Bill, i wanted to send a huge thanks for suggesting the Early Ford Store in San Dimas, i felt like i was in MY "toys r us" before i had even walked in! Since i am nearing the end of my '55 F-100 build, i'm trying to plan ahead for fixin' up my 4x4 '95 Ford Bronco. The 302 engine has a little over 352k miles on it and is still in running condition but i want to rebuild it so its reliable again. I had heard somewhere that there are different heads that i could put on it to get better gas mileage etc. I was wondering if you could suggest a site or a list of parts that are compatable with the 302 block that would enable better fuel economy. Im not too worried about loosing a little power as i dont tow much more than just a small dirt bike trailor etc. As i mentioned my main concern is trying to get as good mpg as i can milk out of this truck.
Thanks

Brian

 

If you want better gas mileage and don't care about power, then switch to a higher (numerically lower) gear ratio in the rear end, going from a 3.55 to a 2.9 will boost the gas mileage noticeably. EFI makes it difficult to do engine mods. Any engine mods are not going to make enough difference to cover the cost of the parts. The Bronco 302 was only 202 HP to begin with.
The only real way to get better mileage IMHO is to trade it in on a Prius or swap in a new ecotec 4. You're pushing around a lot of weight with the aerodynamics of a barn.

 

if i switch the rear to a 2.9 how will that affect my 4x4? will i have to change the front as well? and i understand im working with a motorized barn haha but a cpl of miles per gallon would make a big enough difference to keep me happy. i know ill likely never get above 16 mpg but anything is better than 9-11mpg

 

Double post sorry!

 

Let's look at the realities of improving your gas mileage: The Bronco is rated at 12/16 MPG. So if you drive the average 10K miles a year getting 12 MPG and pay 3.50 a gal for gas, you would pay 2900. and change per year. If you were able to improve the gas mileage 20% (Highly optimistic with an EFI engine, 5-10% would be more realistic) you would save 580.00 per year in fuel costs. (or realistically 145. - 290.) how much do you think the parts to gain that much mileage would cost? A whole lot more than you'll save!
The economics says the best move you could make is to swap the 302 for a late model 4.6 L mod motor and matching OD tranny. A lot cheaper than rebuilding the 302, the 4.6's are plentiful and can be found for a few hundred dollars. I have no experience with 4WD you are on your own there. Do you really need 4WD in CA?

 

Ok cool, thanks ill look into tracking down a 4.6 to drop in it. And by the way ca isnt just LA and San Fran city people that never leave the pavement. There are a lot of fun dirt roads and muddy canyons to play in. Plus i live in a small villiage in the Mtns with a pop. of less than 350 where it snows where i get to laugh at all of the flat landers who get stuck! HaHa! If you love the dirt, you can always find some!