Mass Air or Speed Density?
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Mass Air or Speed Density?
I have an 89 F-150 w/ the EFI 302. Is this a mass-air or speed density system? If it is mass-air, where is the sensor located? I plan on removing the stock air box and tubing, and fabricating a cold air set up. Has anyone done this? What problems did you run into? What about the crank case breather filter, can this be replaced with one of the aftermarket types? Any help would be great.
Thanks
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Mass Air or Speed Density?
I'm thinking it is a Mass Air system. I thought Ford changed to MAF from SD in 86? Look for the Mass Air Meter in the air horn between the throttle body and the air filter. Its probably about 3 inches in diameter and has a couple wires going into it. Lots of Mustang guys go for a cold air set-up. I wanted to keep a stock looking appearance so I cut a huge hole in the air filter box where the small factory hole existed (into the fender well) and also put in a K&N filter. Its easy to hear the air whistling in when you start up in the morning.
Chris
'88 F350 XLT Lariat CC DRW/7.5l/C6/4.10
'93 Mustang LX 5.0l/T-5/3.55's/Flo's/pulleys/K&N/Synthetics
Nissan p/u (DC commuter)
Volvo 940
Chris
'88 F350 XLT Lariat CC DRW/7.5l/C6/4.10
'93 Mustang LX 5.0l/T-5/3.55's/Flo's/pulleys/K&N/Synthetics
Nissan p/u (DC commuter)
Volvo 940
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Mass Air or Speed Density?
From what I have read, speed density systems don't respond to intake and exhaust upgrades without a chip. Would installing a "ram air" or "cold air" set up do me any good? K&N seems to think I should pay close to 200$ for theirs. Any thoghts?
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Mass Air or Speed Density?
Without going into a huge, lengthy discussion...
Save the money. Buy a K&N filter that fits in the standard air box. For an open element design, you end up sucking hot underhood air into the intake. What you gain in airflow, you lose in ignition retarding due to higher ACT temps.
Your system is already cold air. The intake snorkel is located in an ideal location over the rad support.
K&N wants you to think they have the better setup becausue they have something to sell.
Speed density systems can adjust their calibration to a certain point. The Ford EEC has a limited learning ability. When you start swapping parts that reduce manifold vacuum, that's when the MAF system is better suited. MAF is pre-throttle, while speed density is a post throttle system.
Save the money. Buy a K&N filter that fits in the standard air box. For an open element design, you end up sucking hot underhood air into the intake. What you gain in airflow, you lose in ignition retarding due to higher ACT temps.
Your system is already cold air. The intake snorkel is located in an ideal location over the rad support.
K&N wants you to think they have the better setup becausue they have something to sell.
Speed density systems can adjust their calibration to a certain point. The Ford EEC has a limited learning ability. When you start swapping parts that reduce manifold vacuum, that's when the MAF system is better suited. MAF is pre-throttle, while speed density is a post throttle system.
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Mass Air or Speed Density?
Thanks for the info. I don't plan on spending the $$ on the K&N system. So far, all I have done is re-route the intake mouth from over the radiator to in the grill, with a bigger opening. It seemed like the stock opening was a bit on the small side. A drop-in K&N or equivalent will follow. I have already upgraded the ignition and exhaust, so I will see how it likes the overall combo as far as mileage goes.
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