Notices
1978 - 1996 Big Bronco  
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

New motor

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Feb 22, 2002 | 08:48 PM
  #1  
2bronco's Avatar
2bronco
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
From: USA
New motor

I have a 90 bronco with a 302 it has 130,000 miles and is worn out. I was going to rebuild it but it doesn't seem to be much more to buy a remanufactured motor. Is this a good thing to do? do they last?
It seems like mosts of them have warranties. But do they hold up?
Has anyone had any problemswith these? I believe I have a cracked water jacket. This is why I'm not going to rebuild it. One more thing I have read that you need an oil primer for the new motor to first start it up. Is this true? Sorry for the long message. Any info would be deeply appreciated.
 
Reply
Old Feb 22, 2002 | 10:00 PM
  #2  
Leland's Avatar
Leland
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 122
Likes: 0
From: Columbus, Ohio
New motor

I've heard that rebuild is (usually) the way to go but I'm sorry that I can't answer your question more precisely. I have a '94 with 60,000 and would be sad to think I may only have 70,000 left.

What do the rest of you have (mileage) on your 302s?
 
Reply
Old Feb 22, 2002 | 10:20 PM
  #3  
DeGideo's Avatar
DeGideo
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 1,113
Likes: 2
New motor

My 1990 Bronco XLT has just over 113,000 miles on it,and still runs great.The 302 is an engine that will last a lot of miles,if serviced regularly.You could always rebuild the 302 currently in the truck,but remanufactured engines,and crate engine also could be a good choice considering most have decent warranties that come with them.
 
Reply
Old Feb 22, 2002 | 10:29 PM
  #4  
dizeldawg's Avatar
dizeldawg
Freshman User
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
New motor

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 22-Feb-02 AT 11:30 PM (EST)] I have a '87 XLT with about 104,000 miles on a 302EFI. I didn't buy the truck new, but it is ready for a re-build . It's got the old knocky-rod syndrome at start-up, but still runs strong. Once that starts, it's only a matter of time. Just waiting for the weather to break, and will re-do it in the spring.

Dizeldawg
'87 XLT 302EFI C-6
'00 E-150 XL 4.2l
 
Reply
Old Feb 23, 2002 | 04:55 AM
  #5  
frhoefer's Avatar
frhoefer
New User
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Lawrenceville USA
New motor

I just got an 88 Bronco, 302, one owner, 188K miles. Drove it from Orlando to Atlanta, didn't use a drop of oil and got 14MPG!

Fred Hoefer

 
Reply
Old Mar 2, 2002 | 01:07 PM
  #6  
Colby_1's Avatar
Colby_1
New User
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: Roanoke USA
New motor

There is a company, power pro percision or something to that
nature (www.powerpro2000.com) that sells remanufactured motors
with a 5 yr 100,000 mile warranty. The prices they have listed
are cheaper than a rebuild. I'm planning on using them when my
351M bites the dust.


>I have a 90 bronco with a 302 it has 130,000 miles and is
>worn out. I was going to rebuild it but it doesn't seem to
>be much more to buy a remanufactured motor. Is this a good
>thing to do? do they last?
>It seems like mosts of them have warranties. But do they
>hold up?
>Has anyone had any problemswith these? I believe I have a
>cracked water jacket. This is why I'm not going to rebuild
>it. One more thing I have read that you need an oil primer
>for the new motor to first start it up. Is this true? Sorry
>for the long message. Any info would be deeply
>appreciated.

 
Reply
Old Mar 2, 2002 | 01:28 PM
  #7  
83bigbroncoguy's Avatar
83bigbroncoguy
Senior User
20 Year Member
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 277
Likes: 0
From: Milan, TN
New motor

My new(to me) '86 302 EFI has about 1750 (originally around 167,000)miles on it. I bought it last week from a guy that had just rebuilt it and wanted to sell the truck to buy something more fuel-efficient. He bought a '90 Mustang with a 5.0(the same motor that is in the truck). Really smart guy. I mean, I realize that the 'stang is lighter, but it can't make that much of a difference.

 
Reply
Old Mar 2, 2002 | 03:30 PM
  #8  
89XLTBronco's Avatar
89XLTBronco
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 101
Likes: 0
New motor

Just bought an 89 XLT Bronco 302 with 118K miles and seems to run strong but it needs a new exhuast system and an oil pan. I really havent been able to fully test the engines power, but all the plugs look great (no oil deposits or carbon build-up).
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

 Brett Foote
story-3

10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

 Brett Foote
story-5

10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

 Brett Foote
Old Mar 5, 2002 | 04:24 PM
  #9  
cje07's Avatar
cje07
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 703
Likes: 1
From: Rochester
New motor

I just replace the engine in my '86 Ford Bronco XLT (302 EFI) and the old one had 140, 000 miles. I was in the same situation you were in, whether to rebuild, buy remanufactured or junk it. But the truck is in good shape. I got the 302 long block for $1000. It would have been less if my block would have been rebuildable. The problem with some of them is to make sure that when they rebuild, that they do a complete job of it. Compensate the crank with the boring of the cylinders and so forth. If you live around MN, let me know I will get you the name of the guy who does an excellent job of remanufacturing....with warranty. Peace brother




86 Bronco XLT
4" Suspension lift
35" BFG Mudders
New powerplant
 
Reply
Old Mar 5, 2002 | 04:53 PM
  #10  
rcfink50's Avatar
rcfink50
New User
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: bloomingburg usa
New motor

i have a rebuilt 302 out of a thunderbird that runs great. only problem i have are some parts are different took me 2 hrs to find the right plugs. but i get close to 18 mpg in a 83 full size bronco.
 
Reply
Old Mar 6, 2002 | 11:15 PM
  #11  
jason86's Avatar
jason86
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 223
Likes: 0
From: Johnstown, PA
New motor

18MPG!!!!! Holy Crap

What's your secret? What year is the motor? what trans, gears, and size tires do u you run?
:-staun
 
Reply
Old Mar 8, 2002 | 06:35 AM
  #12  
rcfink50's Avatar
rcfink50
New User
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: bloomingburg usa
New motor

well i can tell u what i know. the bronco i'm currently driving is relativly neww to me. its a 83 then 302 is the thunderbird 302 factory rebuilt with less then 9000 miles on it engine is from the early 80. 33" tires on a 5 inch lift. the carborator is currently has a buterfly that is stuck fully open. besides that i have not figured out the rest of what the previse owner has done to it. it does have a ton of power thou. when i figure out what is getting me the 18 mpg i'll let u know
 
Reply
Old Mar 8, 2002 | 06:45 AM
  #13  
8996EBBroncos's Avatar
8996EBBroncos
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 558
Likes: 0
From: Eastern, NC
New motor

 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
GruesomeJeans
Washington Chapter
496
Jan 1, 2017 02:06 AM
tyrecies
FE & FT Big Block V8 (332, 352, 360, 390, 406, 410, 427, 428)
2
Dec 3, 2004 11:24 PM
rusty u-joint
Bronco II
6
Nov 14, 2004 09:03 PM
mattri
Ford Inline Six, 200, 250, 4.9L / 300
2
Oct 20, 2004 11:04 PM
jhw8bjw
Small Block V8 (221, 260, 289, 5.0/302, 5.8/351W)
9
Feb 23, 2002 01:18 AM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 02:20 PM.

story-0
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

Slideshow: The VelociRaptor Expedition gains a lift, upgraded suspension, Brembo brakes, and trail-ready equipment while retaining the stock 440-horsepower EcoBoost V6.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-12 11:01:55


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-2
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-4
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-6
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-7
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-8
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-9
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE