OK, I've looked at crate 302s and 351s. Clearly the 351 is a superior motor but it does require a number of mods to make it work. I do not want to put a scoop on the hood and also understand there are several other minor mods required as well. For this restoration, I think the 302 will serve my purposes. I do have a running 302 now that came out of the Bronco and I tore it apart today to check condition and see if it was a good candidate for a rebuild (I can rebuild it myself). But, there are always things you find with an old bronco that you are not aware of at first glance. Here you go.
1. It is a tired old 1979 302 with block casting D9OE-1615-E3A (1979 LTD II maybe?)
2. If my memory serves me, these were real dogs of an engine. Something like 135hp. I could add a 4bbl, headers, and ?? to plus up HP.
3. The timing indicator was under the water pump on the passenger side. Can it be moved to drivers side and a new TDC mark created for it and possibly a timing tape? It will need a new Harmonic Balancer...do they come with the timing marks keyed to discplay on the drivers side? Is that just a basic Bronco 302 HB?
4. This block had original cylinder walls (no previous bore), flat top pistons, a loose timing chain, signs of an overheated cam, and most of the bearings showed brass...very tired indeed.
5. Cylinder walls looked pretty good, crank looks good, heads look good, but all will require machining (probably 10 under on crank and 30 on cylinders.
So, I can rebuild this motor. Master rebuild kit about $500 (pistons to cam). Machining about $500. Heads refurbished about $400. Performer intake about $350. That puts me at about $1800. Plus all the accessories (water pump, fuel pump, alternator, carburetor, headers, Dizzy, Har Bal, Valve covers)...probably another 1800-2000. That puts me close to $4000.
Is this motor worth it? Should I look for something different?
