Greetings. I'd like to try and relocate some items in the engine bay of my 1988 e150 (5.0 EFI) and was hoping for some suggestions from those who have tried/done so already.

1) The factory airbox is convoluted and in the way whenever I try to work on anything. I considered retro-fitting a K&N system from an f150, but it seems like the plumbing coming off the brake master cylinder would be in the way of the air tube routing. I've also considered fabricating a short-ram to reside just in front of the factory AC system. If that's the case, then:

2) The battery would need to move over on top of the dirver's-side fenderwell. It appears to have bolt holes for some kind of kit to be fitted but haven't ever seen these kits in person or photos.

Ultimately, I want to get a clear shot at the top of the engine without dismantling it every time. What have you folks done?

Dan

 

There is a battery tray and hold down assembly available for the driver's side. It's meant for a dual battery set-up and is available new from your local Ford dealer (I called and asked a year or so ago) or do some yard searching for a used one.

The factory EFI air intake assembly is definitely a pain to work around. The problem I see with removing is most aftermarket ones just add a cone-filter which sucks in hot air from the engine bay whereas the factory set-up is a true cold-air-intake (CAI). To make an aftermarket CAI work in a van will require some creative plumbing and may reduce some of the intended idea of improved access.

Good luck and post pics if you are able to make the F-150 intake work.