1981 Bronco Engine Source
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From: USA
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!
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!
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 9,987
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From: Memphis, TN
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! 
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 1,526
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From: Round Rock, TX
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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From: USA
1981 Bronco Engine Source
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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
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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New User
Joined: Jan 2002
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From: USA
1981 Bronco Engine Source
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 ?
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 ?
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2000
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1981 Bronco Engine Source
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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Posting Guru
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1981 Bronco Engine Source
[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
[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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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2001
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From: Round Rock, TX
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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From: USA
1981 Bronco Engine Source
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 ?
... and I wonder how that would affect the price!
Geez - how do you find this kind of engine ?
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From: USA
1981 Bronco Engine Source
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.