engine power
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 4,371
Likes: 7
From: PA
engine power
i got a 1987 bronco with a 302 v8 (electronic fuel injection) my problem is it seems to lack power going up hills im on a flat road and it goes into a hill i start going up it but as soon as i start goin up the hill it starts to bogg out the rpm drops down real low around 1,050 or lower it craws up the hill it makes it but it takes a while i dont know what is wronge with it i think it might need rebuilt but im not sure what you think?
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 7,406
Likes: 52
From: Wheatland, Mo
One thing you need to understand, that from the factory, the 302 EFI has only about 195 to 205 HP at the wheels. You have a heavy vehicle for that amount of HP. I had my 302 bored out and the cam stepped up and now I get about 270. made a world of difference. But back to yours, how is it on flat roads and acceleration? Do you notice any other power loss? And how steep are these hills you are talking about? WHat tranny do you have?
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 4,371
Likes: 7
From: PA
im not sure about what tranny it has but on flat road it dont have all that much power it dont really have all that good acceleration it seems to me that the engine needs a good rebuild or you can be right on the size and power the hills aint all that steep there your everyday road hills that are mabe just a tad bit steeper
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 7,406
Likes: 52
From: Wheatland, Mo
Before I had my motor modified, it was all stock and I didnt have any probs with every day driving up and down hills. It had fairly decent acceleration. Sounds to me that your motor could be tired and just needs replaced or rebuilt. But when you do rip it apart, check around for performance parts to put in as you rebuild. Good luck
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 7,406
Likes: 52
From: Wheatland, Mo
I had my engine rebuilt a second time since the first monkey with a hammer, (me), didnt quite get it right. Actually the engine was replaced so they sent out the long block for the mods. total cost, with mods and a 5yr 50, 000 warranty cost me 3000 in the end. (3300 up front. got 300 back for the core). Since then I have put 60,000 hard miles on it and it still runs like it did when it was first done. Considering what I have done with that truck, it was well worth it. If you are going to do the work yourself you can get a long block for about 900 on up depending on where you get it from.
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2003
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Likes: 7
From: PA
so i order a long block then what do i do i cant do it myself so i need someone to do it for me
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Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 7,406
Likes: 52
From: Wheatland, Mo
Yes order your longblock. That should come with everything from the oil pan up to just below the intake. Before doing anything else with it, check your local machine shops, preferably those that have done alot of engine work and not just some rinky dink basic metal shop. Have them bore out the cylinders, (Usually 30 over), and maybe even have the heads ported and polished. That will take care of that part. But before you take it there, you are going to need to get the new pistons since the originals won't work in there once its bored out. As for the crank, if you get one that is stepped up a bit, then you MAY be looking at new piston arms...maybe, depending on what you get and what the engine has originally. Now, if you have a 302 now, and you want a swap with less work and more power, get the 351. It will bolt right in and I think the only change you will need to make is the flex plate which is pretty cheap. That actually may be cheaper than my way, and less hassle getting the warranty for it as well. But if you want the hot rod version of the 302, call the engine rebuilders. Maybe they can have all the work done before they ship the engine, then all you have to do is slap it in.
Good Luck!
Good Luck!
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Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 14,285
Likes: 12
From: Bend,OR
crazed we need more info here. for instance what size tires are you running. how many miles are on the motor. when did you give it a tune up last. when it comes to the motors in our broncos hp dont mean squat, torque baby is the key. that is what gets you moving an thats what pulls you over the hills and such. people get talken about hp this and hp that its just not that important. your problem could just be a clogged catalitic converter causeing the motor to bog out. What i would do first is replace the cap, rotor, plugs, wires check the timing should be at 10*. might also replace the fuel filter. if that doesnt help then have the cat checked at a muff shop. might also do a compression test.
late
late
Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
From: LA, CA
I agree with Kemicalburns...there are many things to consider before suggesting an engine rebuild - that's a last-resort.
Gear ratio/tire size, timing, restrictions in intake or exhaust, restrictions in fuel system, condition of ignition system, etc...
Make sure everything is tip-top, then if there's still a problem, do a compression & leak-down test, and go from there.
Gear ratio/tire size, timing, restrictions in intake or exhaust, restrictions in fuel system, condition of ignition system, etc...
Make sure everything is tip-top, then if there's still a problem, do a compression & leak-down test, and go from there.
Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 2,809
Likes: 3
From: Loveland, CO.
It runs fine. It's just underpowered for such a heavy, aerodynamically challenged vehicle at 5,000+ feet altitude.
I have heard too many people complain of the same issues to worry about my truck. When the time comes, I'll get another motor with at least an extra 50 ponies.
I have heard too many people complain of the same issues to worry about my truck. When the time comes, I'll get another motor with at least an extra 50 ponies.