My 1996 Bronco's 351 EFI engine is pushing 193,000 miles and I'm starting to think ahead to when it finally gives out. It clatters a bit more and more as time goes by but it always starts right up.

It's been a while since I was in the market for an engine. What are some source options? The automatic transmission still seems strong.

1. Search wrecking yards for low mileage engine
2. Ford dealership
3. Buy and finish out a partially complete block
4. ?
5. What about a conversion to diesel?

Thanks for any ideas.
mk

 

would you install the motor or have a shop do it? how much are you willing to spend and are you wanting a stock build or a mild build?

 

Those are good questions... hopefully I'll have some good answers....

1. Not sure. Depends on the labor charges and how they stand behind their work. Also depends on how much free time I have - which is rare - 1 weekend a month belongs to the guard. Also work at a small telecom company that likes to keep me working 50-60 hours on "slow" weeks. Busy weeks are brutal.

2. I am frugal. I can't really answer this until I see all the options, but I am probably going to be on the hook for 2500. I'd rather pay closer to 1500. Might go more if the argument is persuasive.

3. The 351 being replaced is stock. I wouldn't mind going a little bit more than stock though.

 

1. Search wrecking yards for low mileage engine
2. Ford dealership
3. Buy and finish out a partially complete block
4. ?
5. What about a conversion to diesel?

The Wrecking yard can be good; a freind has done well twice that way. In fact if the miles are high you could get a valve job depending on the condition of the cylinders, where the compression is lost.

I think that you would get your moneys worth at a Ford Dealership but that would not be my first choice.

You could get a short block used or new in good condition and get a used set of heads and rebuild the heads with new valves, springs, 3-5 angle valve job, port and bolw work along with new cam and liftes if you so desire. I would go with headers either way.

I like best the idea of doing a compression check on a motor and if it is healthy, pull the heads off the motor to see what it looks like inside. If you like it inside buy the motor for $300-$500. I would take the heads and have them rebuilt for about $850. Get some headers $100-$220 and a cam if you want $200 + $40 for timing chain. It may be $100 in gasgets and silacone.
$1718-$1847 or $1242 if you skip cam and headers.

Diesel swap; I like this idea quite a lot however there are many factors to consider here making it like a big equation. A diesel will cost more but will pay for it with improved fuel economy. Diesels are heavier so that will make stearing difficult and you may need to carry 400 lbs in the back of someting to offset the weight of the large diesel which was 1200 lbs in ford trucks I think. There are smaller diesels that run nice too such as the Cummings 4BT that weighs over 700 lbs and is said to be capable of over 400 ft/lbs of torque. There is the Toyota, Izuzu diesles, and Nissian 6 cylinder turbo found in later Scouts but these are under powered for the large Bronco You will need to change the tranny or add an adapter, change engine mounts, new wiring harness as well. Your best bet is to get a Diesel out of a Ford truck so you can keep the C6/E4OD, Diesel version of course. This will make stearing more difficult but the Bronco is already so heavy and with two freinds in the back with lots of tools and gear you could balance the weight out.