1983 Bronco Engine Swap
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1983 Bronco Engine Swap
I'm looking to swap an engine with my current 302. I have an 83 with a 6 inch suspension and a 3 inch body lift on it. I'm not a huge fan of the 302, and I want something with more low end torque, better mpg and reliability. Preferably something without a carb. I have thought about dropping a 2000 5.3 vortec in it but I really need ya'll's opinion? I have also considered a Chevy 350 or a Windsor 351 EFI. Let me know your opinion.
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Joined: Dec 2007
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From: Boise, Idaho
For starters, how much of a project are you looking for?
Something that came in a Bronco or F-series truck stock is going to be way, way easier and less expensive than any other option. The 300, 302, and 351 were all eventually fuel injected, and would, more or less, be a direct swap. If you're interested in EFI, you may want to even look into the EFI 302. It received a major boost in power when it went to EFI.
1983 (carb): 139hp / 250tq
1985 (EFI): 190hp / 285 tq
The plus of going with the EFI 302 is that it came in EFI in your body style, so everything is a direct swap. Otherwise, the EFI 300 started in '87, and the EFI 351w started in '88.
There are also big block options, such as a 460 (which went EFI in '88 as well) but it's not going to get you MPG. You can also consider the diesel engines that came in the f-series trucks.
If you go with something like the 5.3 vortec, or Chevy 350, it's going to be all custom work, and much more expensive. More than any of the above options.
Something that came in a Bronco or F-series truck stock is going to be way, way easier and less expensive than any other option. The 300, 302, and 351 were all eventually fuel injected, and would, more or less, be a direct swap. If you're interested in EFI, you may want to even look into the EFI 302. It received a major boost in power when it went to EFI.
1983 (carb): 139hp / 250tq
1985 (EFI): 190hp / 285 tq
The plus of going with the EFI 302 is that it came in EFI in your body style, so everything is a direct swap. Otherwise, the EFI 300 started in '87, and the EFI 351w started in '88.
There are also big block options, such as a 460 (which went EFI in '88 as well) but it's not going to get you MPG. You can also consider the diesel engines that came in the f-series trucks.
If you go with something like the 5.3 vortec, or Chevy 350, it's going to be all custom work, and much more expensive. More than any of the above options.
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In terms of how big a project I want to engage in, all I really want to do is replace the engine. I would hope that this project would take no more than a month. At my office, we have a hydraulic lift and just about every tool that we could need, along numerous solid mechanics. Are 351 EFIs reliable? Also, how much could I find one of these and where?
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Joined: Jan 2010
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From: Florida
There are lots of options for the small block Fords that produce lots of torque derived from 302's and 351 Windsors. There are small block Ford stroker kits now for 460+ cubic inches!!
Since your Bronco isn't fuel injected right now.....you may consider buying a "bolt on" EFI kit if you want fuel injection. There are lots of them out there and come with pretty much everything you'll need. They are "self learning" systems and pretty easy to install. Probably quicker than striping a donor Bronco or F series truck for all the parts you'll need to go EFI, and then fitting them to your Bronco.
Good luck!
Since your Bronco isn't fuel injected right now.....you may consider buying a "bolt on" EFI kit if you want fuel injection. There are lots of them out there and come with pretty much everything you'll need. They are "self learning" systems and pretty easy to install. Probably quicker than striping a donor Bronco or F series truck for all the parts you'll need to go EFI, and then fitting them to your Bronco.
Good luck!
Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 4,724
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From: Rogersville, TN
I drove a 5.3 Tahoe for 3 years as a company vehicle and the low end torque was horrible on it. 8% grades empty required 4,500 rpm to maintain speed. I would go with a 5.0 or 5.8, or even a 5.4.
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