Bronco Lightning Swap

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Jul 20, 2007 | 09:32 PM

Poe4

Thread Starter

New User

Joined: Jul 2007

Posts: 2

Likes: 0

Bronco Lightning Swap

Hey guys I really need some help. I have a 93 Bronco 5.8 liter. I have purchased a 94 lightning 5.8 liter engine. I really want to put this engine in the bronco but everyone I talk to tells me something different. I've been told that it wont work, the computer and wiring harness are incompatible. I had 1 guy tell me all I had to do was change the cam in the lightning engine. I have been told so many different things I don't know which way to go. I'm almost to the point of selling the engine. Does anyone know what I have to do to install this engine in my bronco and keep the EFI.

Jul 22, 2007 | 08:59 AM

dragogt

Posting Guru

Joined: Mar 2007

Posts: 2,216

Likes: 0

From: conroe tx

use the engine, and keep the stock efi

Jul 23, 2007 | 12:53 PM

Blurry94

Moderator

Joined: Jun 2003

Posts: 3,547

Likes: 71

From: Calhoun GA

You can use that engine and the cam that's in it. Assuming your Bronco is speed density as well, then you can keep your factory harness and use the Lightning ECU. The only downside to that though is that you wont have 4x4-low. If you plan to use the intakes and throttle body from the Lighting then you'll need to use the throttle cable and Lightning air inlet ductwork as well. From there, it's really just a matter of moving/lengthening a few of the harnesses around; TPS, IAC, EGR, etc... Otherwise, if you plan to use your stock intakes and throttle bodies, then you wont have to move anything.
My brother (water 5) did a GEN 1 Lightning swap on his 94 F-150 and it turned out nice.

Jul 23, 2007 | 01:20 PM

Kemicalburns

Hotshot

Joined: Jul 2002

Posts: 14,285

Likes: 12

From: Bend,OR

why would he lose 4low? even with electric tcase the ecu does not control that function.

Jul 23, 2007 | 01:31 PM

Blurry94

Moderator

Joined: Jun 2003

Posts: 3,547

Likes: 71

From: Calhoun GA

I was told the electric transfer cases wont engage 4-low with a 2WD ECU. My brother tried it on his and it wouldn't go into 4-low.

Jul 23, 2007 | 02:43 PM

Conanski

FTE Legend

Joined: Jun 2006

Posts: 31,930

Likes: 1,499

From: Ottawa, Ontario

Does the Gen1 engine use 19lb or 24lb injectors? If it's 19lb then plug the complete Lightning motor in where the stock motor was and use the Bronco engine wiring harness and computer.

Jul 23, 2007 | 04:49 PM

Blurry94

Moderator

Joined: Jun 2003

Posts: 3,547

Likes: 71

From: Calhoun GA

Yes, they use 19's.

That's what I mentioned above; if the Bronco is speed density as well, the existing harness can still be used. The Lightning ECU isn't necessary, but the program is a little more aggressive.