5.0 or 5.8?
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
5.0 or 5.8?
I am looking at buying a 94-96 bronco and i am wondering which is the better engine to look for the 5.0 or the 5.8. which engine is better stock and which has more potential?
thanks jason
thanks jason
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 693
Likes: 0
From: Hoboken, NJ...
I would have to say go with the 5.8L over the 5.0 just due to the larger displacement off the bat.
But......I have heard a ton of people saying that there is way more aftermarket performance parts out there available for the 302.
I dont know even the tightest 351 I have had in a bronco was a bit played......so its hard for me to give a honest opinion on that engine.....I would have to assume there is more power to play with somewhere in the RPM range......just going by the numbers
As far as HP/torque/MPG/reliability/compression/oil pres/oil consumption /ETC ......the best engine I have ever had in a Bronco so far is the 302 in my current daily driver.
But......I have heard a ton of people saying that there is way more aftermarket performance parts out there available for the 302.
I dont know even the tightest 351 I have had in a bronco was a bit played......so its hard for me to give a honest opinion on that engine.....I would have to assume there is more power to play with somewhere in the RPM range......just going by the numbers
As far as HP/torque/MPG/reliability/compression/oil pres/oil consumption /ETC ......the best engine I have ever had in a Bronco so far is the 302 in my current daily driver.
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,023
Likes: 0
I'd certainly want the 351W (5.8) over the 302 (5.0). Most people agree they make about the same horsepower stock, but the 351W has a LOT more torque than it's little brother. A 96 351 or a 94 or 95 from california is the best way to go because they have MASS AIR.
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 14,285
Likes: 12
From: Bend,OR
the aftermarket for a 5.0 is mainly tailored to the mustang crowd which doesnt apply to a bronco/truck. Torque is what moves our heavy rigs and the 5.8 gets it done. i swaped in a 5.8 for my original 5.0 and was the best upgrade i could have done. even running 35's and stock gears i have more pickup then i did running 31's with my 302. the gas mileage is vary similar as well.
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 656
Likes: 1
From: Houston
Trending Topics
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 7,406
Likes: 52
From: Wheatland, Mo
What they said. Yes you get more out of the 5.8, but I have not had one so I can't say anything on the reliability. I did have tho, the 302 in my 85 and it went 225K. Did what I needed it to do but there were many times that I wished for more.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
3 Best / Worst Features Of The 2025+ Ford Expedition
Brett Foote
10 Ways Ford is LOSING to the Competition
Joe Kucinski
Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now
Brett Foote
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals
Joe Kucinski
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 107
Likes: 0
i would pick the 5.8. I have owned both engines, (5.0 on a 90' XLT bronco and a 92 351 V8 5.8 eddie Bauer) and i love the power and response of the V8. Besides they is not much gas milage per gallon between the 2 engines so go for the V8
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 226
Likes: 12
I sold my big Bronco a few years ago now, but I had a '87 with a 302. I had Trick Flow heads, Comp 260HR cam, headers w/ 3" exhaust. It had 33x12/50s and 4.10 gears with an AOD (later swapped out for a C6) It could beat any stock 351 without a load on, but as soon as I would hook on a 16' boat, I was reminded that no matter what I did to it, it was still a 302. If I had to do it over again, I would most likely have done a 351 with the above mentioned parts. Mileage is about the same for either engine. I would say it depends entirely upon what you want to do with it, if you don't plan on towing, go with whatever is the better truck condition wise. I would also say that you shouldn't discount the 300 six, they're a good reliable engine too and will tow better that a 302 any day of the week.