5.0 mustang ECU for 351w stroker?

got snake? · #1 (**permalink**) 11-26-2002, 01:35 PM

I am pretty sure that I will be getting a 396 stroker and was wondering if I could save a few bucks by going with a 5.0 ecu out of a mustang. Am I nuts or is this possible? And worth it?

GS

Excaliber · #2 (**permalink**) 11-26-2002, 01:56 PM

Not sure, but I would think you could IF:

Got one of them programable chips to set up the injection and timing curves. Why wouldn't it work?

Ernie

Edbo · #3 (**permalink**) 11-26-2002, 02:48 PM

Price Motorsport makes an adapter to use the 302 intake on the 351 block/heads. I run a carb, so you'd have to get someone else to tell you whether the EFI will work.

http://www.pricemotorsport.com/Intak...and_ap-04.html

Ed

Satanpez · #4 (**permalink**) 11-26-2002, 02:50 PM

Plenty of people do that.

But if you want it done right, yes, go with the aftermarket chip.

And a custom one, NOT a generic mail order chip. Look on Stangnet and such places and you'll find the favorite chip burners.

Many, many variables. Intake, exhaust, type of cam, displacement, etc.

Going with an A9L or similar ford ECU is the cheapest way to fuel injection without going to some cheesy tbi.

-steve in nj-

PSB · #5 (**permalink**) 11-27-2002, 01:10 PM

I'm planning on using a '91 Mustang ECU on my 408W. I do plan on getting a custom chip burned for it. I have talked to several people that have run stroker motors and 351Ws in Mustangs, and the concensus is that a stock computer will work, but you won't get the full power potential of your motor without a chip or a programmer.

I plan on getting a chip from Johnson Motorsports.

The other way to go is an EEC tuner. Downside of tuners are they are expensive and you really have to know what you're doing. Here's a couple EEC tuners sites: Tweecer , EEC Tuner.com .

Pete

got snake? · #6 (**permalink**) 11-27-2002, 01:39 PM

Thanks guys,

I have been looking around and find that the cost of EFI system will add way too much to my budget. And as PSB stated I probably won't get the full power out of my motor. Maybe it will be a project after I get the cobra.

GS

Sizzler · #7 (**permalink**) 11-27-2002, 02:15 PM

firing order issues??

PSB · #8 (**permalink**) 11-27-2002, 03:17 PM

302HO and 351W have the same firing order.

got snake? · #9 (**permalink**) 11-27-2002, 03:52 PM

PSB,

Where did you get the body for your RC car? I've an rc and have been wondering where i can pick one up.

GS

Jack21 · #10 (**permalink**) 11-27-2002, 03:54 PM

Another question you need to consider is will your stroker WITH factory EFI fit under the closed hood?

CR had to make a special hood to fit a 302 EFI under it, and the 351W is taller still.

A carb'd 351W has minimal hood clearance with a Performer RPM, and the engine lowered 3/4" into the frame.

You may have to check out plenum options as far as height goes before springing for the $$$.

got snake? · #11 (**permalink**) 11-27-2002, 05:51 PM

Edlebrock offers carb looking efi but it is rated only up to 400hp. I could move up to larger injectors. The Edlebrock rep stated that the larger 44lb/hr injectors will make the engine run rich. ["our next unit is a 44lb/hr size which is very large at idle."] He also mentioned that i can push the stock injectors to get 475hp but that will be pretty extreme.

GS

PSB · #12 (**permalink**) 11-27-2002, 07:09 PM

GS,
I got my RC Cobra at a local hobby store. Unfortunately, Kyoso disconinued it.

Jack21,
I indeed am having problems getting a 351W EFI to fit under the hood. The problem is the width, rather than the hight. Randy Hunter is making me a new wider scoop that hopefully will fix the problem.

Pete

Jack21 · #13 (**permalink**) 11-27-2002, 08:24 PM

Don't think there's any debate that a properly dialed in (and that's a big caveat) EFI will give you better cold starting, better part throttle drivability, and better fuel economy than a carburetor. But at what cost? And hassle?

Taking the complete late Mustang 5.0 engine and EFI, and bolting it into a Cobra, (or a '66 Mustang, or a whatever) is not that big of a deal. But starting from scratch with a non-stock application such as a 408W stroker in a Cobra. The cost goes up exponentially, with no guarantee of results.

Put a 750 Holley or Demon, Performer RPM or Stealth, and you're not far from optimum right out of the box at 1/5 the cost of an EFI. And it clears your hood with (not much) room to spare. The aftermarket just isn't there yet with bolt on EFI systems. At least not for Ford motors, and less so for non-OEM displacement stroker Windsors.

If anyone is going to get a handle on this, Ford Motorsport will likely be the first to endorse it. Call their tech support line for what their latest thinking and recommendations are for EFI on their 393W crate motor and other non stock displacements. They won't be far off for a 408W.

If any of you have more up to date information, please share. Inquisitive minds would like to know.