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Easiest EFI engine swap in an Early Bronco

aj

Jr. Member
Joined
Sep 8, 2011
Messages
97
Loc.
Holts Summit , Mo
I know this question has been ask time and time again. I just want some straight forward answers about this so I know what to look for. I am going to build another bronco but I want it to be fuel injection and run A/C too. I have heard the mustang engines are easy but I also read somewhere the Lincolns/crown vics will bolt in pretty easy too. Need some serious insight on this please. I am not looking for a ton of horse power or going to do much mods on the engine. I want it to be a daily driver and run down the highway at 65-70mph with running the a/c and pulling a popup camper when I want. I also would like to keep the rpms going down the highway around 1800ish if possible. So what's true and what's reality? Thanks guys.
 

ScanmanSteven

Bronco Guru
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Dec 19, 2010
Messages
1,129
There will be lots of opinions on this so I'll offer mine. All of the 302 blocks are basically the same. The upper intakes on some are a little lower so depending on if you have a BL will determine which one works the best. You might need to change the oil pan to clear the front differential.

Now, the 302 is a great engine but usually needs to run at a higher rpm to keep in it's torque range, which means 1800 rpms on the highway may not be feasible for the brick EB. A 351 has lower torque so that lends itself to your 1800 rpm goal. Read lots of builds to see what others have done. Good luck.
 

pbwcr

Sr. Member
Joined
Jul 11, 2007
Messages
623
Agree with Scanman
The Mustang has the intake on the passeenger side which is good. When you go with a brake upgrade the drivers side intake will be in the way. Get a 5.0HO. And I had to add a glass hood to clear the Mustang motor since I do not have a body lift. I wish I had a 351 with passenger side intake.
====================

There will be lots of opinions on this so I'll offer mine. All of the 302 blocks are basically the same. The upper intakes on some are a little lower so depending on if you have a BL will determine which one works the best. You might need to change the oil pan to clear the front differential.

Now, the 302 is a great engine but usually needs to run at a higher rpm to keep in it's torque range, which means 1800 rpms on the highway may not be feasible for the brick EB. A 351 has lower torque so that lends itself to your 1800 rpm goal. Read lots of builds to see what others have done. Good luck.
 

sarens

Full Member
Joined
Apr 12, 2013
Messages
150
I'm doing a '90 Mustang GT swap right now, I am using the AOD trans, actually just welded in the motor stands yesterday (was a 170cid EB); I have started some research and appears 1800rpm would be too low on highway as OD wouldn't function properly, I'm still a couple of months away from driving due to other items I am also doing so I won't be able to give you feed back right away, I did a lot of research prior to picking this swap, so far everything has been as stated and nothing difficult, I used a Advanced Adaptor kit for tail on AOD, I'm doing a new EFI radiator and separate trans cooler, I looked at tons of threads on this topic and most were very consistant in what they stated for the conversion, I do believe passanger side intake is simplest, a driver side intake gives multible issues, I am switching to Explorer acc'y drive system also for clearance to radiator and upgraded PS and alternator
 
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aj

Jr. Member
Joined
Sep 8, 2011
Messages
97
Loc.
Holts Summit , Mo
Ok. What is the normal rpm for a 5.0 going down the highway? I was assum the lower rpms would help a little on the fuel mileage. Over all I want the most efficient engine that makes sence to put in these but not looking to do many/any big mods.

What vehicles had the EFI 351w in it that would be a bolt in? Note: I'm going to run a stock hood.
 

Amac70

ME
Joined
Mar 27, 2002
Messages
3,269
For cruising rpms i would shoot for 2200 to 2400 at the speed you want to drive at. For example my set up 351 35 inch tires, 5.13 gears and 4r70w i cruise at 65 at about 2350 rpms, and it doesn't ever have to downshift for hills its just getting into its power there and likes to cruise there, Im getting around 14-15mpg at that speed on the highway. As for the intakes they are all reversible so it doesn't matter which one you get. when you put the motor in decide which direction suits your needs best for clearing various engine components. mine is facing driver side cause that is the only way it would fit at the time.

on the 351 side it is more difficult to do the efi, you will have to source out and find individual components to do a maf efi system. The intake is going to be the most difficult part, as only the lighting had a desirable intake on them. You can use adapter plates but they are going to starve your engine for air and not perform at the higher rpms. There are also a few aftermarket intakes available but none are cheap.
 

