Motor swap
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New User
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From: Onion Creek
Motor swap
Hi everyone, got a 1998 Bronco 300 6cyl Automatic. Really impressed and this isn't my first Bronco. Here goes long story short spun a main bearing. Going to rebuild it. However this is my only vehicle, have access to 98' 302. How rough a swap is it. Just wanted to do it so I can drive while I rebuild 300. Any advice or input greatly appreciated in advance. M
Fleet Owner
Joined: Oct 2005
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From: Kentucky
I assume your Bronco is a 1988
You need more than just a donor V8 for your proposed swap. You'll need to get the motor mount perches for a V8 engine. These are the pieces that bolt to the frame. You will need a V8 engine harness from the same vintage Bronco and the computer (PCM). The accessories on the front of the donor engine may not fit your corresponding pieces already in your bronco. Fan shroud is going to be different. The 6 cylinder radiator may not be big enough to handle a V8.
If you had a complete donor vehicle of the same generation Bronco or F150 the swap would be much easier.
If you had a complete donor vehicle of the same generation Bronco or F150 the swap would be much easier.
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New User
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From: Onion Creek
Correction
Bronco is a 1989 not 98 oops sorry. I do have access to 86 or 85 not sure 150 that 302 came from. Not sure what is there checking that out today. But wiring harness, and all sounds like I might wanna just walk till rebuild 300🤔
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Joined: Dec 2007
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From: Boise, Idaho
I swapped from a 302 to a 300 in my Bronco and it's not the easiest task.
First, you'll need to remove the I6 perches and install V8 perches on the frame.
The radiator and cooling lines are different, so you'll need a V8 radiator and hoses.
Things like throttle cable linkage will be the wrong length due to where the throttle is located in the engine bay.
Lastly, and most importantly, you'll need to redo the exhaust. The V8 has exhaust coming from both the driver's and passenger's side, that Y together. The I6 they're both on the same side.
It's doable, but it's a lot of work, and is something that I would only recommend going one way. Swapping to a V8 and then back to the I6 when you're done seems like a ton of expensive busy work.
Personally, I'd look around for a used 300 you can throw in and drive around while you build yours. Or, keep driving yours and find another 300 to build up, so you only have to swap it once.
First, you'll need to remove the I6 perches and install V8 perches on the frame.
The radiator and cooling lines are different, so you'll need a V8 radiator and hoses.
Things like throttle cable linkage will be the wrong length due to where the throttle is located in the engine bay.
Lastly, and most importantly, you'll need to redo the exhaust. The V8 has exhaust coming from both the driver's and passenger's side, that Y together. The I6 they're both on the same side.
It's doable, but it's a lot of work, and is something that I would only recommend going one way. Swapping to a V8 and then back to the I6 when you're done seems like a ton of expensive busy work.
Personally, I'd look around for a used 300 you can throw in and drive around while you build yours. Or, keep driving yours and find another 300 to build up, so you only have to swap it once.
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From: Onion Creek
Bale out
Thanks Abandoned Bronco. Sounds like a lot of work to do. I like the 300 so will rebuild. Looking now for a running used 300 for the interim. Thanks all you were great help and very informative. Think I m going to like this group. I'll keep you posted on the progress. I think I'll give up on the 302 though.
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