motor size
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
motor size
5.8 or 5.0 , whats the better all around, I have only had 5.8's in the past, mileage was not so good, what do you guys think, will use to pull my airboat sometimes also, no weight ,just wind drag
Cargo Master
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 2,000
Likes: 39
From: North Dakota
Boy oh boy, you asked a question that will get people here fired up! ha ha. I am personaly a 302 fan, but 351's are great too. Gas is about the same on both becasue the 302 uses extra gas to catch up. Now if you tune the 302 and do some performance mods that is a different story. But again, it is all a matter of opinion.
Mountain Pass
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 101
Likes: 2
From: Iowa Park, TX
I originally had a 4.9L in-line 6 in my '83; it wasn't much on mileage either, around 14mpg down hill with a tailwind, otherwise a solid 12mpg. It has a 5.8 in it now, but because its not my daily dirver anymore, I really haven't tracked mileage. It still takes a 1/4 tank to make a trip to the farm and back, right around 100 miles.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 157
Likes: 0
All the bronco's that ive seen seem to have trouble getting alot of miles on the motorwith the 5.0 , This leads me to wonder if the 5.0 is not big enough for the job. If I were always cruising on the freeway I would choose the 5.0 but I think the 5.8 has an easier life in that heavy truck-
Senior User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 126
Likes: 0
A stock 5.8L has about the same base horsepower and torque as a 5.0L upgraded with a 4bbl carb. I understand they are no longer carburated, but that gives an idea of the difference in the two motors. Each engine, in basically identical vehicles should produce close to the same mileage when driving by the same person. The 302 will require more fuel to to maintain higher speeds and get up to speed, and the 351 will use more fuel because it has larger combustion chambers. Which is the better of the two "evils" is purely opinion. And mine is right in the middle. I've always been a 302 guy because I've seen the abuse they can take. The 351 is a great motor also and one will be sitting between the sub-frame rails of my Dad's 66 mustang soon enough... :-) For the weight you plan on pulling, either engine will do about the same. You may notice a little more "umph" with the 351, but I don't think it's a dramatic difference.
All that being said, out on the open run going an average of 75mph on the interstate, my 89 big bronco with 302 got 27mpg. The only other driving I've used it for is on the farm and around the back roads, so I don't keep track of the mileage anymore, but it actually happened. Bone Stock as you can get. 302, 3.55 gears, AOD transmission, and a steady foot. Oh, and no cruise control.
All that being said, out on the open run going an average of 75mph on the interstate, my 89 big bronco with 302 got 27mpg. The only other driving I've used it for is on the farm and around the back roads, so I don't keep track of the mileage anymore, but it actually happened. Bone Stock as you can get. 302, 3.55 gears, AOD transmission, and a steady foot. Oh, and no cruise control.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,603
Likes: 1
From: St Louis
I am sort of in agreement with Matt99362, but as the saying goes: "no replacement for displacement."
Trending Topics
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 2,899
Likes: 2
From: Lynnwood, WA
Originally Posted by Kemicalburns
Search, search , search some more. this has been discused to death
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals
Joe Kucinski
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 2,899
Likes: 2
From: Lynnwood, WA
Originally Posted by Matt99362
All that being said, out on the open run going an average of 75mph on the interstate, my 89 big bronco with 302 got 27mpg. Bone Stock as you can get. 302, 3.55 gears, AOD transmission, and a steady foot. Oh, and no cruise control.
27 mpg @75 mph?!?
Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 3,978
Likes: 0
From: Central PA
I like the 302 and had a couple 351 . The MPG was better for 302 but if boat is heavy and you live in hills the 351 will pull better. But for almost 3+ MPG better I do 302 .
As for how long they last I buy/look at trucks /bronco all time with both 302 and 351 for parts and most with bad motor are around 130000 regardless of engine size>My 89 bronco had 175000 302 when I sold it > and I had a 351 truck with 102000 yes 102000 that ate the dip stick . Hey good luck
As for how long they last I buy/look at trucks /bronco all time with both 302 and 351 for parts and most with bad motor are around 130000 regardless of engine size>My 89 bronco had 175000 302 when I sold it > and I had a 351 truck with 102000 yes 102000 that ate the dip stick . Hey good luck
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 1,980
Likes: 2
From: central ohio
dad's '89 bronco (302, creeper 4 spd) dropped a valve @ 90,000 miles, it had the 3.55s and regularry pulled a 24' travel trailer, after the motor went he put a junkyard 302 in it and traded it for a new '96 bronco (351,E4OD,355s) it only has 65,000 miles and most of them have been pulling a 26' travel trailer. the 302 was much better on fuel, the '96 sits so much that when its needed somethings always needing attention.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
hotrod96
Supercharger, Turbocharger, Nitrous Oxide & Water/Methanol Injection
2
Nov 23, 2008 08:15 AM
fordnissanpower
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
2
Aug 3, 2006 11:19 PM