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Old Jun 25, 2003 | 05:58 AM
  #1  
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1981 Bronco Engine Source

We have an 81 Bronco that has in need of engine repair. If we are headed in the direction of major expense, a remanufactured engine may be the choice.

1. How do we go about choosing the engine? It's a daily driver with occasional mudding. Currently a 302 with 650 Edelbrock.

2. What are reliable choices of one with a warranty? Fred Jones, Advanced Auto, Auto Zone?

3. Any other things that should be done at the same time (larger radiator, new motor mounts and hoses...)?

Thank you all in advance for the replies!
 
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Old Jun 25, 2003 | 09:00 AM
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1981 Bronco Engine Source

Call around and find the nearest Jasper engine dealer. For under $3K, you should be able to get it changed in under a week and drive out with a 75-100,000 mile warranty on parts AND labor!
 
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Old Jun 25, 2003 | 10:48 AM
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1981 Bronco Engine Source

It's a good idea to replace all the rubber hoses (cooling and vacuum) under the hood while you've got everything taken apart. It's really disappointing to put in a fresh motor, only to be sidelined a few days later because a rotten $2 bypass hose broke after you disturbed it while swapping motors.
 
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Old Jun 25, 2003 | 12:36 PM
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Help deciper the VIN for me ...

1FMDU15F4BLA19415

Let's see what this thing is !
 
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Old Jun 25, 2003 | 01:26 PM
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1981 Bronco Engine Source

VIN: 1FMDU15F4BLA19415








1 COUNTRY OF ORIGIN UNITED STATES
F MANUFACTURER FORD
M VEHICLE TYPE MULTI-PURPOSE VEHICLE
D GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT 5,001 - 6,000 GVWR HYD
U15 SERIES U150 BRONCO 4X4 BRONCO
F ENGINE 5.0L (302CID) V8
4 CHECK DIGIT CHECK DIGIT IS CORRECT
B YEAR 1981
L ASSEMBLY PLANT DETROIT, MI
A19415 SEQUENCE NUMBER IN RANGE OF PRODUCTION SERIAL SEQUENCE
 
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Old Jun 25, 2003 | 01:52 PM
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WOW- you know some stuff!

Is there any benefit to bumping up to a 351? Would it match the motor mounts and the transmission (let alone the Edelbrock Hi Rise and 650 4bbl carb ?
 
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Old Jun 25, 2003 | 02:05 PM
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have you considered bumpin' up to 95 engine with relatively low mileage? If so, ck the classifieds here in fte;;;; look for steve83
 
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Old Jun 25, 2003 | 02:06 PM
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[QUOTE]Originally posted by AlM
[B]have you considered bumpin' up to 95 engine with relatively low mileage?

If so, ck the classifieds here in fte;

I used to know a lot Nola, now I just fake it
 
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Old Jun 25, 2003 | 09:54 PM
  #9  
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1981 Bronco Engine Source

I think I'll stay with the 81 engine... I know that EFI is the way to go, but if I go with a 95, won't I have to add computers to the mix ?
 
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Old Jun 25, 2003 | 11:14 PM
  #10  
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1981 Bronco Engine Source

Yes you will, but if you get an engine complete with harness and computer, you're ready to drop it in and go. Depending on the price, it may be your best bet; it beats tuning a carb on an emission-controlled engine.
 
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Old Jun 26, 2003 | 07:37 AM
  #11  
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So... there could be a 302 / 351 that would bolt in ? What specifically would that be ?

... and I wonder how that would affect the price!

Geez - how do you find this kind of engine ?
 
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Old Jun 26, 2003 | 10:07 AM
  #12  
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1981 Bronco Engine Source

If so, ck the classifieds here in fte;
look for steve83
 
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Old Jun 26, 2003 | 04:13 PM
  #13  
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Jury is in, 3 of 8 cylinders are shot... Ford reman looks like the way to go $ 1,698 with 3 yr/36K mile warranty (no freight to dealer)... I will get a Jasper price to see what they have.
 
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Old Jun 26, 2003 | 04:32 PM
  #14  
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Jasper is $ 1,1719 with 3yr/75K transferrable warranty, freight included to any location.
 
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Old Jun 26, 2003 | 05:05 PM
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yo, that's a good price! considering that some have spent over $500.00 for just ball joints at a dealership
 
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