sarens

Full Member
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Apr 12, 2013
Messages
150
351W is nice but everything I read showed the 5.0 was easier that is why I chose that route, maybe someone that has done both can chime in to give an experienced opinion
 

sarens

Full Member
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Apr 12, 2013
Messages
150
my other opinion was (simular to you) I am looking for more of a general street ride, so the 5.0 HO is going to be more than enough power, stock my I6 was rated at 100hp (which I belive in '71 would have been engine not rear wheel) so the 225hp 5.0 is more than enough for what I need, this is my 1st Bronco project, already considering my 2nd which will be more for off road and that I think I will do a 351W
 

00gyrhed

Bronco Guru
Joined
Aug 3, 2006
Messages
2,428
this intake is relatively inexpensive and solves all of the 351 intake issues. everything else can be can be 90 mustang MAF but you will want 24# injectors on the 351.

It fits under my stock hood with a 2" body lift and 3/8" spacer. It might even make it under a 1" body lift but you will have to cut a clearance to make the Idle air valve mount with the connection down. Mine points up and is easily the highest point by a 1/2" or more with about a 1/2" clearance.

http://www.blueovalindustries.com/en5015.html

As long as you 351 is basically stock the lower truck intake with BC adapter to the mustang upper will work just fine and may even make a little more HP than the stock 351truck intake.

I was going that route but had enough machine work to do that I decided to make a 393 instead and went with the intake above. I have the BC adapter for sale if you want it and I will throw in a truck lower and mustang upper (stripped) for cheap. :)
 

TN1776

Bronco Guru
Joined
Oct 24, 2006
Messages
2,632
351W is nice but everything I read showed the 5.0 was easier that is why I chose that route, maybe someone that has done both can chime in to give an experienced opinion

5.0 is easier if you are replacing an existing 302 in that your exhaust, accessory brackets and any custom stuff you have under hood doesn't have to change. You are replacing with basically the same thing.

5.8/351w is not really any more difficult if you are replacing everything anyway (which in your case, replacing a 6-cyl with a 5.0), you are. As everybody knows, the 351 is taller and wider so its a tighter fit. 2" body lift helps with the 351 greatly. Not trying to convince you to abandon your 5.0 plans, but lending a little input based on your question.
 

Rox Crusher

Bronco Guru
Joined
Dec 13, 2008
Messages
2,772
Howdy AJ

If i understand your question correctly, you are looking for the easiest EFI engine option as opposed to EFI conversion ?

If so, the easiest swap with the most benefits is by far a 5.0 Explorer. Low mileage ones are reasonably easy to find, and even the high miles ones are very reliable if they have had the normal maintenance. They have the most desirable accessory drive with good components such as alternator, steering pump, and a/c.

Most guys are converting these motors to use the older Mustang mass air EFI system which uses a TFI distributor. More recently, interest is building in staying with the distributor-less (coil packs with cam sensor) system that came on the Explorer 5.0.

I did mine with the mustang stuff.

I was able to keep my stock hood without using a body lift.

If I was to do it again, I would seriously consider 351 with EFI but only if I could keep stock hood. 351 is seriously more expensive though.
 
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aj

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Sep 8, 2011
Messages
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Holts Summit , Mo
What about putting a 289 and setting it up with fuel injection? Is that possible? I really won't need a 351. I think that will be serious overkill for what I'm wanting to get out of this. I have to be able to run A/C tho.
Is there an a/c set up you can take off another vehicle and convert it onto the early bronco?

What years of explorer will work if I went that route?
 

mattt

Bronco Guru
Joined
Sep 23, 2006
Messages
3,810
Your best bet would be to find a 96-01 Explorer with my preference being 96 or possibly 97. That engine will fit the best, it has the best serp. setup, makes good power for a 5.0 based engine(better than the other options), and it relatively easy to find. I say 96-97 so you get GT40 heads, instead of GT40P heads. The P heads are difficult to work with, exhaust wise.

If you want an O/D trans, you can adapt the Explorer trans into a Bronco as well with minimal work.
 

Broncobowsher

Total hack
Joined
Jun 4, 2002
Messages
34,834
What about putting a 289 and setting it up with fuel injection? Is that possible? I really won't need a 351. I think that will be serious overkill for what I'm wanting to get out of this. I have to be able to run A/C tho.
Is there an a/c set up you can take off another vehicle and convert it onto the early bronco?

What years of explorer will work if I went that route?

A 289 is very possible. I always thought the 289s ran better then the 302s anyway.

