I bought a 78 bronco as a project truck. The engine was seized when I bought it. I pulled the oil pan off to find antifreeze, busted rod in pan and another piston is twisted in the cylinder. I knew this could be a possibility but I was hoping for a rebuildable block. I have not taken the heads off yet. Would they be rebuildable? I need to find another block/crank at the yards. What cars or trucks should I look for? About how much would these cost? I live in Denver, CO. if anyone has the above parts.

The bronco has a c6,4.11 gears dana44 ford 9",4" lift,3" body lift,custom 4" tube bumpers(heavy). I plan I putting 35" tires. Can a rebuilt 400 that runs on pump gas move this beast with authority or would a 460 be better? Sorry for the long post. This project will be a big learning experience for me.Thanks

 

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 05-Jan-03 AT 01:40 PM (EST)]IMO your better off getting a 460. Ive built a couple 400's and the price of parts and power output afterwards was not worth the effort.
It seems all too common that the bottem ends get wasted. As far as machine shops it just depends on what type of service/warrenty they offer.

 

Well it's off to plan b..I was going to go with the 400 engine out of 1976 lincoln. The car was gone when I went back to salvage yard early this morning. The funny thing I was there a half hour before closing yesterday when they said it was too late to pull motor. So I showed up this morning as soon as they opened to get the engine and the car was gone. The only thing they said is that the car was prolly about 2 feet tall now.. crushed! What a major bummer..oh well maybe it's a sign to go with a 429/460 instead. I know this is a popular swap in these bronco's 78/79 but I am concerned about the emmisions legality of the swap. I mean the only thing emmision on the 78 bronco I have is the egr. No smog pump. I live in denver co. That 429 may be a callin me..that car was still there..

 

you can swap in the 460 and still pass in denver. I have a 460 in my 79 and its even registered as a 460 and all I did was build the motor put the smog on and take it down and it passes. Just don't build it wild or it'll never pass. Mines 30 over, 9:1, 268H comp cam, elelbrock performer intake, 1411 performer carb. Does just great.