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Old Jul 26, 2013 | 12:46 PM
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help with engine swap

hi, Im a newbie here. And a newbie for the Ford Bronco...
either way, I have a 1989 6cyl 5 speed 4x4 manual trans and I want to swap either a 302 or a 351w to it and also converting it to an Auto trans.
Problem seems I cant find anything any where, so guessed why not join and ask....
can someone help me a little here?
 
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Old Jul 26, 2013 | 03:29 PM
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Easiest way to do that is going to be to find either a bronco or f-150 4x4 of the same year so you can get all the parts associated with changing from stick to auto. There were millions of them made so they should be plentiful in wrecking yards.
 
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Old Jul 26, 2013 | 03:49 PM
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Originally Posted by gatorfor88
Easiest way to do that is going to be to find either a bronco or f-150 4x4 of the same year so you can get all the parts associated with changing from stick to auto. There were millions of them made so they should be plentiful in wrecking yards.
On top of this, it might help letting us know where you live. If you have a junkyard close by you could be in luck. The might have an F-150 or better yet, a bronco with the motor and trans you want. That way you can swap everything over. I believe with an 89 you would be looking at swaping all the computer and EFI junk over. You would also need motor mounts and such from the donor vehicle.

EDIT: I forgot the most important thing, WELCOME TO FTE!
 
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Old Jul 26, 2013 | 04:57 PM
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what are your goals and how is the bronco used?

honestly in my opinion you have a sweet combo and not sure it would be worth the work/trouble. might be better off selling what you have and buying a bronco with the v8 you want.

With that said be prepared for a lot of work as the entire wiring harness will need swapped over. i assume you want to stay efi. the next issue is what tranny would you want? will you be happy with a C6 or must you have overdrive in which case that can add a whole assortment of complications to the build/swap.

regardless we will help you out the best we can so give us as much info as possible.
 
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Old Jul 27, 2013 | 11:01 AM
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You have a 300 with a 5-speed and you have some notion that removing either will somehow improve the truck?!

Hey, its your ride, you can do whatever you want with it but like Kem said, the 300/5-speed combo is the finest example of what the Bronco (or any Ford truck) can truly be. I spent the past few years getting TO that setup in mine... tossed the "pony car" engine (302) and GAINED low-end power...where a truck should have it. Then removed the behemoth E4OD "slushbox" to make room for a ZF 5-speed. Couldn't be happier with it. Better pulling/climbing power, better mileage and a unique setup for a '93 are just part of the benefits.

On the other hand, if you are interested in seeing how fast you can get from point "A" to point "B" and you don't care how hard the engine has to rev to get there... well you get the idea. If you just simply can't accept the 300 for whatever reason, at least go all the way to a 351.
 
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Old Jul 27, 2013 | 11:44 AM
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thank you all for the suggestions, heres the thing.

Im located in Guatemala City and this trucks are not that common to easily find one in a junk yard or even down the road. I tend to find a lot of bronco II or rangers but F150s and big broncos are not even close to that...

I dont really mind having a fuel injected engine, I can manage it out with old school carbs and non electronic transmisions hahaha

The Bronco is driven mostly on streets, but I want some more TQ and HP, since the 6cyl is starting to feel sluguish, so the idea of the swap comes up pretty darn interesting.

I am willing either to build or buy a crate engine well over 350hp.
see im kinda used to some projects ive done, but mostly camaros and corvettes so being in a big car is wearing me out a little, but I do like a lot this truck so I want mix of both hahahaha

in other words. what do I need to make this happen.... still want to keep the 4x4 and definitely and auto trans with higher stall converter built....
 
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Old Jul 27, 2013 | 03:18 PM
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You aren't getting more torque from any of the other engines, the I6 delivers it faster than both the V8s, and the top numbers are close enough. That engine might just be in the need of some love to get it back on top. I you want more power off the line I would suggest changing the gearing in the differentials, it's cheaper and a lot less troublesome than swapping a 351W in there.
 
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Old Jul 27, 2013 | 04:36 PM
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I don't know why but I read OP's first post as a V6... If it's a 300 though, that's like the golden egg in the basket.
 
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Old Jul 27, 2013 | 05:56 PM
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ok, go with a carbed 460 v8, C6 combo. you can get motor mounts from the same year
f250 or F350 truck so the motor will drop right in. you will need a v8 radiator as well. figure on getting the front/rear drive shafts lengthened/shortened.

you could also do a 351w v8 if you like but again if your goal is power/performance the 460 would be your ticket.
 
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