1985 F150 EFI to Carb - Ford F150 Forum

ajbryant87 · 01-10-2012, 12:37 PM

How hard is it to change from fuel injection to a carb on this year truck? What all has to be replaced? Thanks

jbexotics · 01-10-2012, 01:36 PM

I'm assuming you have the 5.0 litre

klricks · 01-10-2012, 09:27 PM

Why?
It would be easier and probably cheaper to buy a different truck.
Some things that need to be replaced:
Manifold
EEC (computer)
Ignition system. Distributor?
Fuel system: pumps, fuel pressure regulator etc.
Most of the sensors.
Most of the wiring harness in engine bay and behind dash.
If you have the AOD transmission then TV cable needs to be retrofitted.

ajbryant87 · 03-10-2012, 05:49 PM

"Why?
It would be easier and probably cheaper to buy a different truck."

Thanks for replying klricks. This truck was my great grandpas and I am trying to restore her back to her former glory. The truck has sat in a field for the last 6 years and mice go into all the wiring. It was our old fishing truck before he passed away so it has a lot of sentimental value.

The truck does have the AOD transmission. I am very new to the auto mechanic world so forgive me if I ask silly questions.

What sensors were you referring to?

ajbryant87 · 03-10-2012, 05:53 PM

Yes Sir it is the 5.0.

351W1085 · 03-13-2012, 01:48 PM

ajbryant87, let me put it in laymans terms for you. It is in fact very easy to convert EFI to carb. You do NOT need any sensors or electronics to run a carb. Heres what you do. You'll need a carburetor intake manifold, and a different distributor. You can get an HEI distributor for a 5.0 off ebay for less than $70. It only takes one power hookup and doesnt require any "special" electorincs and the coil is built in, so its easy to install. And lastly you will just need a low pressure carburetor electric fuel pump (the cubic purolator one is best) on the line that comes out of the fuel tank. ANd possibly some regular rubber fuel line to the carb. That it, thats all you have to do. You need no sensors and no computers. Good luck with your project.

mrburritoman · 03-13-2012, 04:11 PM

Just because I am curious and may very soon be the legal owner of a 5.0 myself, why would you want to do this?

Are there some power or other advantages to doing this?

Just curious myself as if my truck is buggered up in a bad way with the EFI system I might do this too, would certainly be cheaper than buying all new injectors or something dumb if I have to go that route.

klricks · 03-13-2012, 04:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrburritoman

Just because I am curious and may very soon be the legal owner of a 5.0 myself, why would you want to do this?

Are there some power or other advantages to doing this?

Just curious myself as if my truck is buggered up in a bad way with the EFI system I might do this too, would certainly be cheaper than buying all new injectors or something dumb if I have to go that route.

Before doing that I would check with DMV to see if you still need to smog check that in CA. If so it needs to have all the same equipment it was sold with or it will fail on equipment even if it could pass the actual smog test.
Can have newer engine in old frame but not older engine in newer frame.

351W1085 · 03-14-2012, 11:34 AM

There's no real power advantages to using a carburetor rather than EFI (unless you get a 4 barrel). Basically, EFI is great when it works, but when it doesn't, it is very much cheaper and easier to convert to carburetor than to try to fix the EFI. I've done it before.
It's nice being able to throw away that rats nest wiring harness for the ECM and have a straightforward orderly wiring system of your own...

brade07 · 03-21-2012, 12:43 PM

Im glad my 85 had the 300 in it, having a carb especially in a older vehicle that isnt driven a lot is very beneficial. Cheaper to fix, easier to fix and in the long run more reliable