I am going to install a Clifford intake and headers on my 87 D-150.Is it possible to use the ESA computer and distributor with them? I am under the impression that all this computer does is control spark advance am I correct?

On my 87 (van) the ESA controls spark advance, EGR and upstream/downstream smog pump vacuum solenoids, and the TC lockup.

An intake air temp sensor screws into a port in the intake manifold that the ESA reads to manage EGR.

That seems to be the only thing that would be a problem in changing the intake.

Headers might be a problem if you have an O2 sensor.

Also, if the manifold swap is to facilitate a carb swap, and you have a Holley 6145, all the ESA linked components of the carb would be missing from the new carb.

You should probably consider HEI, but may want to address the possible impact on the systems listed above.

My truck has no O2 sensor and has a 1945 carb with no feedback wires.The only wires are for the idle stop solenoid.I also do not have a lock up 904.

For this to work you will need to install a collector with the O2 bung in it and make sure to never run leaded gas. I bought my collectors from Hedman with the bungs installed.

-D.idiot

O.K. let me start over.i have a 1987 D-150.It has a non feedback carb#1945.I have a Clifford heated intake and a set of Clifford split headers.I have an MSD 6a and need to get a vaccum advance distributor.I was wondering if I could use the ESA on the fenderwell and the stock distributor with the clifford setup till I do the conversion.I do not have an oxygen sensor in the manifold or a lockup converter on this truck so ......Will it work?

Yes it would work, but probably not optimally as i will be a stock curve for the 1 barrel and emissions so the aftermarket carb would have to be jetted and tuned to keep the thing from pinging.

If expecting plug and play, you will be disappointed.

-D.Idiot

Not really expecting plug and play just kinda wondering.I like to "Experiment" with ideas time to time