Total Disconnect
Q: I really enjoyed reading "Budget Blast," the tech article that Sharad Raldiris wrote about his work on an '89 LX.
In the story, Sharad says he removed some stuff to reduce weight in the car, and the power steering equipment was among the pieces that were taken off. Did he cap the ends of the rack? What did Sharad do?
I also want to delete my power steering, and I'm curious whether simply capping the ends on the rack will work or ruin the rack. Thanks.
John Mrowiec
Vancouver, WA
A: Being on a limited budget, Sharad chose to remove the power steering pump and lines but left the power rack in the car and simply plugged the open ports using pipe plugs (available through your local hardware store). Although Sharad's 'Stang is daily driven with this setup and has not incurred any problems, it really isn't the preferred method for deleting power steering.
Flaming River's (www.flamingriver.com) Fox-Mustang rack-and-pinion assembly is a direct bolt-on replacement that offers the correct ratio for low-effort manual steering. The manual rack is also available with slimline steering shafts that eliminate any need to reuse the OEM "rag joint," and dramatically reduces the amount of slop experienced in the steering system.
If you're on a tight budget, you definitely can block off your Mustang's stock rack, but keep in mind the arm workout you're going to get whenever you try and park.
Failure to Communicate
Q: I recently picked up a four-cylinder '89 notchback for $600 minus the motor and trans. I performed a V-8 swap (AER manufacturing 306 long-block, E303, 1.6 rockers, 24-lb/hr injectors, 70mm throttle body, FRPP GT-40 intake, BBK short-tube headers, H-pipe, MSD billet distributor, MSD 6AL, MSD coil). I also replaced the original electronics with an A9L computer and a complete engine wiring harness, fuel-injector harness, headlight harness, and 130A alternator upgrade.
All of the sensors and switches are new, and the engine runs fine, but the Check Engine light comes on after 10-20 minutes of driving. A local auto shop is unable to pull any codes because they say their scan tool cannot communicate with the computer. When I switch the computer with the PCM from my '89 convertible, the shop is able to read the code.
I read somewhere that the dash wiring harness also needs to be changed when doing the V-8 swap. Is this the case? Could it be causing the problem with the scanner not being able to communicate with the computer? Any help on this is greatly appreciated.
John Rineholt
Via email
A: Yes, the A9L EEC IV processor is the preferred mass-air, engine-management module for the engine swap, and it's good that you've included an A9L on your car. Unfortunately, you don't include in your letter exactly the model-year of your V-8 equipment or the error code (once your shop has recalled it through your 'vert's PCM).
If your wiring and processor are from a later Fox, it is quite possible the '89 under-dash harness is the source of your problem, as there are a few differences between '90-'93 (airbag cars) harnesses and those of '88 (California) and '89 mass-air Mustangs.
Basically, the connectors are in the same areas but some of the pin-associated wires running into the connectors are not. It's quite possible that the A9L you're trying to use may be from a '90-'93 Pony, which is why the scan tool is having difficulty understanding a DTC when that box is plugged in, yet is able to decipher codes when you use the PCM from your '89 convertible.
Virgin Of The Month
Driven To Underdrive
Q: I've been contemplating whether or not to install underdrive pulleys for my '05 Mustang GT as its first bolt-on upgrade. What are the benefits and the problems that result from adding pulleys? How difficult are they to install since my plan is to put them on by myself?
Paul D.
Via email
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