Installation and Testing - 5.0 Mustang
Disappointed that we couldn't get performance results from the Pro-10 in the '67, we decided to install it out in our '88 Mustang 5.0. Once again the electrical connections were a breeze, however due to the confined space of the late model engine bay, the mounting of the Energy-Pak was a bit more challenging. After spending a couple hours test fitting the unit in several places, the best place seemed to right alongside the battery. Since we were mounting the unit temporarily, we simply strapped it to the battery with several rubber utility straps. We'll fabricate a metal bracket and plate that bolts to the frame under the battery, which will provide for a permanent mount. Another good location would be inside the drivers compartment -such as under the seat or on the passenger side near the console. We mounted the Jacobs coil on the frame member below the stock coil location. This way we could easily swap the coil connector between the Jacobs and the stock coil to compare the two systems. We increased plug gap to 0.050" and installed the Jacobs 8.5mm wires, along with a new replacement rotor (our cap was in good shape.)

Testing Results
Once again we noticed an immediate difference in throttle response and the smoothness in acceleration. Because our '88 is a daily driver, we had several weeks and nearly one thousand miles (about four tank fill-ups) of fuel economy monitoring. Interestingly, the mpg gains from the Jacobs on the 5.0 efi motor were not nearly as much as what we noticed on the '67. With the stock system the car would average 14.5 mpg, 210 miles per tankful. With the Jacobs Pro-10 in place, over three tankfulls, we averaged 224 miles per tank, or 14.4 mpg, an overall gain of less than 1 mpg. Considering that the EEC-IV controlled EFI system is designed to accurately monitor and tailor air-fuel ratios and timing, it doesn't suprise us not to see any significant gains from an aftermarket system.

In order to measure the power gains from the Pro-10 on our 5.0 motor, we decided to run a series of road tests using the G-Tech accelerometer. It's worth noting that the G-Tech, like any other measuring device, is only as accurate as the test conditions it's used under. In other words, if you test 0 to 60 times on different stretches of road, on different days, then you will certainly get scattered results which lead you to believe the instrument is inaccurate. It is imperative to use the G-tech consistently until repeatable results are achieved. We've used this device extensively over the past couple months, and have gotten pretty familiar with it's results.

We baselined the '88 5.0 (AOD, Holley heads, Explorer intake, 3.55 gears.) with the stock ignition system, for both 0-60mph acceleration and 1/4 mile elapsed times. Then, on the same day, same stretch of road, we connected the Jacobs Pro-10 system, and tested again. The results were impressive. With the stock coil and ignition system, the 0-60mph time was 5.30 seconds (best of three), and the quarter-mile was a best of 13.96 ET (best of three.) With the Jacobs Pro-10 connected the 0-60 improved to 5.22 seconds and the quarter mile was shaved to 13.80 ET. On average the Jacobs showed an improvement of a 1.5 tenths over the stock ignition system.

Final Impressions
So far we are fairly impressed with the Jacobs Pro-10. We noticed a significant performance increase over the stock 5.0L ignition system, and on the carburated 302 fuel economy improved by 20%. At around $400-500, the system is not the cheapest digital ignition system on the market, however it may be the most comprehensive in terms of its capabilities. The design is rugged, all the components are very high quality, and getting the system running is extremely easy.

However we're by no means done testing and evaulating the Jacobs Pro-10 system. Over the next few months we'll continue to test and compare the system on several cars, using the G-Tech, actual drag strip testing, and even a dynomemter if the opportunity arises. Look for long-term updates in the coming months. F/M

Contacts:
Jacobs Electronics, Inc.
500 N. Baird St. Midland, Texas 79701
1-800-825-3345
www.jacobselectronics.com