E-150 drivetrain upgrade
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From: Noth Georgia
E-150 drivetrain upgrade
I have an 85 E-150 conversion van; 302/AOD. picked up for $300, the fuel lines are all gummed up, and I have a vibration problem that starts about 25mph. the van wont go past 55, and has trouble maintaining 40. The fuel and vibration arent related, it vibrates w/ 12psi and 6psi. The transmission was overfilled, and the fluid is dark red to brown. Any thoughts on possible causes, I thought possible U-joints, but dont want to put in new ones if i have to swap engine/tranny. I have a complete 96 merc Grand Marquis, minus 3/4 fornt clip, 2 doors, rear quaterpanel, and decklid....totaled. The 4.6L/auto tranny is fine. I drove the car home from the impound lot, 25 miles. Would it fit? Could I use a 351 radiator for extra cooling? Using both vehicles, I would have 850 invested in the van. I already have to run new fuel lines, and the front springs are worn pretty bad. 250 springs should handle the extra weight shouldt they?
Wiring doesnt scare me. to get rid of EECIII, I'll rewire the front end!
Fuel tank...any EFI tank for an E-150 should work, right?
Wiring doesnt scare me. to get rid of EECIII, I'll rewire the front end!
Fuel tank...any EFI tank for an E-150 should work, right?
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From: Noth Georgia
OK, never mind...dog house is only 25 inches wide, my 4.6 is 26 5/8.
New question...it idles irradically, consistant speed, but you can hear the mixture changing. wants to flood really bad when cold. have to remove doghouse, press pedal once, then hold choke open w/hand while turning over. When it starts, have to hold choke open until warm.
Once warm, starts/idles fine, but doesnt want to accelerate. No Tach, so engine speeds are estimates....stumbles off idle (mixture screws still sealed)-have to hold throttle half way and hope it doesnt stall. No get-up below 1500-1750, misses/ backfires above 2250, wont reach 3500 freespinning (N). Exhaust pops (like big cam 350/3spd on deceleration) any time throttle is shut: idle (above 1200), return to idle, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, OD usually doesnt pop, dont think it can get above 1700! Runs a little quicker in 3rd than OD.
Vibration issue: starts about 20-25, gets worse w/ road speed. slite difference from acceleration to deceleration. Gear doesn't matter. Have set of good wheels/tires to try from afforementioned donor car.
Not sure actual miles, but think is about 185k, possible 285, but starts too well.
New question...it idles irradically, consistant speed, but you can hear the mixture changing. wants to flood really bad when cold. have to remove doghouse, press pedal once, then hold choke open w/hand while turning over. When it starts, have to hold choke open until warm.
Once warm, starts/idles fine, but doesnt want to accelerate. No Tach, so engine speeds are estimates....stumbles off idle (mixture screws still sealed)-have to hold throttle half way and hope it doesnt stall. No get-up below 1500-1750, misses/ backfires above 2250, wont reach 3500 freespinning (N). Exhaust pops (like big cam 350/3spd on deceleration) any time throttle is shut: idle (above 1200), return to idle, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, OD usually doesnt pop, dont think it can get above 1700! Runs a little quicker in 3rd than OD.
Vibration issue: starts about 20-25, gets worse w/ road speed. slite difference from acceleration to deceleration. Gear doesn't matter. Have set of good wheels/tires to try from afforementioned donor car.
Not sure actual miles, but think is about 185k, possible 285, but starts too well.
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From: Noth Georgia
'fixed' problem w/carb..unplugged mixture solenoid. I know this aint right, any suggestions? Also, tranny dashpot stays engaged all the time, cannot set curb idle.
I know its a conversion van, but engine seems to be underpowered. No get-up and likes to stay in 2nd gear, I know its running 3200+. fuel lines seem to be OK after replacing soft sections.
I was looking @ FRPP 351W-4v, 390 CFM Holley, and DS2 ignition, will this affect my tranny? I know its only 250 HP, but it has to be an improvment.
I know its a conversion van, but engine seems to be underpowered. No get-up and likes to stay in 2nd gear, I know its running 3200+. fuel lines seem to be OK after replacing soft sections.
