Notices
1978 - 1996 Big Bronco  
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Engine Size?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Feb 1, 2004 | 10:51 AM
  #1  
nixvet2000's Avatar
nixvet2000
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
From: Arizona
Engine Size?

How can I tell which engine is in my 1988 Bronco XLT? I was told it was a 351W but the timing cover gaskets dont fit. Can I tell by the manufact. label on the door?
Thanx
 
Reply
Old Feb 1, 2004 | 11:06 AM
  #2  
BigRedBronc's Avatar
BigRedBronc
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 404
Likes: 0
From: Groton, CT
The 8th position in the VIN # is the engine code. Engine code H =5.8L (351) EFI, engine code N=5.0L (302) EFI. The parts store may have sold you the wrong part. Wouldn't be the first time. If I remember correctly the timing cover on the truck is different from any of the Ford cars. If you have it all apart anyway, take your timing cover to the parts store with you.
There are other ways to tell the difference between the 302 and the 351 if you suspect that the factory engine is not in your Bronco. Let us know if you suspect this and I am sure we can come up with some more pointers.

Hope this helps.
 
Reply
Old Feb 1, 2004 | 11:22 AM
  #3  
nixvet2000's Avatar
nixvet2000
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
From: Arizona
Thanx BRB... the 8th position of my vin is H..so if the engine is orig. factory I do have a 351...now, if it isnt factory, how can I confirm it by looking at the engine?
 
Reply
Old Feb 1, 2004 | 11:53 AM
  #4  
built4wheelin's Avatar
built4wheelin
Junior User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 76
Likes: 0
From: AK
it will either say 5.0 or 5.8 on the plenum.....................
 
Reply
Old Feb 1, 2004 | 01:43 PM
  #5  
nixvet2000's Avatar
nixvet2000
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
From: Arizona
It just says Ford Electronic Fuel Injection on the plenum...
 
Reply
Old Feb 1, 2004 | 01:46 PM
  #6  
bigwhtbco's Avatar
bigwhtbco
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 268
Likes: 0
From: NY
hmm tough one
 
Reply
Old Feb 1, 2004 | 02:26 PM
  #7  
BigRedBronc's Avatar
BigRedBronc
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 404
Likes: 0
From: Groton, CT
302 intake is 9" wide (appx). I believe that the 351 intake is 11" wide. There are ID numbers on the block and heads but they are difficult to get to. The 302 intake plenum has 5.0L EFI clearly molded into the top.

You probably have a 351 and a clueless parts store.
 
Reply
Old Feb 1, 2004 | 06:47 PM
  #8  
bigwhtbco's Avatar
bigwhtbco
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 268
Likes: 0
From: NY
i thought the 351 also had 5.8 molded into the top of teh plenum also?
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

 Brett Foote
story-2

10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-3

Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

 Brett Foote
story-4

10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-6

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

 Brett Foote
story-9

Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

 Joe Kucinski
Old Feb 1, 2004 | 11:40 PM
  #9  
crazed87bronco's Avatar
crazed87bronco
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 4,371
Likes: 7
From: PA
i've been told they do to but all the one's i've seen don't have it writen on
 
Reply
Old Feb 2, 2004 | 02:52 AM
  #10  
bigwhtbco's Avatar
bigwhtbco
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 268
Likes: 0
From: NY
wow, its the exact opposite for me
 
Reply
Old Feb 2, 2004 | 05:53 AM
  #11  
BroncoRoadKill's Avatar
BroncoRoadKill
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 2,195
Likes: 1
From: San Antonio, Texas
I don't think that ford put the 5.0L or 5.8L on the plenems untill about 90 or so.
Before, it just read EFI on the plenem
 
Reply
Old Feb 2, 2004 | 10:06 AM
  #12  
kameronth's Avatar
kameronth
Cargo Master
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 2,000
Likes: 39
From: North Dakota
My 88 302 just reads EFI also.
 
Reply
Old Feb 2, 2004 | 03:37 PM
  #13  
bigwhtbco's Avatar
bigwhtbco
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 268
Likes: 0
From: NY
my 89 reads 5.0, well it did, until it now reads 7.8
 
Reply
Old Feb 2, 2004 | 06:36 PM
  #14  
BigRedBronc's Avatar
BigRedBronc
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 404
Likes: 0
From: Groton, CT
My 86 had the 5.0L logo on the intake, and so does my 96.
 
Reply
Old Feb 2, 2004 | 07:25 PM
  #15  
kameronth's Avatar
kameronth
Cargo Master
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 2,000
Likes: 39
From: North Dakota
I wonder why that is? Mine say Ford Electronic Fuel Injection but no engine size but I do know mine is a 5.0
 
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 01:06 PM.

story-0
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-1
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-3
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-6
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-8
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE
story-9
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE