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I would like to replace the 2.9L v-6 that is currently in my 85 bronco II with, preferably, a 302 v-8. How hard is this? And, more importantly, how expensive? I will settle for a 4.0 or 4.3 liter v-6, if it is cheaper. Either way i would want a rebuilt engine because money is an issue. Any and all suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
you can get an autozone rebuilt 302 for a little over 1000. the problem is that you are going to want the electronic control module from the donor vehicle. you are also going to need to get the dual sump oil pan and probably a new radiator. i haven't done this myself, but they give you some instruction and parts you might need at www.jamesduff.com
I just want to say HAVE FUN !!! its not a cheap job to do...new rad/tranny transfercase/custom made driveshaft/new rear end (babyone wont take the torque)motor mounts. I priced this out before i did it and it would have cost me well over $5000 canadian.... like i said not cheap. best bet is to do the 4L v6 excellent motor and you can still use your tranny you just have to change the bell housing and computer, may want to get a larger rad to just for the fact the one for the 2.9L can barley handle it let alone a larger engine like the 4L but im sure theres more to it then this but...
Hope this helped out a bit
2000 F150 Extended Cab 4x4 Sport, all Black
Head light covers
Tail light covers
"FordmotorSports" sticker in rear window
Stereo upgrade soon need some "thump"
Thank you all for the helpful information, but I have another option I was wondering if anyone knew anything about. I have heard that a 4.3 liter v-6 is also a good choice for the 85 bronc2 in terms of power and ease of installation. Also, how much stuff (such as tranny, ect.) will I need to replace? any information is welcome and greatly appreciated!
4.3L as in the chevy vortec engine ?? well never herd a conversion for it but why would anyone want to put a chevy engine in a ford ?? it would ruin the name, haha well good luck
2000 F150 Extended Cab 4x4 Sport, all Black
Head light covers
Tail light covers
"FordmotorSports" sticker in rear window
Stereo upgrade soon need some "thump"
4.3 NO GOOD its chevy...
ive done the 302 conversion many times if you have any questions email me MURDOCK098(No Email Addresses In Posts!)
and this wont be a cheap conversion especially if you want 4x4..
later
Okay ask yourself this what do you want to do you have a 85 with a 2.9 that must have been swapped in they only came with 2.8s in 85. The 4.3 is a chevy so don’t go with it. The 302 you have to get the radiator, motor mounts, transmission, adapter for the t-case that’s about 500 alone, headers, oil filter relocation kit, 8.8 rear end the 7.5 will break along with the dana35 up front the dana28 can’t handle the power. The 4.0 is much simpler all you have to do is if you have the auto get a a4ld with the 4.0, the 4.0 got a stronger a4ld than the 2.8 and 2.9 and the 4.0 will break it, the computer, 4.0, all the engine wiring, radiator, you can use all your stock drivetrain and save a lot of money. I am going with a 4.0 in my 85 it will be my winter vehicle and buying another b2 for street lowering it dropping a H.O.5.0 in it and a lot more stuff. If I was you I would go with the 4.0, but its up to you weather you want to blow a lot more money or save some of it.
Curtis
77_F150_4x4 aka "The BeAsT"
85 Bronco II XLT 2.8L 4x4 auto
You need some V8power? use the 4.0L engine get one from a 97 or newer Explorer with 4.0 SOHC with 205hp, EZ on gas, smother ride and cheaper because you can use the same powertrain, if you need more information contact 4.0 Performance at (805)925-8848 to inquire what parts they have to address your application.
And something else 77 forgot to mention, all you need is the donor harness and the engine (long block) and your set. It's a standard bolt up and you can pick up a new engine for a grand last time I saw, and a wiring harness for cheap depending on if it's new from the dealer (pricey but nothings been rigged) or a junk yard (woo hoo! money! what's this rainbow wire go to again?). See my point? Either way, all the stock parts including tranny will handle a 4.0 unless you drive like the dukes of hazard and everythings on the virge of breaking anyway. If you want added power, lower your diff's and transfer gears and raise your top end tranny (like 3rd and 4th for four speed, 4-5 or 3-5 on OD) This makes it easier to turn the tires and raising your high end tranny compensates for the slower turning. Magic huh? Either way, hope this helps.
Gee it wasn't that long ago, about last november that I was thinking the same thoughts. The idea of a 302 in my Bronco II was pretty hot for a while. But after doing a little researh and pricein out everything I went with the rebuild of the 2.9L.
I ended up with .040 over pistons. The crank bearings .010 under. New world heads, cam, lifters. The old 185K engine started at mile 0001 again. Dollar wise it was the thing to do. Maybe I'll put a 302 in the Ranger next year.
I don't have a dyno so I haven't a clue what the HP is. With the new heads I would guesstamate about $1600. I haven't taken all the receipts and added them up yet. Still finding them. $500 for the machine shop, $650 for the heads, the rest......pistons, rings, cam, lifters, oil pump, timing chain & gears, gaskets, head bolts, misc bolts and goop, cam, crank and rod bearings. New ignition misc.
The 4.0 liter engine is a decent motor. OK horsepower, OK torque. The 5.0 liter swap would be good, but there is a lot to contend with. Tranny swap, T-Case swap. New driveshaft radiator clearance. New accesories. Plus V8 gas mileage. I know everyone so far has said don't bother with the 4.3 Vortec motor, but I can tell you from expierience that it is a great engine. It has the same 90 degree design as the 5.0 but it is 2 cylinders shorter. It shares many parts with the 350 (5.7) hell, they even have the same bore and stroke! They have been putting the 4.3 in Jeeps, Land Cruisers, Toyota pickups and even Triumph Spitfires! You would need all the GM accessories but they are no harder to get than the 5.0 F.O.R.D. The 4.3 makes similar HP as the 4.0 and considerably more torque. The tranny, t-case, and driveshaft would need to be changed, just like the 5.0 swap, but you get to say that you have a good motor under the hood rather than a FLIPPED OVER REBUILT DODGE paperweight.
I'd take a ford motor over a chevy or gmc piece of slag any day. I'd rather have a dodge off-roadster, but my FORD B2 does better than I need it to. And with 250k miles on it, it still outdoes many others out there, tried and true.
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