carb to EFI conversion
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Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 19
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From: Fort Bragg USA
carb to EFI conversion
I have recently acquired an almost complete EFI setup off of a late 80's (?) 300 engine. This includes the manifolds, fuel rail, etc. I am considering installing it on my '79 300. Has anyone done or seen this kind of conversion? I would greatly appreciate any input on this.
Also, would it really be worth my trouble and money to do this? I'm looking to get better fuel mileage and performance, both on and off-road. This truck will soon be put to work in the Rockies in Wyoming. Thanks!
Also, would it really be worth my trouble and money to do this? I'm looking to get better fuel mileage and performance, both on and off-road. This truck will soon be put to work in the Rockies in Wyoming. Thanks!
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 9,987
Likes: 7
From: Memphis, TN
carb to EFI conversion
I swapped the whole engine from a '95:
http://www.webphotos.com/list_photos.asp?mi=3&smi=1&a=13217
If your old engine has already been rebuilt or needs rebuilding, I wouldn't waste the time on it. Get a complete 4.9L or go V-8 EFI. You'll be much happier, but don't expect a huge jump in MPG - I think I only get 2mpg better than my 1bbl, but I carry a LOT of extra weight. It's FAR more driveable & reliable, though!
http://www.webphotos.com/list_photos.asp?mi=3&smi=1&a=13217
If your old engine has already been rebuilt or needs rebuilding, I wouldn't waste the time on it. Get a complete 4.9L or go V-8 EFI. You'll be much happier, but don't expect a huge jump in MPG - I think I only get 2mpg better than my 1bbl, but I carry a LOT of extra weight. It's FAR more driveable & reliable, though!
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 2,351
Likes: 0
From: Benton County, MN
carb to EFI conversion
Steve, checked out your pics. Looks like I need to do a couple of the same swaps you did. A body swap and an engine swap. I have been juggling between swapping out our 300 for a V8, which is a last resort. Or going to the 2 or 4 barrel carb and EFI exhaust manifold or header. I have also considered dropping in an EFI engine. This is what I would preferably want to do but I have had a hard time trying to find a donor truck reasonably priced here in MN. BTW, where did you find the new body for your Bronco? Ours is about ready to fall off.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 9,987
Likes: 7
From: Memphis, TN
carb to EFI conversion
I spent a lot of time in junkyards even before I rolled it, so I knew right where a decent body was & I got it at a decent price. If you decide you really need another body &/or engine, check out my '96 parts Bronco:
http://www.webphotos.com/list_albums_user.asp?mi=3&smi=2&u=1000000150
http://www.webphotos.com/list_albums_user.asp?mi=3&smi=2&u=1000000150
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 2,351
Likes: 0
From: Benton County, MN
carb to EFI conversion
I need to replace the body. It hasn't really gotten any worse than when we bought it 2 years ago, but it is still really rusty. I checked out that 96. It looks nice. I would like to find something like that here in MN but everbody seems to think that what they have is worth gold. There was a bronco body that looked nice on ebay a while ago in North Carolina I believe and was only 50 bucks. I was willing to drive down and get it but we had too much going on at the time. That one did not have any engine or drivetrain but still was a perfect candidate. I have been reading posts and am considering keeping the 6 but going to EFI or some type of different fuel system. I am also considering switching to a ZF trans for the granny low and overdrive. That is perfect for what the truck is used for. I would just have to figure out if the T-case would still work ok because I like the NP208. I would rather have the 205 but I am not robbing that out of my 78. Besides the 208 shifts nice and smooth. BTW, is that a 300 in that 96? I only looked at one pick and it was hard to tell.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 9,987
Likes: 7
From: Memphis, TN
carb to EFI conversion
[updated:LAST EDITED ON 05-Jan-03 AT 06:03 PM (EST)]If you click on the little pics, they zoom in & you can read the captions, then use the << >> buttons or pulldown menu to move thru the other pics. It's a 5.8L MAF, and your NP208 will bolt up to the ZF (4WD versions of course) or any other transmission that a BW-1356 or BW-1345 will fit. The 45 is probably the strongest of them, but the 56 has the electric shift option which some people HATE.
I know this thing isn't gold, but it hasn't been wrecked or modified and it's the youngest & nicest body you can get. I have a clear title to it (never salvaged) so I'm not letting it go for $50, but $500 is getting closer. I do know of a nice '85 XLT body& frame with little rust that you can have for ~$150 if you come get it... 
You can see it in pics #47-49 of this album:
http://www.webphotos.com/list_photos.asp?mi=3&smi=2&a=77426
I know this thing isn't gold, but it hasn't been wrecked or modified and it's the youngest & nicest body you can get. I have a clear title to it (never salvaged) so I'm not letting it go for $50, but $500 is getting closer.
I do know of a nice '85 XLT body& frame with little rust that you can have for ~$150 if you come get it... You can see it in pics #47-49 of this album:http://www.webphotos.com/list_photos.asp?mi=3&smi=2&a=77426
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Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 2,351
Likes: 0
From: Benton County, MN
carb to EFI conversion
Even $500 isn't bad. I'm talking about people who think that there parts vehicles are worth more than an operating vehicle. Where are you located anyways?
EDIT: That 85 doesn't look too bad. I would like to stay with that body style anyways. Would that one have to be trailered?
EDIT: That 85 doesn't look too bad. I would like to stay with that body style anyways. Would that one have to be trailered?
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Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 9,987
Likes: 7
From: Memphis, TN
carb to EFI conversion
I'm in Memphis (check my profile) and yes, it'd need to be trailered unless you wanted to buy the axles & wheels, too. I was planning on ONLY selling you the body & maybe the frame.