Fuel injection is basicly a fancy intake swap. The tricky part is tuning if not stock. Speed density engine (most crown vic, trucks, early mustangs even) are programmed to match the engine flow parameters. The mass air versions don't really care so much about what engine they are on, they add fuel based on the measured amount of air entering the engine. But they can still be dialed in with a tune. Mass air doesn't need a tune nearly as much as a converted speed density does. The mass air EFI is also very well understood today and can quickly be dialed in.

For the Explorer stuff. '96 to '01 Explorers had a 5.0 V8 option. Those are the donor sources. Not the 4.0 V6, not a 4.6 V8 (they would have the wrong year if they claimed that, but has been done).

The V8 Explorer intake is a very good piece, even for a stock engine. I would think a 289 with an Explorer intake and mustang EFI would make for a nice running package. I stated years ago that the Explorer conversion (with the explorer computer) will start becoming popular, and in the past year we are getting more involved with it. But I am still holding back until a few more of the conversions really hit the streets and get some miles under them. See how many hidden bugs there are with the OBD-II swap.
 

TN1776

Bronco Guru
Joined
Oct 24, 2006
Messages
2,632
What about putting a 289 and setting it up with fuel injection? Is that possible? I really won't need a 351. I think that will be serious overkill for what I'm wanting to get out of this. I have to be able to run A/C tho.
Is there an a/c set up you can take off another vehicle and convert it onto the early bronco?

What years of explorer will work if I went that route?

289 is doable though the firing order is different and there is a bit of a divide on the best way to handle that. Some re-arrange the injector wiring to sync up the injector order with the firing order, some go with a custom computer tune so there is no mixup of left/right bank in terms of pulling codes when you rearrange the injector order.. some also change to the 5.0 HO and 351w firing order.

Explorer engine years have been discussed in this thread... 96-97 are popular but any up to 2001 will work for you. Adapting a Mustang computer and TFI distributor is easy, and its a well proven system.
 

EFI Guy

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I'm not meaning this to spam the forum, but read the link in my sig. There is some good info in there.

The Explorer setup has a lot of benefits to it, and gets my vote as well. It can be adapted to 289 or 351, but the biggest issue would become the balance factor (28 oz. vs 50oz.) and adapting a cam sensor for 351's. Firing order and engine displacement can be changed in the PCM.
 

ScanmanSteven

Bronco Guru
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Dec 19, 2010
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Hey AJ I didn't realize you were from JC. We're not that far from you. EFIGuy on here recently put out the offer to convert Explorer computer to use in our EBs. Not sure where that thread went but sounded interesting. I think he is able to program out all the unneeded stuff. I should have saved that thread for my wife's 77.
 

00gyrhed

Bronco Guru
Joined
Aug 3, 2006
Messages
2,428
dont bother with the injector order

289 is doable though the firing order is different and there is a bit of a divide on the best way to handle that. Some re-arrange the injector wiring to sync up the injector order with the firing order, some go with a custom computer tune so there is no mixup of left/right bank in terms of pulling codes when you rearrange the injector order.. some also change to the 5.0 HO and 351w firing order.

Explorer engine years have been discussed in this thread... 96-97 are popular but any up to 2001 will work for you. Adapting a Mustang computer and TFI distributor is easy, and its a well proven system.

run the order like it sits and it will still idle better than any carb. do you know how many systems out there batch firs injectors? and even with two out of whack that's still better than batch firing. its NOT an issue. a rough idle is often caused by bad ten pin connectors, or throttle position sensors, vacuum leaks etc. I ran a SD 87 system on an old 302 for years. once I soldered up the 10 pin connectors my idle was just fine.

If you still believe the firing order is an issue then just replace the cam while you have it out.
 
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aj

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Sep 8, 2011
Messages
97
Loc.
Holts Summit , Mo
I appreciate all the info and advice guys. Unfortunately, I haven't found another bronco yet. But I am doing my reasearch now rather than later so I know what I need to get ahead of time this round. My last bronco I had $4000 in the engine. She was HOT! Anyways as soon as I find me a decent start I will be able to take off. Seems these things have gotten pretty high in the last 2-3 year's. Hopefully I can fine one soon. I just have a little different vision this time than last.
 
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aj

Jr. Member
Joined
Sep 8, 2011
Messages
97
Loc.
Holts Summit , Mo
Also, another thing, I put in a painless wiring harness in that bronco.... There wasn't anything painless about it at all. Even their support team confused the heck out of me. If I were to run an explorer engine what is recommended for a new harness for the Bronco?
 
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