1990 f150 XLT Lariet 302ci E4od MAF conversion

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Jun 15, 2024 | 12:28 AM

Sce.nicc

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1990 f150 XLT Lariet 302ci E4od MAF conversion

I've recently bought a set of gt40 heads that I'd like to stick on my truck but I figured I'd have to modify the computer to account for the change in air flow. I came across many different articles about SD to MAF conversion kits, many saying I can piece together the things I need from junkyard vehicles matching my engine/tranny combo with some pinning on the ecu. How plug and play is it? Is there a itemized list of things or vehicles I should look out for? Any help is much appreciated.

Jun 15, 2024 | 07:19 AM

My4Fordtrucks

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You should be fine with those heads on a SD truck. It is a little more complicated than a simple “piece together the things I need from junkyard vehicles matching my engine/tranny combo with some pinning on the ecu.” Are you going to use the wiring harness and computer from a MAF truck? I would see how it runs with those heads. At that point, will have better flowing heads than the E7 heads but still have the not so good camshaft. Is it safe to assume that the heads have already been checked out? I would install them unless you know the sealing surfaces, valve seats/seals/springs and guides are in good condition.

Jun 15, 2024 | 12:01 PM

Conanski

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Joined: Jun 2006

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From: Ottawa, Ontario

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sce.nicc

I've recently bought a set of gt40 heads that I'd like to stick on my truck but I figured I'd have to modify the computer to account for the change in air flow.

There won't be enough of a difference in airflow to require tuning, but that just underlines how much of a bottleneck the stock cam is in this vintage truck engine.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sce.nicc

I came across many different articles about SD to MAF conversion kits, many saying I can piece together the things I need from junkyard vehicles matching my engine/tranny combo with some pinning on the ecu. How plug and play is it? Is there a itemized list of things or vehicles I should look out for? Any help is much appreciated.

It not plug and play and the E4OD trans complicates things, and MAF still requires tuning once the mods go beyond the capabilities of the stock tune in that PCM.. which is really easy to do. If you want a simple to install solution that doesn't involve modifying any wiring and never needs to be upgraded again with any additional engine mods you may add in the future(just needs to be retuned) then start with a PimpXs computer from Stinger Performance, it's not cheap but that is the price you pay for being easy.

Jun 16, 2024 | 03:41 PM

Sce.nicc

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Quote:

Originally Posted by My4Fordtrucks

My plan is to have the heads cleaned refurbished and checked for cracks. Also replace the valves, springs and whatnots with new hardware.

Jun 17, 2024 | 04:33 PM

Hit Man X

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From: North Texas

Just buy better heads if you are going to pour that much cash into heads that flow barely better than E7s. Seriously.

Mild cam and full exhaust will make far more power with E7s than those GT40 irons will stock. Your 90 will be a roller block unless replaced.

I did MAF swap back in stone age (with the FMS kit) before PimpX available, now it is pointless when MS unit available that is drop in for us.

Jun 17, 2024 | 05:53 PM

Blurry94

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From: Calhoun GA

If you're not doing any major engine modifications, then there really is no reason to convert to mass air or aftermarket EFI/tuning system. You can add headers (short or long), cat back exhaust, open up/upgrade the intake to the upper manifold & bump the base timing up a degree or two. You'd definitely notice a gain with that alone, without a mass air conversion.

Jun 17, 2024 | 06:33 PM

Duke5A

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I came across a '96 with a MAF 300 and I thought about swapping it to my '92. But in the end even if I did sort out the differences between model years I would still end up with a 30 year old computer and a 30 year old harness. Totally not worth it. If you're going to that extent you might as well go aftermarket.