is there a way to programmitcly interface with the computer on this thing? maybe some more research for the day. i am a software developer by day...

 

I would start by figuring out what you have. http://www.fordfuelinjection.com/?p=17 & this link http://fullsizebronco.com/forum/show...ht=timing+bump explains base timeing check /change. Your SPOUT plug is wherever your TFI module (ICM/ignition module) is, on the fenderwell or on the distributor.

 

thanks to the input from you guys, i was able to get to the point where i can say---

IT'S ALIVE!!! yes, the franken motor is ALIVE!

again, thanks to you guys for letting me know that it was a Mustang intake. with that, i was able to try changing the firing order to the HO, and what do you know, it runs even better at idle and without load, but with a load, it runs and runs well! my test drive took me to the end of the drive about a half mile one way, and since that was successful, i ran and got some smokes and some celebratory beer! woo-hoo!

why would it run at all with the wrong firing order - just because the 1 was in the same place? maybe making that similar of engine easily identifyable would help? after relentless searching, i only saw that the difference may be stamped at the rear top of the block only visible by removing the intake. is that correct?

i do, however, have some other issues to iron out, but i am on my way.

now that it is running i do, apparently, have some tranny issues. the tranny shifted up well, but it appears as though it didn't downshift well. i had to go up the driveway in reverse. it was like i was in od at 5 mph trying to go up the driveway. it was smoking, reeking of tranny fluid, and just couldn't make the steep driveway in drive.

also, to all of those threads i found with extremely similar symptoms, damn you (seriously FU) for not following up and posting the fix!!!

i haven't cleared and re-read my codes but will and post the results.

thx again to you senior guys for your input and help.

 

I think the different firing orders are only two swapped wires, so it would run but like crap. Will the transmission manually downshift? See if the transmission has a rod or cabe that is supposed to hook to the throttle body. They probably used a tranny that has that rod or cable to make the swap easier and it probably is unhooked or not adjusted correctly.

 

there is a cable to the throttlebody. i'll take a look at any possible adjustements to it. no luck with the manual downshift. shifting gears seemed more like sliding a tape measure than selecting an automatic gear.

 

I concur! Darn you all to heck! But there's still time to repent!

 

i found the cable from the tranny to the throttle body and found how to adjust it. that's a mission for tomorrow. hopefully, the rain holds off.

i'm planning on replacing all fluids and hitting all grease points. it's nice that these older vehicles have grease nipples (insert joke/comment i like nipples here) on everything.

anything else the gurus advise looking into while i attempt to adjust the tranny?

worse case scenario, i'm planning on hitting the graveyard for a tranny and attempting to rebuild and enhance this one.

should i look at the rear end and consider changing gears?

the goal is to make this a dependable toy and work truck for my contracting jobs on the side. with the economy there aren't as many jobs as there used to be, and god knows, they don't fetch the kind of money they used to either.

 

unless your going up in tire size or have some other specific use in mind, the stock gear ratio would be hard to improve overall. I think Haynes manuals cover the cable adjustment.

 

it has 35/12.50s on it and a 6 1/2" lift. maybe why there is a problem?

 

Well, it's a bit of a stretch from stock! Kinda like you wearing heavy boots with lifts in the heels, 24/7. Except you can build up muscle fiber to compensate for the extra load. Stock Trannys, diffs, clutches and any & all related parts have only one option, premature failure. When you're asking for trouble, sooner or later, your ship will come in! Then there's the lift effect on stock component function, but why add insult to injury. It looks good,& that's the main thing,...................right? Triple A is surprisingly affordable! One tow pays for your membership! I bet it looks good cross the 2 ft. deep stream bed going to work every day though! I'm trying to nudge your towards practicality. However, If I was used to looking at my truck w/ 35's & 6 in. of lift,........practicality would have to drag me away kickin & screamin too! I've never heard anybody say they married someone because that person was a very practical choice. Low maintenance,.......many times. Especially the second time around!