I know this 5.0L isn't in a truck, but I can't seem to get any answers regarding converting my 87 5.0L to carb. The reason I want to convert it over is because it's just a basket case. Replaced the transmission a year ago w/ junk yard replacement (AOD) - O/D bands just went not long ago. It needs a couple new sensors and has a small water leak from the T.B. spacer. There some other issues, seems to be related to a vacuum motor in the heater somewhere. Not to mention it's equipped with grey top injectors.

My plan is to get a used 4bbl. intake, and I have a friend that will let me 'borrow' a 4 barrel carb. I also plan to get a C4 transmission w/ aftermarket shifter. I imagine I would need a new drive shaft, I am not sure what the effect is going to be gearing wise. Does this swap seem reasonable, or should I look into just fixing the piece? I don't think I want to swap in another AOD again.

My question right now is, will any 302 4bbl. intake manifold work? Is there any perticular year of C4 I should look for? - it's going into a Grand Marquis. Is there an adapater kit for the speedomoter cable from the AOD -> C4? I also wonder about the kick down cable, but that can wait.

My plan is to eliminate everything - cruise, A/C, smog pump, etc. Not doing this swap for performance wise, I just need a car that's not going to give me any crap. It's a very comfortable car, a bit on the big side. The way it is right now, I would give it 6 months before the trans is going. Maybe I should just scrap it, but the motor is still somewhat good in it.

Pete

 

You may loose some fuel mileage by giving up the fuel injection and overdrive. You may also create more headaches and expense trying to get everything to fit and work together. My suggestion is that you'll be time and money ahead if you get the aod rebuilt by a competent shop and just fix the little things that are wrong with the engine. If your still set on the swap, I'd check the salvage yards for an earlier model crown vic/marquis that had a non od trans and carb setup and use the parts from it. Keep an eye on Ebay, you could probally get a Holley or edelbrock 4bbl intake pretty cheap. Good luck.

 

What you'll spend on an intake, gaskets, carb, possibly a new distributor(if it's got a Hall-effect on it now, you'll need to replace that too) you can buy all new sensors for the EFI and a new TB (or source a better shape one from a junkyard) and get the EFI back into shape. I'd also fix the AOD, C-4's aren't exactly reliable either. Every one I've ever had crapped out on me at some point. To swap to a carb and C-4, will take lots of effort and time to work the bugs out, about the same as fixing what you've got now.

 

I appreciate the input. I figured to cost of carbbing would be about the same as fixing it now. I just wasn't sure if there was something up with transmissions from that year. I wasn't too keen on replacing the transmission with another that might fail. I'll see if I can't find another ones that not as run down, or see how much it's going to cost to have this one rebuilt. First thing I am probably going to do is compression check the motor to see if it's even going to be worth doing anything to. The title states it has 103k, but I suspect it has 203k. I am not sure why Ford went with the 100k odometer.

Pete