Hey guys,
Ive just replaced my thermostat and gasket on the XR8.
Now Ive gone for a test drive and it bogs right down, no power what so ever.
Backfires, massive flat spot on wide open throttle, really finds it difficult to free rev even in neutral.
It drives like its under a huge amount of load.

Ive left it to dry out for two days now and still the same issue.
Ive also cleaned the MAF and disconnected the battery over night to try and reset the ECU..

Any ideas?
Cheers.

What else did you touch in the engine bay?

Stuffed fuel pump?

is your dizzy loose? maybe you bumped it while changing thermostat?

Yeah I knocked the dizzy out by about 1 million degrees.
Was so retarded it grew an extra chromosome. (distasteful?)

Where are the timing marks on the 5l? Cant seem to see any on the balancer?
Also, whats the recommended advance for a bit more bang without too much bang?

Thanks

Dont touch the timing marks on a Windsor without being in Diagnostics mode!. They wont be even close to "spec". Specs, or course, are in a gregories.

Or fordmods!. From search :
ford-v8-f2/setting-ef-v8-timing-t91691.html

Ignition Timing (Base)
Base timing is checked and adjusted after the KOER Test has completed.
(This can take from 1 to 2 minutes)
Run Engine until Normal Operating Temperature is reached.
Ensure the air conditioner is OFF, transmission is in park or neutral and ignition is OFF.

1. Connect timing light to cylinder number one high tension lead.
2. Start engine.
3. Ground the ENG STI Pin of the Diagnostic Connector to carry out the KOER Self Test.
(The engine speed will increase during the KOER Test)
Once this test is completed, (1 to 2 minutes) the timing will drop to base timing.
4. Check ignition timing - Should be: 28° to 32° BTDC.
(There is 1 to 2 minutes to check & adjust the timing)
5. Rotate Distributor to adjust.

Thanks mate, thats perfect!