. That is if you want to get rid of them. Maybe the whole engine if it's any good. PM me.

 

Is it just a matter of unplug the old and plug in the new?

 

Disposition of 88 engine depends on success of swap. If all is well , might want to sell. Engine running fine when not tapping. Located in Omaha.

 

One fella told me that I could leave computer as is, and switch out sensors. Anyone concur? If so, which sensors would need to be swapped? Thanks, Ferg

 

I disagree - you can swap using an auto computer with a manual trans but not the other way.

 

okay i've done this... when doing this the following on the 90 needs to be replaced with the 88 counter parts

OIL Pressure sensor (near oil pan on drivers side near the front of the block)
Air intake system
Fuel rail if it looks like crap and the other one is in better condition
Powersteering pump
Flywheel
Clutching Mechisim from 88 for the 90

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What i did
disconnected every wire on the engine while noting were they go.
remove the power steering pump from is holsters and put to the side.
Do the same with the a/c
Remove the Air intake housing (sits up on the block at a angle toward the back)
remove the distibuter (remeber you will need to retime the 90 engine)
disconnect the exauhst pipes
drain & remove the radiator
use a hammer and a chisel or tool of your choice and remove the fan (remember to keep it standing upright)


then you should be able to remove the old 88 motor and put the 90 in

You dont need the newer computer as far as i know. i had a guy that worked at ford help me do the swap.

Then install is reverese of removal.

While you got the engine out look at the clutch disks and slave clutch cylinder and the clutching mech to make sure it looks good.

while you got the engine out

REPLACE the slave cylinder for the clutch. (bolts on to the tranny)(before the gears)

need anymore help dont be afraid to ask about the motor swap.....

Funny when i go to the auto store they ask for the engine 88 2.9 l ... uh try 90 in it.

My 90 i have in it was rebuilt and has less than 24,000 miles on. though i am thinking about why it quites. it may be that computer. on the 90 i would pull that off and hold on to it along with some parts for it.

you will not be able to use any of the gauges, sending unit & fuel pump from the 90 as the polarity is reversed.