Seems like a common issue but no solutions i could find anywhere, HELP 4 plug 2.3

[97rangerprerunner]

So, I’ve got a 1987 Ranger 2.3 5-spd. Pulled it out of a field and got it up and going again... the fuel pumps were trash, so I upgraded it to the single in take pump, it has a new coil, new MAP sensor, new O2 sensor, new coolant temp sensor (lower intake one) converted to the 87-89 mustang throttle body so the IAC valve is on the throttle body instead of on the air box. It has a 97 Ranger header with the EGR welded up, EGR is blocked off. No cat with 2.25” exhaust with a new muffler... I’ve replaced all the injectors with EV6 style 19lb injectors with the pig tails soldered on etc.... this truck was stock when I started out tinkering and has had this problem through all the changes and upgrades... when the engine is “cold” IE first started for the day, it runs rough like it has a performance Cam for a few seconds (running rich, I can smell it) once it’s warmed up it has a hiccup here or there but seems to run ok... the fuel mileage is garbage... getting about 100-110 miles per tank... I’ve checked the Fuel pressure regulator etc no fuel in it on the vacuum side... wondering if anyone else has any suggestions. I’m thinking MAYBE a TPS sensor might be goofy or something. I went to set it with a cheap harbor freight volt meter and was getting an erratic reading voltage wise... seemed to kinda jump around... don’t know if it’s the meter or what but from what I’ve read it probably wouldn’t affect it and cause the issues I’m having... I’ll get a GOOD meter on it in the next few days...

 

[tomw]

Temp sensors, MAP sensor ... check them for their output and compare readings to the factory spec for the air and coolant temps, and the Hz for the MAP at your baro pressure.
The MAP can futz up the idle, as it will go rich/lean back and forth at will, and can tell the computer your engine is under high load(zero vacuum in the intake), so it will jazz the fuel mix.
Temp - ECT and ACT - will tell computer it's cold outside, and I need more juice squirted into the engine... if they send wrong signal.
tom

 

[97rangerprerunner]

Yeah, the ACT I completely forgot about it having... I pulled the map sensor from my 93 F150 that I know is good, and no change... I’m going to change the ACT and TPS out... we will see from there, but I’m betting you’re onto something on the ACT. It’s the only thing that’s nt new! Do you by change know if there is a dish plug on the harness on an 87? To plug in the old school boxes for the flashing light trouble codes? I thought they were usually on the drivers side inner fender well, but I didn’t see it there

 

[adsm08]

On an 87 the OBD1 diag port is over by the blower motor and AC box.

They kept them close to the computer to minimize the amount of wire they needed to run.