Inherited my Bronco from my dad. He passed away this year. In the 80's he disassembled the truck due to Michigan rot and purchased a fiberglass tub, hood and fenders (looks to be an older Malotte tub). Rebuilt the original 302 (assume it's okay after sitting in a dry garage for the past 30+ years), put the dash and windshield frame on, then life got in the way. Everything else is dissembled.
I live in Florida, so it will most likely be a beach cruiser. Definitely want an overdrive, but not set on manual or automatic. Giving myself 5-10 years for the build, so my 4 year old daughter will be able to enjoy too.
Trying to decide on an engine. I don't need a big stroker. Money matters, but cost will really just speed up/slow down the build. Here are some choices that I'm considering:
Original 302 (he already rebuilt it)+carburetor (he has a Holley 650 double pumper in a box that he was saving for this if I want to burn through gas) (Dad said it had a RV cam, but not sure the specs) - the sentimental option
Original 302 + explorer upgrades, EFI programed to run it, GT40 heads with new springs, front dress (would I have to figure out which cam it has?), would then probably use 4r70w
Explorer 5.0 H.O. with reprogrammed PCM (would then use 4r70w)
5.8L with Explorer upgrades, EFI, GT40 if I can find an aluminum or cast iron lower manifold for it (would then use 4r70w)
Coyote (price for engine + trans combos with lower miles are not bad, but I do worry about the price of all the little extra things like $1000 for serp setup; hoping this will go down in next couple of years)
Dad always stressed that we should do what we wanted, so I'm not too worried about changing any plans that he had.
Right now thinking 2.5" suspension lift, 1" body lift
I know some of you have had at least some of these options, so are you happy? Any regrets? What do you guys think?
I live in Florida, so it will most likely be a beach cruiser. Definitely want an overdrive, but not set on manual or automatic. Giving myself 5-10 years for the build, so my 4 year old daughter will be able to enjoy too.
Trying to decide on an engine. I don't need a big stroker. Money matters, but cost will really just speed up/slow down the build. Here are some choices that I'm considering:
Original 302 (he already rebuilt it)+carburetor (he has a Holley 650 double pumper in a box that he was saving for this if I want to burn through gas) (Dad said it had a RV cam, but not sure the specs) - the sentimental option
Original 302 + explorer upgrades, EFI programed to run it, GT40 heads with new springs, front dress (would I have to figure out which cam it has?), would then probably use 4r70w
Explorer 5.0 H.O. with reprogrammed PCM (would then use 4r70w)
5.8L with Explorer upgrades, EFI, GT40 if I can find an aluminum or cast iron lower manifold for it (would then use 4r70w)
Coyote (price for engine + trans combos with lower miles are not bad, but I do worry about the price of all the little extra things like $1000 for serp setup; hoping this will go down in next couple of years)
Dad always stressed that we should do what we wanted, so I'm not too worried about changing any plans that he had.
Right now thinking 2.5" suspension lift, 1" body lift
I know some of you have had at least some of these options, so are you happy? Any regrets? What do you guys think?
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