• Welcome to ClassicBroncos! - You are currently viewing the forums as a GUEST. To take advantage of all the site features, please take a moment to register. It's fast, simple and absolutely free. So please join our community today!
    If you have problems registering or can't log into your account, please contact Admin.

347 stroker in 1st gen Bronco

Grey owl

Contributor
Sr. Member
Joined
Nov 19, 2024
Messages
394
Anyone have an opinion about the drivability of a 347 stroker with a C4 behind it. Would likely use a little milder cam. Thoughts
 

badandy73

Contributor
Broncoholic
Joined
Jul 18, 2007
Messages
218
Drivability is great, more torque the better. Running one in front of a 4R. but the C4 will be fine depending on your gearing.
 

Broncobowsher

Total hack
Joined
Jun 4, 2002
Messages
37,049
Way too many unknowns. Tire size, axle gearing are a couple of the big ones. A stock 302 with the right gearing for the tire size will run rings around a built 347 with the wrong gearing for the tires size. Not to mention sending the transmission up in smoke signals.

Done right, yes a 347 will run fine. A C4 can work, even in stock form. But if going that far, they make stroker kits for the 351 to run them up into the 400" range. At which point a good set of heads and a mild cam will be a lot of fun and very drivable, providing the axle gearing is correct for the tire size.
 

gnpenning

Contributor
Bronco Slave
Joined
Dec 26, 2011
Messages
2,595
Loc.
I have more questions than answers.
Just remember to include down stream drive train components in the cost as you increase torque and hp.

For some reason it gets neglected until the chasing your tail begins.

Whatever you decide make sure it matches your use and have fun.
 

Speedrdr

Contributor
Legend in my own mind
Joined
Nov 27, 2017
Messages
2,028
Loc.
Paris, MS
Just remember to include down stream drive train components in the cost as you increase torque and hp.

Where was that piece of sage advice when I had the PREVIOUS bronco? It only had around 320 HP but there was an abundance of “downstream” parts…and most all were pricey! Lol
 
OP
OP
Grey owl

Grey owl

Contributor
Sr. Member
Joined
Nov 19, 2024
Messages
394
Just remember to include down stream drive train components in the cost as you increase torque and hp.

For some reason it gets neglected until the chasing your tail begins.

Whatever you decide make sure it matches your use and have fun.
Seems to me the C4 can easily handle all a 347 can make and a 9 inch diff most certainly can. I guess that leaves the D20. They are pretty rugged and it won't be driven hard. Just looking to add another 150 hp but maintain the drive ability.
 

AZ73

Bronco Guru
Joined
Mar 28, 2012
Messages
3,813
Is the 347 built for 4500lb truck or 2000lb mustang?

This is key. I gave my complete vehicle specs to Jim at FordStrokers and he built my 347 to produce almost full torque from 1000 rpm through about 5500. I'm running 4.11's and 35" tires (although when it was built I spec'd 33") through a 5 speed, but I've beefed up the rest of the drivetrain to handle it. While your C4 can handle it and your rear differential housing can, your stock differential might not be able to take it, and your axles might be too weak (I think factory is 28 spline?) I replaced mine with 31 spline. Your D20 isn't a problem.

I did some basic math for your 3.55's and 235X70 15s compared to my 4.11 and 35x12.50R17 tires. I removed the transmission from the calculation to just look at torque to the ground through your differential compared to mine.

You come in at 0.254 torque to the ground while I'm at 0.235. Basically very close with a slight advantage to you in a direct comparison. To be an even match if I'd have to run 4.56 (which I should have) or even 4.88. So your set up using my cam would have a little better pull not accounting for the transmission

FYI
My cam is based on the 347, TEA prepped TF heads, 4:11, 33s, 4500 lbs. It's similar to a Comp Cam XE256H but the duration isn't as long. If you don't want to go custom cam, I would recommend the XE256H. You'll lose a little power at the bottom end, but since you're running an automatic with a torque converter, your motor has to spool up anyway and you'll gain a little power on the top end.
 

