replacement for stock airbox?

[1990LTD]

I don't want (well, I do, but that would be kind of impractical) a big K&N intake or anything like that, I just want an improvement over stock..OEM stuff would be cool even (akin to the 3G upgrade I guess). Something that they switched to in later years maybe?


What say you? Is there a common replacement for the stock air box? I am not looking for giant performance gains, just something affordable that breathes (even slightly?) better.

[85crownHPP]

The setup NY Dave has for sale is an improvement, and will bolt right up on your fender since you have a 90. You will need to do the washer tank / coolant bottle upgrade too though to make it fit.

[1990LTD]

is that 87gtVIC? We spoke about that and I would love it but shipping is prohibitive.

[gadget73]

Believe it or not, from a performance standpoint the stock airbox is not bad at all. It looks horrible and its right in the way, but its not costing you any power. The stuff Dave has is what you want though. I have that setup on my car, and its similar to what mrltd has on his. It works well and doesn't get in the way like the stock junk does.

[1990LTD]

Believe it or not, from a performance standpoint the stock airbox is not bad at all. It looks horrible and its right in the way, but its not costing you any power. The stuff Dave has is what you want though. I have that setup on my car, and its similar to what mrltd has on his. It works well and doesn't get in the way like the stock junk does.

what did that air box come off of?

[1990LTD]

also..what's the washer fluid tank upgrade? what's the superior tank from?

[gadget73]

my airbox is from a mid 90s car, air tube from I think a 1998, MAF is from a 95 Tbird or a 95 Grand Marq. Or its some kludge of those two, I forget which housing and which sensor I have. Its whatever mix of junk ran better.

washer bottle should be the same for most 92+ cars.

[1990LTD]

please bear with some stupid n00b questions:

what do I need to look for, compatibility-wise, for a replacement airbox? I can find 90s Fords of all varieties but I would like to know what makes 'em fit in these cars.

Could you good people explain the air system in these cars - I know how things work just from looking at 'em - tube bolted to fender > box w/ filter > tube to TB - but I don't know the inner workings, terminology, etc

[gadget73]

well, you already have a 1990 model, so the inner fender should be molded to take the later style box. Have a look on the driver's side, and you'll see 3 raised flat spots that look like something ought to bolt there. Those are the mount points. Later Panther cars (from 92 onward) to my knowlege all mount the airbox with the same 3 mounting bolts, so what you need is a round car, it's airbox, and the bolt/stud/things that attach it to the fender. They look like a stud with a big rubber biscuit in the middle. You want those, and the metal nut clip thing they thread into. (yes, I am well aware none of this is going to make much sense unless you're looking at a donor car).

Thats really about it, once you mount the airbox with the MAF (aluminum thing with the electrical connector), you just need an air tube. 98+ cars have the throttle body facing the same way the 5.0 one does, so their air tubes more or less work. Theres a couple holes in the tube that you'll need to plug, but thats about it.

[pantera77]

92+ airboxes FTW. Look factory and don't just suck in hot air.

[1990LTD]

anyone got some pics of one of these installed? I know what the stock one looks like but if you feel like putting one up for comparison sake, giv'r

[gadget73]

http://www.grandmarq.net/vb/showpost.php?p=463214&postcount=75

If you look close you'll see the mounting points on the fender that the airbox attaches to.

[jonzo77]

i just took the cone filter for a K&N setup, and clamped it right onto my throttlebody... looks good, and works fine. you can hardly see it...

[Glen]

Does the MAF from the mid 90's work in out cars? Can I replace the vac can with the flat vac box and will it work the same?

[87gtVIC]

Does the MAF from the mid 90's work in out cars? Can I replace the vac can with the flat vac box and will it work the same?

Yes you can use the flat vacuum box and i have had no problem with that swap. As far as the maf goes, I'd say as long as the 4.6s have 19 pounder injectors then yes if and only if your car is converted to mass air.

And because questions were asked on how the stuff looks:


STOCK:



Slightly better looking:



Looking mighty fine :