I am making a poll to determine the interest level of a SD to MAF write up for our tech articles section. I just completed the re-wiring of a factory SD system to make it MAF using a mustang A9L computer (88-93).

It's pretty straight forward, and since ford doesn't sell their conversion kits anymore I thought it might be a good idea to write an article on how to do it. It also will allow you to use the dual o2 sensors that the mustang uses instead of the factory single o2 sensor that Ford's conversion kit uses (it splits the single signal into the two inputs rather than having two separate sensors).

So who's interested?

 

is this a conversion for any motor or just v8's??? i have a 300-6, and would be interested in swapping it to a MAF system.

 

I did it on a 5.0/5.8 V-8 system...but the I-6 is going to be quite similar. I can try to add some info about the I-6 swap too, I have the diagrams.

 

With the drivability problems I'm having, plus to be able to make mods to the engine, I would love to convert to MAF.

 

It might be nice to consolidate a lot of the information that is out floating around. If you need help with the article, let me know...I've completed the swap too, on my 87. It might be nice to get the perspectives of both years since 87 and 88 harnesses are different than the newer stuff that is more integrated into the under-hood chassis harness.

 

Great idea. Don't forget about the guys with E4ODs that would like to go MAF.

 

Since when?????

http://store.summitracing.com/egnsea...+115&y=16&x=19

I did it with the FORD RACING kit and one thing I would like to add is that THE INTAKE PLENUM DOES NOT HAVE TO COME OFF as the instructions says it does. I did the conversion in about 3 hours including breaks without removing the plenum. Lastly, I did it on a E-van and everything worked out great, but I was on my own with the plumbing from the throttle body to the mass air sensor housing. I had a y-pipe made out of mandrel bent stainless (dual 2 1/2 to 3) and a mandrel bent 3 inch 180 degree bend with a 6 inch center to center, also stainless, and with that and an AEM dryflow filter I had my intake system.

 

I think it's necessary to point out that rear engine access is actually much easier on the vans compared to the pickups because of the removable engine cover inside the cab.

A tech article is a great idea IMO, if I were to do this again I would definitely source as many parts from Ebay/junkyard as possible... should be able to get the same results for a fraction of the price of the FMS kit. A complete DIY solution will take some electrical and plumbing(intake) fab skills though.

 

The trucks do not have great access to the rear #3 and #4 injector wires without removing the upper plenum.

It will definitely take some electrical know-how and skill, the plumbing part is pretty easy.

I should correct myself, according to what I read, Ford no longer produces the kit. The kit is still available through some dealers but supplies are limited (from what I understand, with Ford...who knows).

But even still, the kit is very expensive and doesn't use the 2nd o2 sensor. The 2nd o2 sensor is a good idea to have.

 

I would like to know more about the benefits of it. Will this correct alot of the idle problems you read so much about? My 87 302 spikes to 2000 rpms sometimes when shifting the manual. I would like it to be a little smoother. About how much is the swap in kit form?

 

If I make a poor choice in the next few days (see thread "talk me out of it"), I might possibly be interested...

What would be the approximate cost for parts, and how technically challenging is the project?

 

If you are talking about the notorious FORD surging idle that is caused by the SD computor not being able to run the engine due to a change in the volumetric efficiency of the motor, then yes, the conversion is a fix. I know this from experience as I have done this a few times.

 

Justin,

I'm not sure of the approach you intend to take with your SD --> MAF tech article, but if you want a writeup about a pure-junkyard solution I would be happy to do so.

And by end of this summer, I could also write a distributor-less version of the same.

 

Yes, there are certain areas that are easier to work on with a van, but there are other areas that are more difficult...ie the front injectors on the passenger side. It's a trade off, it gets easier in some ways but more difficult in other ways but the job is just as time consuming either way and can be done either way without removing the plenum and if you ask me, not removing the plenum is the way to go...90 degree picks help big time.

 

I always like to learn something new. do it