I posted a while back about the '94 GT I picked up from fellow GRMer AnthonyGS (thanks again!!!!). It's a "project" for my son and I. The goal is to have it autox ready for his 16th b-day, which is in 4 months. It run and drives as is, quite well in fact.
The first order of business is to get rid of a ping in the engine. The car runs great when at idle or blipping the throttle, but under load it's got a very noticeable ping...and I suspect a few ponies have left the barn. It's not as quick as I remember these things to be. So we're going to do a tune up. We'll make sure the timing is correct and do plugs, wires, etc... I know certain cars, such as early NA Miata, get a bit funny about what brand plugs and wires you use. Before I go hit up RockAuto, is the SN95 5L particular to a certain brand? Looking for good value here, as he's funding a lot of this with his own money.
If it's pinging, the first thing I'd look at is the timing. The SN95s don't take as well to advanced timing as the Fox 5.0s did. I was only able to get away with about 12 degrees on mine with 93 octane gas.
Other than that, the usual cheap and easy hop ups for those cars were underdrive pulleys, 65mm throttle body, bigger MAF, shorty headers, maybe a catback.
In my experience wih Fords of that era, they do not like parts store brand ignition parts. No fancy spark plugs either. Just name brand Motorcraft stuff, especially for the TFI module.
Fuel pressure?
I agree on the base timing comment. The SNs do not like advanced timing at all. Whiten the timing marks make sure your pointer is OEM and check this first. Be sure to disconnect the spout connector next to the 4 pin diagnostics connector too.
Then try new plugs wires and the spare coil I gave with the car. Also my brand new 95 always pinged on 87 octane; always. I think the ethanol we get today is part of the problem. I always added octane booster to the tank in it and no ping.
Curtis
UltimaDork
11/11/19 7:30 p.m.
At the shop, when it came to Ford, I just called the Ford parts counter for ignition parts. They're picky. Aftermarket coils, wires, and modules don't play well with factory ECMs.
I think you'll find that the dealer parts are not much more expensive.
Motorcraft parts work best. My car even hated the ngk plugs and msd wires.
AnthonyGS said:
I agree on the base timing comment. The SNs do not like advanced timing at all. Whiten the timing marks make sure your pointer is OEM and check this first. Be sure to disconnect the spout connector next to the 4 pin diagnostics connector too.
Then try new plugs wires and the spare coil I gave with the car. Also my brand new 95 always pinged on 87 octane; always. I think the ethanol we get today is part of the problem. I always added octane booster to the tank in it and no ping.
I will grab Motorcraft plugs and wires, and use the spare coil. Sorry for the dumb question, but what do mean when you say make sure my pointer is OEM? Also, where is the spout connector located? Not familiar with that.
Oh, I also don't even own a timing light. Will a basic one from Harbor Freight be all I need?
A basic tune up on my buddies 94 made a massive difference.
Id add o2 sensors and a PCV valve to the list of items. The PCV system were known to clog the valve and screen which lead to oil consumption issues and ping on the fox body cars. Not sure if they changed the PCV system on the 94/95 MYs.
O2 sensors for good measure. Faster response equals better fueling for the EEC IV cars. The 94/95 cars were much more finiky than the 87-93 fox body cars even though they used the same type of computer. On my 93 just replacing the o2 sensors cleared up a crappy idle and mid range response.
I know the 94 5.0 Ltr. had a pvc screen against the firewall that would clog and cause issues. Not sure if that would make it ping.
In reply to Klayfish :
Here are some good instructions: http://www.mustangandfords.com/how-to/engine/1710-quick-tips-setting-ignition-timing-on-your-pushrod-5-0l
And yes, I would imagine the HF timing light is probably fine. I've been using a cheap Craftsman one for 25+ years without issue.
To answer your original question, I have read previously that the SN95 5.0 had a few parts that were different than the foxbody, and unique to those two years.
Cool project to do with your son!!
My SN95 really likes AC Delco parts for some reason... weird.
The spout is spark output from the ecm which controls the advance. It's a single wire with a jumper near the 4 pin ecu diagnostics port. It should even be labeled spout. You have to remove the jumper to check adjust the distributor base timing or the ECU will be advancing or retarding it.
You will probably need a crows foot wrench to loosen and tighten the distributor hold down bolt. And yes you need a timing light.
