Couple of 1989 2.3L questions

[russosborne]

Hi.
I am getting a Mustang1989 2.3L with fuel injection
non-turbo engine to replace the 2.3L carbed engine in my 79 Pinto.

OK, stop laughing.

Seriously, I want the fuel injection cause I like that better than carbs. That is the main reason I am doing this swap.
Also, I am getting this for $50 cash plus an old power steering rack from a II I am parting out. Hard to turn that down.

Most of the info I have found on the Pinto sites deals with the turbo engine. Hence the questions here.

Question #1. I don't think it is coming with the harness or computer. Is the 1989 Mustang the only car I can get those from, or are there others? And what about aftermarket? I am on a pretty limited budget, or else I would be doing a V8 swap. Gas mileage is an issue as well.

Question #2. This engine is coming with an automatic transmission. What transmission would it be? It will need work, the reverse is out on it.

Question #3. What other transmissions will work without adapting with this engine? I wouldn't mind going to a manual 5 speed. Or even using the 1979 Pinto trans(C3 I think)? Just trying to find out my options at this point.

Question #4. Am I nuts for doing this? From reading here I understand that performance and this engine don't really go together. That is ok, at least for now. For now I am really looking at giving the Pinto an updated drivetrain and doing some needed body work and keeping it cheap. Reliability and driveability are my main goals.

Thanks for any and all advise/opinions.

Russ

 

[SVO1]

#4 for an economy engine IMHO it's a great choice. it's reliable and cheap to work on. Also when you get the car done it's not that hard to change the wiring around and go turbo if you choose.

and for your other questions:
#1 any 87-90 engine harness will work as they were all single plug EFI engines. (same with computer, altho the A4LD uses a specific computer to control it)

#2 Trans is an A4ld. Nice if you want overdrive, but you need the yoke off the Mustang driveshaft as it is unique.

#3- you can use any 2.3 trans, T5, C4,C3,A4ld. the C3/4 and T5 all use the same trans yoke.

 

[russosborne]

Cool,thanks!
Russ

 

[RustBucket]

What are you going to do about the fuel system?

The mechanical pump that fed the Pinto's carb can't feed an EFI system. You'll either need to find a way to put an in-tank hi pressure fuel pump in the Pinto's fuel tank, or lay down some bucks for an aftermarket external EFI pump.

The EFI cars also have a return line back to the tank that I believe the Pinto lacks.

 

[russosborne]

I already planned on an electrical pump. Putting an efi engine in a Pinto is actually pretty common, but most people go with a turbo version. I figured I would ask here, because you all know this stuff better than Pinto people.

Believe it or not, at least the 79 and 80 do have a return line. Surprised the heck out of me when I was looking for a gas leak. Of course, both of mine need replaced anyway.

Couple of other questions.

Does the wire harness and computer for the efi have to be from a 2.3L engined car, or will any 87-89 work regardless of engine size? I doubt that is the case, but I am a complete noobie to the EFI stuff.

And assuming it does have to be from a 2.3L car, if the engine is gone how can I tell the difference? Anything stand out either with the harness or the computer? And where is the computer on these things? Once I actually get the engine, I am going to be looking for a manual for an 89 Mustang, which hopefully will keep me from having to ask stupid questions to you all here.

One last question re the A4LD trans. Where is the computer on the car and how do I identify it?

Thanks again,
Russ

 

[RustBucket]

I can honestly say I don't remember a return line, but it was 1980-something when I owned my '79 Bobcat.

The harnesses are engine and to some extent, model year specific. Hopefully someone will come and fill in the gaps, but I believe the first run of EFI cars (86-90...except 1990 California emissions cars) were pretty much the same. They really switched things up starting with the '91 model year. For what you're planning, I'd look for a pre-91 car. A Mustang Factory Service Manual is going to be very helpful when it comes time to graft the EFI harness into the Pinto's engine bay.

The engine computer is located behind the passenger side kick panel.

The A4LD never had it's own computer separate from the main ECU. I think that's what you're asking.

 

[russosborne]

Thanks, that is a big help.
Hoping to get the engine/trans next weekend. Then the fun starts.
I don't even have an engine hoist yet, so my Blazer may be carrying the engine and trans for a while. Have to wait on income tax refund to get here first.
This will actually be a fairly long term project, so I am not in a big rush. Just need to know what I am looking for if it pops up.

Russ