I was looking @ FRPP 351W-4v, 390 CFM Holley, and DS2 ignition, will this affect my tranny? I know its only 250 HP, but it has to be an improvment.
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From: S Alabama on 200 Acres
Does that year have a carb or is it the one that has the first tbi? My old 86 E-150 300-Six had the early tbi and did the same thing. Drained the tank, changed the fuel filter, and cleaned the intake. Then filled it with premium and to bottles of a good fuel system cleaner. Ran it hard as it would go for about an hour and it straightened right up. The fuel tank had a lot of trash.
Wish you luck.
Wish you luck.
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Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Fresno, CA.
An '85 conversion van for $300? I am looking at practically the same thing with the same engine/trans combo for $995. However, it runs fine with no major dents, and the only drawback is the interior needs work. Was going to ask what kind of gas mileage you were getting, but after reading about the carb/tranny problems, it would be a moot point.
I would think it has the early TBI. I had an '85 Mustang V6 and it had TBI.
I would think it has the early TBI. I had an '85 Mustang V6 and it had TBI.
Last edited by Nighteyez; Mar 8, 2007 at 12:11 AM. Reason: add text
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From: Noth Georgia
It has EEC 4 , feedback carb, and TFI ignition. Does anyone know if I can put a 4bbl 351W in and use the TFI ignition. I like the timing control, just not the feedback carb. The Windsor comes w/ DS2 just in case.
Tranny; does any1 know the gear ratios for the AOD? I usually run stick, but the D-2 downshift seems to double engine speed. Is this right, or is this why the trans fluid crimson red? I know ATF is usually bright red.
Nighteyez, dont know your terrain, but in N Ga foothills, my uncle's old cargo van used to get about 12-15. 4 adults and a ton of tile/rock tools in a 250.
Tranny; does any1 know the gear ratios for the AOD? I usually run stick, but the D-2 downshift seems to double engine speed. Is this right, or is this why the trans fluid crimson red? I know ATF is usually bright red.
Nighteyez, dont know your terrain, but in N Ga foothills, my uncle's old cargo van used to get about 12-15. 4 adults and a ton of tile/rock tools in a 250.
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From: Fresno, CA.
Actually I was wondering what kind of mileage you got with the 302 powered van. My f250 gets about 10-11, and was hoping the van would be better.
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From: Noth Georgia
Sorry it took so long, but right now, I can get about 15 miles on 2 gal of fuel, but the comp is dead. Timing is always @ 10btdc, I ran it with all but ignition disconnected, and it ran the same. I guess I'll go up the road to Barry Grant, Inc. and see what carb they recommend for a 150 conversion van, 351W/AOD/3.08 gears and 235/75R15 tires. I may go to a 255/60R15 when I get replacements, not sure yet. Do you think 4.10s would help in the mountians? What axles would swap?
Since I dont have to worry about emissions, I'll dump EGR/AIR, but keep the cats, probably all new true duals, 2.25 in. crossover, hi-flow cats, maybe catallac mufflers...
Does any1 know of a good interior shop in N. Ga, the interior is falling apart, and I wanted to do something about the dash.. maybe add a tach, trans temp, oil temp, oil pres, A/F monitor
I plan on having about 12K invested, but beets 32K for a new one, right?
Since I dont have to worry about emissions, I'll dump EGR/AIR, but keep the cats, probably all new true duals, 2.25 in. crossover, hi-flow cats, maybe catallac mufflers...
Does any1 know of a good interior shop in N. Ga, the interior is falling apart, and I wanted to do something about the dash.. maybe add a tach, trans temp, oil temp, oil pres, A/F monitor
I plan on having about 12K invested, but beets 32K for a new one, right?
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FTE Chapter Leader
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Fresno, CA.
4.10 gears would definitely help in the mountains, but might be a bit much for freeway driving unless you plan on doing a lot of towing. I would go with 3.73's but that is just me. Can't help with an interior shop in Georgia, as I live in Kalifornia. With no worries about emssions the exhaust mods you plan are cool.
Yeah 12k is better than 32k, and much easier/quicker to attain.
Yeah 12k is better than 32k, and much easier/quicker to attain.
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