Installed a junkyard IC, still falling on its face

[85_SS_302_Coupe]

Hey guys, a little update on my Merkur. I got a small intercooler off a Volvo and did a really low budget install with a Bosch bypass valve plumbed in. The car has an LA3 and big VAM and a Gillis valve set to 16psi. Ever since i installed the LA3 and big VAM, it falls on its face around 4k. I assumed it was because there was no intercooler, but now i've got one (albeit not the best and not in the best location, but at least as good as if not better than the Turbo Coupe top mount) and it's still doing it. I've got the timing down to 10* per LA3 requirments...i can't think of anything that could be causing it to fall flat like this and i'm about to throw the stock ecu and vam back on it and say screw it.

 

[Red_LX]

Making any weird noises when it does this falling flat thing?

 

[85_SS_302_Coupe]

No it's just like it goes flat and stops pulling if i try to drive it past about half throttle.


Here's another one....i got fed up and put the stock ECU and VAM back on it and now it won't even idle....it starts for a split second and dies. The LA3 i had on it was repinned internally so nothing was done to my harness..i made it so i could just plug the stocker back in and go but now it won't even start. I checked and yes the VAM is plugged in, and the ECU is plugged in completely so i'm lost now and i'm about to push it off a cliff

EDIT:

Well i solved ^^that^^ problem...the vam was on backwards

 

[oneofakindfxbdy]

sounds to me like your vam is stuck. i put a 2.3 tc engine out of a 88 thunderbird and i had the same problem you should be able to take it apart and lub it.

 

[mg man]

I know old post but. If didn't know this there is a wiring difference between small vam and big vam. Have to repin the vam wires. Check out this link. Can't do direct link but look at the PE to LA PDF. Has the Merkur pinout and 87-88 t-bird computer. Look at vam wires and vam sensor. If remember when I done mine had to move 2 wires. www.rothfam.com - /svo/reference/ Falls on its face. Boost leak, Check fuel pressure, fuel filter, tps has a dead spot. May trying closing gap of plugs, hose inlet to turbo collapsing, I may have hit some simple solution may one will be correct. Something I just thought of did you install a intake air tempature sensor in intake. LA series need it.