1982 Mercury Grand Marquis

[mgm82]

Hello to everyone! I am getting ready to buy a 1982 Mercury Grand Marquis 5.0L with carb and I would greatly appreciate some help. I am generally aware that the car has a computer (EEC) that controls basic engine functions. It is my understanding that the EEC receives input from things like a crankshaft position sensor, O2 sensor, throttle position sensor, etc. It then uses all of the collected data to adjust things like air/fuel mixture, timing, etc.

1) Can the control of these basic engine functions be removed from the computer (EEC) and returned to the driver? That is to say, can the variable venturi (vv) carb be replaced with one that is manually adjusted? Also, can the distributor be replaced with one that is manually rotated to adjust engine timing? I would love to take the computer completely out of the loop.

2) Since the car is now 26 years old, would performing #1 create any problems with yearly safety or emission inspections? I heard something about the Federal Clean Air Act of 1990 but I didn't understand it. Does a car this old actually have emission standards and requirements?

Can someone please help?
Thank you!

[gadget73]

1) yes, you can replace the VV with a standard 2bbl carb and eliminate most of the emissions controls if you'd like. Distributor doesn't need to be replaced, its a standard Duraspark distributor. Might want to swap the module out for a non-computerized one though

2) depends on the state, but probably it will. If your state has smog or intense visual inspections, its going to fail if you remove the emissions controls.

[Tiggie]

You can replace the VV with a normal carb. If you just want another 2-bbl carburetor, find one from an '80-'82 V8 T-Bird or Cougar that has the AOD Lever on it. The AOD uses a different lever from the other Ford Automatics.

Your original distributor should be able to be rotated to adjust timing. Just loosen the distributor hold-down, rotate the distibutor, and tighten. Remember that on a small block Ford, clockwise advances the timing and counterclockwise retards it.

NC isn't very harsh on their emissions last I checked. 25 years and older are exempt from the sniffer (http://www.chathamjournal.com/weekly...question.shtml). In any case, a regular 2-bbl carburetor like the Motorcraft 2150 should pass. If you go the 4-bbl route, you'll probably be okay as long as you don't have a smog nazi inspector.

[p71towny]

I've got a carb on mine and junked everything else. EVERYTHING.