I have bought an '88 FX with the 4ac engine and manual steering. I'm going to convert it to a 4age. My questions is about the steering. I'm assuming the manual steering is a slower low-ratio, and that power steering would be a faster high-ratio steering. Is it worthwhile to convert to power steering...

If I hadn't done the test I'd never have wondered. I've done the test a few times. I'm inclined to put the tester away and not think about it.

Thanks for the info on the 4a block.

I have the same manual as Oldeskewltoy, but no good way to copy and paste it. However, in the diagrams, page one, section seven, shows the emissions circuits, but no idle up valve (Oldeskewltoy's post). Page 2, sections five and six show the a/c circuits and the vsv idle up, electrical and mechanica...

I have a couple of questions about the 4a block. Do the 4ac and the 4age have the same block and internals? i.e is the only difference the cylinder head? Compression: I have an ae82 with the 4age. I checked compression on it and came up with #1 at 90#, #2 at 50#, #3 at 125#, and #4 at 135. the engin...

I look at the stuff you guys come up with, and toss off so casually, and I think I'm lucky to know how to change a spark plug. Ratranger, I'd do 'em on the CNC machine just to learn how.

i'm trying to spend some money, here. Is this the sort of stuff you have for sale?

Thanks. I have a strong, and so far justified, faith in the durability of the 4ag. On the basis of what you've said I'm willing to put a turbo on this block and see what happens. If it blows, I still have the turbo and two more engines waiting in the wings. Can you give me specifics? The turbo for t...

Counsel me here. I have some familiarity with NA upgrades on small block Ford V-8s. I know that I can bore and upgrade pistons, and I know I can set some better cams in place, (a lot of posts here on cams for the NA 4age) and, with a lighter flywheel pick up a lot of the response I'm looking for. A...

Counsel me here. I have some familiarity with NA upgrades on small block Ford V-8s. I know that I can bore and upgrade pistons, and I know I can set some better cams in place, (a lot of posts here on cams for the NA 4age) and, with a lighter flywheel pick up a lot of the response I'm looking for. Al...

I have an ae82 that I'd like to bump the power on. I've been reading the post on turbos that you put up a year or so ago, along w/comments, particularly by jinx and jondee (I believe that's the first time I've seen him ASK a question.) Jinx referred to a project by neil8586, but I haven't been able ...

Inner tie rod end! Felt tight when checked, was actually binding. sorry dog just about made me nuts. Feels good to push it and not wonder if things are going to hold together. Thanks for the suggestions.

I sent you a PM, but being new to them, I'm not sure you received it. I gave my email address. I'd like to talk to you about money and a couple of other details. Let me know if you need me to resend.

Thanks for the thoughts. An edit- it will produce the symptoms on a rainy day. It FEELS like a control arm bushing. It FEELS as if it's coming from the LF. It FEELS like something binding and releasing. I dunno . . .

If the red one is still for sale I'd be quite interested. That's a great set of pictures you posted. I thought I had looked closely at mine, but you put me to shame.

jm

I have a problem with my '87 fx16 front end. After about 30 minutes of driving I start to get a click and small kickback in the steering. It's noticeable at both low and high speeds. It's not evident when starting out with a cold car, but after said 30 minutes or so it's very noticeable. It shows up...

Whenever you see an fx16, grab whatever you can. I have a shed full of parts, most of which I'll probably never use, but hey . . . Mine, which I've had for 12 years, is starting to be a hassle in major parts. Recently needed a rf axle shaft- the part identified as such by NAPA, Advance and O'reilly'...

Some time back, on the old 'board, there was a discussion about locating the front struts of an ae82. It may have been taroroot that said that turning the tophat so that it filled the rearward portion of its mount was the performance setting. How does this work? It looks as if it would change the ca...

I just wanted to share these links. There are some truly inventive people out there.

jm

http://miami.craigslist.org/mdc/cto/4887810108.html

http://martinsburg.craigslist.org/cto/4869637750.html

All set up w/new knees. Is the fx still for sale?

jm

You've gone past the bottom of my piggy bank. Guess I'll go back to obsessing about the SHO.

Do be careful about the salt on those winter roads.

Just scrolling through and came across this. Makes me happy with my fx16.

Thanks. I just realized I saw this on C'list in July. Recognized the tape on the intake pipe, quite similar to my own. Still looks good.

That's pretty slick. Would still have to convert the rest of the fx to fx16: wiring, brakes, suspension, but you've made a major part of it seem simple. Thanks.

Good detective work. I've been following this thread, had NO ideas to offer, and was really curious to know the answer. My fx cuts out on sweeping left handers when the gauge is at 1/4 or less. I'd made an assumption it was a lack of baffles, but I'll re-examine it in light of what you've found.

Thanks, kuddster. I've got knee replacement surgery coming up, and I'll probably be off the road for a month. I'll check back with you toward the first of the year, and see if you still have the car and still want to sell it.

Thanks for the thoughts. I've pretty much decided its more work than it's worth. I'll have to obsess over something else.

Thanks for responding. I guess what I most need to know is if the bodies of the auto and manual are the same i.e all the mounting points in the cabin and engine bay are there for either transmission option, or if they're different creatures.

I've found an '88 fx (not -16) w/ auto. I'm looking at it as a donor body for my '87 fx16 5-speed. How big a chore is the conversion?

Would you be so kind as to send me some pics of the surface rust? ( A certain amount of paranoia here- a salty bagel in the passenger seat can cause the body to disintegrate.) Mine came out of N.C. 12 years ago, and now both rocker panels are rusted through. If you want to reach me directly it's joh...

what are you asking? I'm in Abingdon, va. Looking for a rust-free body.