computer compatability
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Trailering
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 20
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From: Watford City, Noth Dakota
computer compatability
I am in the process of converting my 95 F150 ZF 5sp 5.8l to mass air. I have all the stuff for the swap. I have a computer from a 92 mustang (A9L) and I was wondering if the 5.0 computer will run the 5.8. Will it get enough fuel?? Are the fuel tables and such going to work with the 5.8? Or would I be better off acquiring an ECU from a OBD I 5.8l mass air truck? Thanks alot. I was searching for hours and couldn't find a direct answer.
FTE Legend
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 31,930
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From: Ottawa, Ontario
I have been running the setup in my sig line for over 8 years, and it runs great. I'm in the process right now of installing a TweecerRT on this truck, and hope to have some data soon on just how well the stock 5.0 calibrations handle a 5.8 like mine. From the driver's seat it works great, the motor has factory idle quality and it definitely pulls WAY harder than any 5.0 truck I have ever driven, but I just know it can do better.
FTE Legend
Joined: Jun 2006
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From: Ottawa, Ontario
Originally Posted by second chance
Would this swap work on a 95-5.0? I'm staring to get the speed density blues. How hard is it?
Junior User
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 92
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From: Glasgow,Ky.
Poor fuel milage, doesn't adapt as well to engine mods, could just be that I am not use to working with them as I am a OBDII. Some folks on these threads seem to have quite a few mods and assuming from the year of the truck may be running the speed density system. The MAF system seems to be easier to work with. But I may be wrong and need training myself.
FTE Legend
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 31,930
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From: Ottawa, Ontario
Originally Posted by second chance
Poor fuel milage, doesn't adapt as well to engine mods,
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Junior User
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 92
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From: Glasgow,Ky.
I was wanting to change the cam and possibly the heads in the future cause I don't seem to get very much power out of this hookup I've got. Light loads seem to really pull it down when towing trailers(less than 1000#) I was hoping to help that too. I've heard some guys say long tube headers and 1.7 rockers were something to try for that. Please advise. Those may be my next move.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,324
Likes: 4
From: Michigan
That's pretty common for the 5.0 in general. I've got MAF and would have same problems. A lot of people say that the long tubes and a cam is definitely the way to wake up the lower end of the 5.0 in these trucks. The haeds would only take it that much further. Pick the right parts and the SD comp will be happy.
FTE Legend
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 31,930
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From: Ottawa, Ontario
The factory exhaust system on these trucks is a major cork and should be the first thing to go, it's primary function is to minimize noise and it does a great job at that. That's not to say a performance engine has to be loud, but when this type system is combined with the relatively restrictive Ford cylinder heads and low lift stock cam the result is a motor that operates far below it's potential. Longtubes have a big impact on these motors, they produce lots more low rpm TQ which is just what you need for towing. The next thing to address is the valvetrain, because of the heads this motor really needs a higher lift cam, so adding 1.7 rockers or swapping in an aftermarket cam will have very positive effect. The vehicle gearing also plays a big role in towing ability, anything less than 3.55 with stock tire size is no good at all. What gearing do you have, and what is your milage since you mention it is poor?
Junior User
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 92
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From: Glasgow,Ky.
I have 3:55 gears, 245-70 tires, 70 series flowmaster exhaust, 21/2 inch true duals with the cross over for the O2 sensor,Accel 300+ ign.system, cap wires and computer, K&N stock replacement air filter and the truck is a 95 short bed reg. cab 4x4 with 24000 actual miles. When I first started driving it I was getting 10 to 11mpg now I'm up to 12 to 14 mpg. The motor was freshened up before I started driving the truck and I had to go 30 over to clear pits out of the cylinders, it had 11500miles on it at that time, but it had set for 11 yrs. I love my little truck though. Warn manual hub kit too.Black with Grey interior XLT trim package.Mobil 1 oil at 22000.
FTE Legend
Joined: Jun 2006
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From: Ottawa, Ontario
Originally Posted by second chance
..Accel 300+ ign.system, cap wires and computer,
Junior User
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 92
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From: Glasgow,Ky.
The 300+ ign. system has its own spark controler(maybe I said it wrong) I after building big blocks for years realize about displacement. I just would like to get the most out of what I have to do with. Thank you for your help. After owning other small blocks maybe I expect too much out of the small Ford. A lot of you folks are doing better on fuel thanI am with more power, If this motor can't produce suitable power on at least close to the same milage I may need a 351.
FTE Legend
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 31,930
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From: Ottawa, Ontario
12-14 mpg isn't too bad if that's your combined overall total, it should do a bit better cruising on the hwy at 70mph. The Ford heads are small compared to "other brands" so they will need more cam to perform. The good news is you can bump valve lift up to 1/2" without any danger of P-V clearance issues. 1.7 rockers will put you at 0.445/0.472" lift from the stock 0.420/0.445" lift. If you decide to swap out the cam at any point you will need to get the matching valve springs to avoid coil bind. You'll like what longtube heades do for this motor as well.
BTW if you decide to do the MAF swap at some point and you have an auto tranny, you'll need a factory truck computer and engine wiring harness.
BTW if you decide to do the MAF swap at some point and you have an auto tranny, you'll need a factory truck computer and engine wiring harness.
Junior User
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 92
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From: Glasgow,Ky.
Thanks Conanski for the help. I may try the long tubes and the 1.7 rockers first(waddayathink?) I have a 5 speed so that helps, but I'm sure if I did the swap I would need a computer anyway. I hope to avoid that if I can though since ya'll redeemed my confidence in the SD system. I just have a lot to learn about small blocks and older fuel injection systems. BTW do you know what size injectors come out in these trucks? I bought a set out of a Mustang GT since some of mine had set so long they had locked up.