Just curious...

[hotkarl]

I was wondering how involved it would be to dump an old carb powered 302 into my 1997 V6.
I'm talking tearing out all the computer crap and just having an old school no frills V8 powered truck.
Is this do-able without too much effort?

 

[JDraper]

It's doable, but if you're going to use it on the road, it won't pass inspection due to the pollution control laws.

 

[Turdle]

I think you will wish you went to the effort.

Serious. You will loose overdrive, and buy a lot of gas.

 

[hotkarl]

not too concerned about the mpg's...in all honesty, couldn't be much worse than it is now. I don't see why a healthy running and tuned V8, even though carb powered, wouldn't be able to at worst, skate by the emissions test.
I've had to tweak many vehicles, older and newer to pass.

And, I'm not talking about some mega-horse powered monster either, just a good running V8, like an old HO 302 from the 80's.
I'm sick of all this computer controlled crap.
I miss the days of being able to diagnose and repair nearly any problems with duct tape, a hammer, and some bailing wire.

It's just a thought bubble at this point, I would consider doing the conversion if isn't too complicated. Most likely, I'm just gonna sell it. Got 130K on the clock, and it seems EVERY time I fix something, something else immediately goes wrong. So, at this point, I don't put a penny into it unless it is absolutely necessary. It's becoming a money pit and I don't trust it. I have this constant fear of getting stuck somewhere.

 

[ThePhoenix]

It's doable, but if you're going to use it on the road, it won't pass inspection due to the pollution control laws.

depends on the state

 

[Joe Dirt]

I'm sick of all this computer controlled crap. I miss the days of being able to diagnose and repair nearly any problems with duct tape, a hammer, and some bailing wire.

I second that! Although I do like the not having to tune anything when it is running right. But I wish I could stand in my engine bay!

 

[ThePhoenix]

McGuiver everything...I remember that

 

[hotkarl]

Yup, these newer vehicles are great and all when they are "new". When the problems start it's game over unless you really know your stuff. Or have a bunch of money to throw around. To me, newer vehicles are '93/94 and up, technology-wise.
My mechanical prowess ends around 95 or so, as far as computer controlled crap.
It's very frustrating when your junk wont run right, or run at all, and you are helpless as far as pinpointing the problem. You are at the mercy of the dealer or your mechanic.
And you better hope your mechanic knows how to scan and diagnose well. A lot of these guys out there just change parts until they get it right. And you pay the bill.
I was a pretty damn good tech back in the day, but I just don't have the time, money, or patience to diagnose some of the crap that goes wrong with these vehicles.
I'm really considering buying something old, real old. The grandpa special, like a 1985 Crown Vic with 30K original miles and mint condition. Something like that.

 

[TheJackal]

The grandpa special, like a 1985 Crown Vic with 30K original miles and mint condition. Something like that.

I had an old 89 Vic. That year is computer controlled but still a fun car, I liked it a lot. They're dwindling fast tho.

 

[ThePhoenix]

It's very frustrating when your junk wont run right, or run at all, and you are helpless as far as pinpointing the problem.

LOL

I hear ya!

My 68 mustang (see link in my sig) was the best damn car. ran great. easy to fix...until someone t-boned me

 

[my98nnj]

I don't see why a healthy running and tuned V8, even though carb powered, wouldn't be able to at worst, skate by the emissions test.

Because by law your 97 requires an OBDII test.

 

[Blee1099]

Yea I don't think this will work.. NY State requires yearly inspections if I remember right. Plus OBDII is Federally mandated requirement for any vehicle made from 1996 and on.

 

[Macgiobuin]

You will need to

keep your computer alive to shift your electronic transmission; it triggers off the vehicle speed sensor and rpm's; you will need to install a crankshaft position sensor if your old one does not have one--most of the old ones don't have them; and a camshaft position sensor too; you will need to get O2 sensor cheaters to keep your CEL off, and then keep all the pre-carburetor stuff like MAF, throttle position sensor, some of the new ones have EGR valve position sensors, then there's the... aw heck....just get an old bronco II and shoe horn a 302 in it.

 

[hotkarl]

Screw it...

FOR SALE: 1997 Ford Explorer...ha!