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I swapped a Cobra intake into my '92 T-bird somewhere around June or July. Anyway, I'm finally getting around to posting some of the pics, maybe I'll get off my butt later and actually put together a write up like I said I would. Anyway, here we go.
First things first (other than removing the old manifold), I had to take care of the throttle/tranny/cruise linkage issue. As the mustang linkage isnt compatible with the MN12 setup. So, it was time to do some grinding
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Under that pretty pink-checked cloth is a 65mm BBK throttle body. There are 70mm units made to fit the SC t-birds, and those will also fit the 5.0L. However I opted for adapting the 65mm unit because it has been billed as the optimal size for a mostly stock 5.0L (at least one thats in a heavy car.... like mine).
After some grinding heres what I had:
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Thats the 65mm unit, the linkage from my old TB, and the return spring.
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The shape is the same, but things dont fit perfectly.
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With some patience and a few minutes with a hand file, everything fit just dandy. Now, before you rush off and weld that sucker on, make sure you remeber to put the return spring on first.... otherwise you end up having to grind it back off and put it on anyway.
Since my lower manifold isnt equipped with an ACT bung, I had to relocate it to my airbox. Since my car is NA, it wont make any difference. So I cut the harness and extended the wires.
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Then I found a suitable location on the airbox where the sensor wouldnt be in the way, and drilled a hole. I'm afraid I dont know the size hole I drilled, but I recomend drilling it small and then reaming out the hole until you can force the sensor through, the threads will hold it in place.
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Then it was just a matter of routing wires.
I wont go into any detail on the actuall install as it is fairly straightforward. However I do suggest you keep a helper around. Especially when puting either manifold piece in place. That way on person can position the manifold, while the other makes sure that gaskets stay where they should, and any connections are made.
Heres a few side-by-sides of the Cobra manifold and the stocker:
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Viva la difference
I was able to close the hood without cutting any reinforcement... barely. No visible bulge, but there was definetly resistance. I didnt get around to trimming the hood bracing until a week or so later, and there was a visible rub mark on the manifold. So I recomend taking the time to remove the bracing before you go out on any test runs
![]()
First things first (other than removing the old manifold), I had to take care of the throttle/tranny/cruise linkage issue. As the mustang linkage isnt compatible with the MN12 setup. So, it was time to do some grinding
Under that pretty pink-checked cloth is a 65mm BBK throttle body. There are 70mm units made to fit the SC t-birds, and those will also fit the 5.0L. However I opted for adapting the 65mm unit because it has been billed as the optimal size for a mostly stock 5.0L (at least one thats in a heavy car.... like mine).
After some grinding heres what I had:
Thats the 65mm unit, the linkage from my old TB, and the return spring.
The shape is the same, but things dont fit perfectly.
With some patience and a few minutes with a hand file, everything fit just dandy. Now, before you rush off and weld that sucker on, make sure you remeber to put the return spring on first.... otherwise you end up having to grind it back off and put it on anyway.
Since my lower manifold isnt equipped with an ACT bung, I had to relocate it to my airbox. Since my car is NA, it wont make any difference. So I cut the harness and extended the wires.
Then I found a suitable location on the airbox where the sensor wouldnt be in the way, and drilled a hole. I'm afraid I dont know the size hole I drilled, but I recomend drilling it small and then reaming out the hole until you can force the sensor through, the threads will hold it in place.
Then it was just a matter of routing wires.
I wont go into any detail on the actuall install as it is fairly straightforward. However I do suggest you keep a helper around. Especially when puting either manifold piece in place. That way on person can position the manifold, while the other makes sure that gaskets stay where they should, and any connections are made.
Heres a few side-by-sides of the Cobra manifold and the stocker:
Viva la difference
I was able to close the hood without cutting any reinforcement... barely. No visible bulge, but there was definetly resistance. I didnt get around to trimming the hood bracing until a week or so later, and there was a visible rub mark on the manifold. So I recomend taking the time to remove the bracing before you go out on any test runs