Attachments

  • Cam.jpg
    Cam.jpg
    53.1 KB · Views: 107
Last edited:
OP
OP
Grey owl

Grey owl

Contributor
Sr. Member
Joined
Nov 19, 2024
Messages
394
Thanks for this important detailed information. Should I proceed with this modification I will be in touch with you.
Thanks agsin
 

Madgyver

Bronco Madman
Joined
Jul 30, 2001
Messages
15,030
it is my plan. 347/C4
 

Attachments

  • 7117DSC00489.JPG
    7117DSC00489.JPG
    144.1 KB · Views: 114
OP
OP
Grey owl

Grey owl

Contributor
Sr. Member
Joined
Nov 19, 2024
Messages
394
I did the C4 conversion last winter, I would now just like to wake it up with some more HP.
 

Attachments

  • 20250208_143344.jpg
    20250208_143344.jpg
    252.2 KB · Views: 116
OP
OP
Grey owl

Grey owl

Contributor
Sr. Member
Joined
Nov 19, 2024
Messages
394
I am not using mine for off roading, the stock 302 is sluggish. Just want to make some more power
 

73azbronco

Contributor
Bronco Guru
Joined
Nov 11, 2007
Messages
8,777
camshaft, intake. Headers. Way less than 347. And I would suggest a 351 vs 347 if you want bigger, it's far cheaper. I have 347, because I built it..
 
Last edited:

pcf_mark

Bronco Guru
Joined
Jun 11, 2010
Messages
3,695
This is key. I gave my complete vehicle specs to Jim at FordStrokers and he built my 347 to produce almost full torque from 1000 rpm through about 5500. I'm running 4.11's and 35" tires (although when it was built I spec'd 33") through a 5 speed, but I've beefed up the rest of the drivetrain to handle it. While your C4 can handle it and your rear differential housing can, your stock differential might not be able to take it, and your axles might be too weak (I think factory is 28 spline?) I replaced mine with 31 spline. Your D20 isn't a problem.

I did some basic math for your 3.55's and 235X70 15s compared to my 4.22 and 35x12.50R17 tires. I removed the transmission from the calculation to just look at torque to the ground through your differential compared to mine.

You come in at 0.254 torque to the ground while I'm at 0.235. Basically very close with a slight advantage to you in a direct comparison. To be an even match if I'd have to run 4.56 (which I should have) or even 4.88. So your set up using my cam would have a little better pull not accounting for the transmission

FYI
My cam is based on the 347, TEA prepped TF heads, 4:11, 33s, 4500 lbs. It's similar to a Comp Cam XE256H but the duration isn't as long. If you don't want to go custom cam, I would recommend the XE256H. You'll lose a little power at the bottom end, but since you're running an automatic with a torque converter, your motor has to spool up anyway and you'll gain a little power on the top end.
How does this cam idle and what is the low end performance characteristics? I asked because that is a pretty stout cam on paper.
 
OP
OP
Grey owl

Grey owl

Contributor
Sr. Member
Joined
Nov 19, 2024
Messages
394
camshaft, intake. Headers. Way less than 347. And I would suggest a 351 vs 347 if you want bigger, it's far cheaper. I have 347, because I built it..
I have had several 351 Windsors, built a dozen different engines from a 11 second 300 six 66 mustang to a stroked 351 in a rear engine dragster. Boss 302's, several Clevlands. So I know the options, bigger is not always better plus I want to maintain stock air filter and stock appearance.
 

Attachments

  • Screenshot_20220617-213403_Samsung Internet.jpg
    Screenshot_20220617-213403_Samsung Internet.jpg
    92.2 KB · Views: 111
  • 20240124_202332.jpg
    20240124_202332.jpg
    159.4 KB · Views: 114
  • 20250331_200050.jpg
    20250331_200050.jpg
    221 KB · Views: 115

Broncobowsher

Total hack
Joined
Jun 4, 2002
Messages
37,049
Stock air filter will work on a 351W.
A really mild 351 build, add a bump in compression to the low 9s, and they run good.
Broncos are fun to drive when there is ample torque. HP doesn't make them fun, just scary. The kick in the pants from good torque is more enjoyable then being able to do 130 and still pulling hard.
 
Top