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Engine conversions for a 1980 Bronco
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Engine conversions for a 1980 Bronco
My 1980 Bronco has the I-6 300 motor and the manual 4-speed transmission. I rebuilt the motor and much to my dismay it failed due to my inexperience as a mechanic. I now wish to buy a crate motor and install it in place of my 300. I was wondering which site is the best to look for motors, I have found some but I do not know if they are reputable. I also wish to drop a 302 or 351 V8 instead of the 300 and I was wondering if there are any modifications or conversions that I need to make to swap engines. Thanks to all who respond to this.
Last edited by broncoman1980; Sep 4, 2006 at 12:34 AM. Reason: typo
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Not really a budget on the project.....I am not aiming for high performance but it isn't out of the picture. I just want to make a good decision and plan out this project properly.
Last edited by broncoman1980; Sep 4, 2006 at 01:10 AM. Reason: lack of info
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2002
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From: Gateway to the West
Yikes, I missed one... I try to get my welcome in before Tim gets here (a personal quest, nothing more) but anyhow, Welcome to FTE and the Big Bronco Forum.
I would recommend (can't believe I'm doing this) dropping a 351 if you are going to move up to a V8. The 302 doesn't really gain you much over the 300 and in truth the 300 tends to last a little longer. But if you are looking for the HP from a V8, the 351 is probably the better way to go in the long run. The flip side to that is the fact that the aftermarket performance accessories for the 302 are by far in greater supply and therefore less expensive for the most part. Shouldn't need much of anything for the swap... carb. I suppose. But the tranny bellhousing should work as long as you stay with the smallblock V8's.
As for where to purchase, there are many, many to choose from. The more info you get from folks here the better decision you can make. I have only purchased shortblocks from Ford to rebuild mine so, I can't be of much assistance on crate engines beyond what Ford has to offer.
I would recommend (can't believe I'm doing this) dropping a 351 if you are going to move up to a V8. The 302 doesn't really gain you much over the 300 and in truth the 300 tends to last a little longer. But if you are looking for the HP from a V8, the 351 is probably the better way to go in the long run. The flip side to that is the fact that the aftermarket performance accessories for the 302 are by far in greater supply and therefore less expensive for the most part. Shouldn't need much of anything for the swap... carb. I suppose. But the tranny bellhousing should work as long as you stay with the smallblock V8's.
As for where to purchase, there are many, many to choose from. The more info you get from folks here the better decision you can make. I have only purchased shortblocks from Ford to rebuild mine so, I can't be of much assistance on crate engines beyond what Ford has to offer.
Mountain Pass
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 101
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From: Iowa Park, TX
I replaced my 300-6 with a 351HO out of a totaled 1986 Bronco. Mine is an automatic (C-6) and it bolted right up to the 351; ur manual will probably do the same. If you have/can find a donor V8 vehicle, that would be great as you will need the motor mount perches/frame pieces (somebody help me if I'm saying that wrong). Other than that, its was pretty much a drop in, oh yeah, I put in a new radiator, too. Good luck, and you won't be sorry if you go with the 351.
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Stay with the 300 I6. It has the torque of a 302 with a little less HP and are very durable, and will probly out last 2 302 or 351. I am guessing you have a np 435 trany with granny low so power should not be a issue for you. I would go with jasper rebuilt engines and I think they have a warant of 70k. And you can beef these little motors up with a 4bbl intake(foud on ebay for 150 usally) and dual pipes using a mainfold from a fuel injection model. Do a search in the 300 area for all the mods.
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Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2002
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From: Bend,OR
I am a big fan of the 5.8 motor but have run a 300-6 in a truck for many years and loved it. If i was in your shoes i would find a great reliable builder like jasper and stay with the 300-6. see about a cam upgrade and a bit higher compression and that motor would do very well for you. and they last a long time. but if your wanting a v8 do as grey said and go 351w, you can pick them up all over.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2002
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From: Bonita Springs FL
I'm a big fan of the 300 - reliable, easy to work on, dependable.
They have all the torque of the V8's but not much of the horsepower. If you aren't racing it, the 300 will be great. Some slight modifications (offy intake, EFI manifolds, 4 barrell, RV cam) and it will warm up nice.
They have all the torque of the V8's but not much of the horsepower. If you aren't racing it, the 300 will be great. Some slight modifications (offy intake, EFI manifolds, 4 barrell, RV cam) and it will warm up nice.
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