Best engine for a 79 Bronco
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Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2009
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From: SE Georgia
Best engine for a 79 Bronco
I decided to make a thread for helping me decide what engine would be best for my daily driver 1979 Bronco.
I'm looking for fair gas mileage and I plan to either swap in a ZF5 or NP435 as well. I make a round trip of around 40 miles +/- to work each day.
I currently am running a 351M, stock with a 2 barrel Holley carb. We just got done recurving the distributor on it as well.
My plans so far is either to keep it stock height or jack it up 4".
I will possibly tow a trailer with it (my tractor or my 79 F150, ETC on trailer).
So I guess torque is the main key behind it but some good HP would be nice too.
Any ideas?
Thanks
I'm looking for fair gas mileage and I plan to either swap in a ZF5 or NP435 as well. I make a round trip of around 40 miles +/- to work each day.
I currently am running a 351M, stock with a 2 barrel Holley carb. We just got done recurving the distributor on it as well.
My plans so far is either to keep it stock height or jack it up 4".
I will possibly tow a trailer with it (my tractor or my 79 F150, ETC on trailer).
So I guess torque is the main key behind it but some good HP would be nice too.
Any ideas?
Thanks
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 6,129
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From: Ponca City, OK
i say a 400 with tmi pistons, good cam, and straight up timing. it would be a direct drop in swap with good power loads of torque and 200lbs lighter than a 460
TMeyer, Inc. Precision Automotive Machining
TMeyer, Inc. Precision Automotive Machining
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2011
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From: Algona, Washington
I agree, the 351M/400 is a good motor to have, though it is heavy, it can produce good HP and torque. Chances are, you won't be getting very good fuel mileage in your new (old) 79... Especially if you go the route I have, 35's with a 500 CFM garbage carb 
If you are careful you can get upwards of 12-14 mpg but not much better. For my bronco, a round trip of 1 hour (30 there 30 back) I use around 1 quarter tank of gas. And that is all freeway driving, it is all thanks to my screwy gears but whatever.
Anyways, my point is... you could put a 351W in there if you really wanted but you would need to fabricate stuff and probably get the bellhousing to fit that ZF you want.
You could up the power and plop a 460 in there, but that seems like it would be a negative effect of what you are aiming to do. Pretty much, rebuild the 400, get a nice carb on there, and don't put your foot in it as much as I do
If you are careful you can get upwards of 12-14 mpg but not much better. For my bronco, a round trip of 1 hour (30 there 30 back) I use around 1 quarter tank of gas. And that is all freeway driving, it is all thanks to my screwy gears but whatever.Anyways, my point is... you could put a 351W in there if you really wanted but you would need to fabricate stuff and probably get the bellhousing to fit that ZF you want.
You could up the power and plop a 460 in there, but that seems like it would be a negative effect of what you are aiming to do. Pretty much, rebuild the 400, get a nice carb on there, and don't put your foot in it as much as I do
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2009
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From: Tobyhanma, PA
Depends on how crazy you want to go. A solid rebuilt 400 would be great power but not so easy on the MPGs. A newer mod motor swap would net great power and better MPG but at the cost of fabrication and parts.
There was an ad here for a 2010 5.4 that someone had a head gasket leak on, they only wanted $150! This was awhile back but there are deals to be had.
There was an ad here for a 2010 5.4 that someone had a head gasket leak on, they only wanted $150! This was awhile back but there are deals to be had.
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Kallie
1978 - 1996 Big Bronco
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May 30, 2004 09:43 PM
