A penny for your thoughts.....about to start PROJECT COMPLETE OVERHAUL

[Bumper]

I am about to remove the ol straight 6 and 3 speed and upgrade to a V8 and a NV3550 transmission. I have decided to make an attempt at the ford efi setup on the engine, but I think I would rather start with a rebuilt long block than one that's been pulled out of a mustang/explorer. I am NOT a mechanic so this will be very much of a learning experience that I cannot wait to get started on. My question to all of you experts is this....if you were in my situation, what type of long block would you go with? An older type non-roller engine, or a more modern roller block. This Bronco will be a daily driver when I am complete.....no rocks here in Mississippi and I have other equipment to use if I need to go thru the mud. Not looking for high performance here but rather a dependable, strong engine that will get me around the mean streets of Utica, Mississippi! HA! Not asking for all the answers here, but I am sure I may need some encouragement along the way and probably some help and advice. Thank you, in advance for your help fellas.

 

[No1hedberg]

Hands down, start with a roller block if you can. They make more power, run smoother, get better fuel mileage, and last longer in my opinion. If your are considering using it as a daily driver I would definitely do EFI. Right now Mustang EFI is the easiest. Particularly with the aftermarket fuel injection harnesses available. As with most things not being a mechanic as you say, means that you will probably pay a little extra for some pre made or packaged stuff that other might try to fabricate or paying labor for others to do some of the things you don't feel comfortable with. That being said It's not as daunting as it looks or sounds, and there are plenty of great people on this board that will gladly help get you through some of the stumbling blocks. Good luck with your build.

 

[ryan287]

What he said above, plus the newer blocks have a 1 piece rear seal which is a huge advantage for preventing a leak/blowout. From what I've noticed, people on here tend to get blocks from $200-350 bucks. A "seasoned" block is better than a new one b/c all the break in/warping of the block has already happened, so when everything is re-machined it should stay truer. Just make sure that the block you get hasn't been bored too much. Typically a stock block can be bored over 030, 040, then finally 060.

 

[Brewmover]

When my engine needs a replacement I will be going with a coyote crate engine.

 

[TN1776]

Roller block if you find a good deal on one... should not be too hard to find. But if you find a good deal on a non-roller block, when you have it machined it's pretty easy to make it a roller block.
302 can be built pretty well but if it's torque that you are after, a 347 stroker or a 351w will put you ahead in that game.
Mustang EFI will bolt right onto any 302, as will the Explorer EFI setup.
I run a combination of parts - 351w with a Lightning lower and Explorer upper. Explorer 19lb injectors, a Summit harness, Mustang A9S computer, etc. It all plays very well together and runs very strong.
I say go for it, EFI is not has hard as some would have you believe it to be.

 

[Pa PITT]

... Well I'm going to say slightly different answer.. I say get a motor from the Wrecking yard.& ONE FROM THE EXPLODER. So you've got your EFI. Sorry I say Just putting in a wrecking Yard Motor is enough for a Rookie. Even building a long blow can be Rocket Science.

 

[Bumper]

Thanks for the information gentlemen......I will keep you all posted!!!

 

[Bumper]

Update

I got started in early July....project has been moving kind of slow but steady. Got the old inline 6 out....welded in new motor towers.....added a one inch body lift....got gas tank and fuel lines installed....mated my new NV3550 to the dana 20 and have the 5.0 on an engine stand. Replaced the timing chain and water pump....installed a new clutch.....there are parts everywhere and now deer season has started so as slow as it has been going, it is about to go even slower. I will post some pics when I figure out how to do that.

 

[Whoaa]

^.....I'd focus on Deer season right now!

It sounds like you've got a lot done on the Bronco, and it'll still be sitting there when deer season is over