I want some more punch out of my 96 Bronco, 302. It has a MAS on it, so some companies limit options. I'm not looking to pour alot of money into it. I'd say around 1,500 tops. It has 140,000 on it. I also do not have the tools or experince to do any heavy engine work. I can do the easy stuff, and probably the heads allright. I'm thinking maybe a package: full exhaust system, throttle bottle, intake manifold and heads would be sufficent. I would be pleased with a solid 250 horses, and more importantly a heavy increase in torque. It's rated stock at 275, maybe the 325-350 range would be good. 350 would be a good number, that would grunt. Anyhow, basically I'm looking at a good combo of mods under 1,500. A cam isn't out of the question, but would require the labor cost. I'm am sure someone in here has some good ideas. Anyone think I can hit 350 tq. with 1500? Thanks fellas.

 

There's a lot of mods you could do for the money you want to spend, but I'm not going to recommend it. Not with 140,000 on the clock. Besides that, a good set of heads would take up most of your budget. I've seen it quite a few times. People install a cam and good heads on a high mileage engine. Next thing you know, the bottom end of the engine soon goes out. Sometimes destroying some of the new parts you just spent your hard earned money on. I know this isn't what you wanted to hear, but I would save a little more money, and do the complete job, and not only half of it. Maybe buy a junk yard engine to build, while you're driving your Bronco. The only "heavy" tools involved, is a cherry picker or similar engine hoist to remove and install engines with. If you don't have a friend with one, then one can be rented for a reasonable cost. You'll never have the experience if you don't start somewhere. It's not that hard. I built my first engine when I was 14, using basic tools, a borrowed torque wrench, and a Chiltons manual.

 

You bring up a good point. One issue is that because of the MAS switch some companies don't offer 96 parts, so it takes more time to make sure the parts are right. Do you think I could get a significant increase in pwer from just exhaust or maybe smaller mods without putting as much stress on the motor? This is my daily driver, I am not afraid to do heavier work, but it will require alot of time to make sure I do it right, more than a weekend to be on the safe side. I just want a little more grunt, I want it to feel like a 351. How mush difference does the BBK throttle body make, I have heard good things. Is it worth the money? Thanks for the advise.

 

Also, one thing about building the engine. How would this work with the electronics? What year 302's would work? I suppose I could use many, but there have to be minute differences. Should I just look for a 96 302? Any advise on a good book to explain the basics and complexities of engine building for the begginer, and what tools need? If I go that route I will aim for higher power. What about going to a 351? maybe a 351 and a full package. Can a novice swap a cam? That would the part I am concerned about. I know how engines work, but have done any internal work.

 

Because you have mass air, your electronics will adapt to any change you would make. Even installing a 351. Be aware that if you go with a 351, you will need the 351 lower intake manifold too. Your upper will bolt on. Just a better exhaust won't give you much more power by itself, or even with a BBK throttle body. Several small mods would work together though, to give you what you want. My ex father in law has a Bronco with a 302. We installed headers with no cats into flow masters. Underdrive pulleys, a "piggyback" computer module, a hotter cam, bigger throttle body, and the most important mod, was 4.10 gears to make up for the final gear ratio change from the big tires. I don't remember the size tire, but we installed a body lift and a suspension lift at the same time, to get clearance from them. With the gears we installed, his speedometer read perfectly. He still managed 14 miles per gallon too, with loads of power. Are you running larger then stock tires? If you decide to get an engine to build, stick with the engines with roller cams and lifters. This would be 86 and up 302's, or 96 351's. Some say that the 95 351 is a roller engine too, but the one I've seen wasn't. A novice can swap cams, as long as you have a basic understanding of how things work, as well as having a good manual to follow. Most manuals (Chilton, Haynes) give you step by step instructions, as well as photos. I've had both brands of manuals, but I like the Chiltons. I guess it's to each his own. It's a good idea to read the manual first, and familiarize yourself with the process first, before you start turning wrenches.

 

No it won't. You need to replace upper and lower manifolds.

351 truck intake ports are round. 302 truck ports are (roughly) rectangular.
Aftermarket intakes generally utilize the same uppers and different lowers. For instance an Edelbrock upper is the same for 302 and 351.

Throttle bodies are the same for 302's and 351's.

The exhaust y-pipe is wider on the 351. (Basani (I think) y-pipes are the same for both engines, but use a flange gasket to make it fit on the 302) The 351's egr connects the exhaust pipe to the upper intake. The 302's egr connects the lower intake to the upper intake.