few questions about 302 5.0 installation

[Jeff65]

Originally posted by csunracer
Jeff65:
Thanks for the info. Let's assume I want to use a mechanical feul pump, what parts would I need to make this work? I also have access to the OEM distributor off of a 91 5.0, If possible I wanted to use this along with an MSD 6a and an MSD coil.

For mechanical fuel pump:

a. Timing cover. Use early timing cover with fuel pump boss. Notes: Ford Racing makes this cover expressly for 5.0L. If you use early cover you have to remove block pins aligning late cover. Use chisel to pop the block pins from the side. This will crack them and allow them to be easily withdrawn from the engine block. When using early cover be sure to get good crankshaft positioning before tightening the cover (since the alignment pins won't be there). Alternately you can have a machine shop drill out the two bolt holes giving recess for the block alignment pins. My advice is not to use the alignment pins with the early cover. I use the California Pony Cars reproduction timing cover on mine. This timing cover is available from NPD.

b. Fuel pump eccentric. There are three types I know of: factory thick, factory thin and aftermarket. The two factory eccentrics are exactly the same except for width of the part. Choice depends on the timing cover used. Some require the thin eccentric whereas others it doesn't matter. If the eccentric binds on the interior front of the timing cover, then shave it down or buy the thin one. Any Ford dealer parts counter can help you with this. Either of these requires a cam pin. Basically the eccentric bolts onto the cam gear and a pin sticking out of the front of the cam locks the gear and the eccentric from turning against the cam/cam gear. The 5.0L does not have a long enough cam pin to penetrate the eccentric, hence it must be replaced to use the factory eccentrics. A solution to this is the Total Performance fuel pump eccentric for small block Ford. This is a two piece item. When you first see it, one wonders if its any good. It is a lot thinner material than the factory item. It consists of a central eccentric with a metal tab that locks against the cam gear eliminating the need for the cam pin. It simply bolts on the front of the cam gear using the cam bolt and washer. This simplifies the installation. An outer ring rides on the eccentric and the arm of the fuel pump rides on it. The design is such there is no wear at all on the fuel pump arm for the outer ring of the eccentric does not turn even though the inner eccentric does - the outer just floats on the inner on a layer of oil. I have one of these in my engine and it works fine. If you want this item contact Total Performance, Clifford Township, MI (586) 468-3673, e-mail: totalperformance@ameritech.net

Okay, that about covers the fuel pump question. WRT your distributor question, the '91 distributor uses a module plugged into the side and to be honest, I don't know how it connects to your MSD. I believe the MSD wiring instructions tell you how and perhaps they make a harness especially for the Duraspark distributor. Contact MSD. An alternative is to use a Mallory Unilite distributor to fire your MSD. In this case, the one you want is part number 4770401. See your Summit Racing or Jegs catalog. Again, follow wiring instructions provided by Mallory or MSD.

BTW, once upon a time, I lived in Granada Hills and had a girlfriend living in Chatsworth. I was there last Fall for a high school reunion for GHHS. I know your neighborhood fairly well although its grown a lot since I lived there. When I was there, the only business was a grain-feed store along Devonshire.