Converting older engine to EFI?

[jcb9089]

Have a few questions for the EFI gurus.

I started my frame off resto in 2005 on my 76. With that said, I have a rebuilt 302 crate engine with Q-jet installed. The engine hasn't been fired yet, but everything is attached and all lines/wires run.

After a decade of back and forth, I'm thinking of going EFI but already have a good amount of cash into an engine that hasn't been run. This bronco won't be a daily driver or a trail rig. I just like the thought of EFI.

Picked up a complete 5.0 Speed Density mustang engine (needs rebuilt).

Instead of rebuilding mustang engine, can I pull parts from it to convert my older engine? If so, what will I need to swap to make it work? Thanks!

 

[Viperwolf1]

You can convert the older engine by just swapping the intake and distributor. Distributor gear needs to be correct material for your cam though. Everything else is a bolt-on.

 

[jcb9089]

I was hoping it would be harder than that to convince me otherwise, not bad at all. Just upper/lower and dist/gear?

Will the fact it's not a roller cam be a problem? Should I swap to MAF or stick with Speed Density?

I can keep the v belt system/standard rotation?

In other words, I don't want to half ass it. But, if its not a big leap in changes and works great, it's an easy call to move forward.

 

[Viperwolf1]

You don't need a roller cam or even one with a different firing order. Speed density is fine if the engine is mild. You can always convert it to mass air in the future too.

V-belts will work. I recommend serpentine drive if you plan to run 100 or more alternator amps.

 

[broncnaz]

You do have to be carefull with speed density and even mass air if the engine was built with a healthly cam. Usually not a issue in engines built for a bronco and low RPM use. Speed density doesnt like very big cams at all mass air is better at adjusting but lobe seperation can cause issues if its to tight and might require aECU tune.

 

[jcb9089]

I had the engine built to stock specs back in 05, no upgrades.

Will the stock EFI distributer work with this setup?

 

[Scoop]

I'm running a stock 74 302 with speed density efi and I kept the V-belt set up. Works just fine. It's an easy upgrade. The dizzy will work - as mentioned make sure the gear matches the cam.

 

[jcb9089]

Awesome, thanks! It's a go then.

It will save a ton of time and money.

 

[1sicbronconut]

Pretty much what everybody else has said, I'm even running it on a 289 right now. The only problem I've ever had was some belt squeal with the V belt the 140 amp alternator is just to much for the belt at times.

 

[pcf_mark]

I used the stock Ford parts on my original 289 and it runs great. I used MegaSquirt controller and wiring but otherwise 100% Ford parts and love it.

 

[Broncobowsher]

I had the engine built to stock specs back in 05, no upgrades.

Will the stock EFI distributer work with this setup?

After the correct gear is installed, yes it will work.

 

[jcb9089]

Dumb question, but How do I find the right gear?

What's killing me is I put new/expensive parts on the engine, but never ran it. DUI distributer, performer intake, qjet carb, k&n air cleaner, bc kick down/throttle cables. For the cost of those parts, could have done a nice EFI setup. I have OCD with this bronco and keep going back and forth.

 

[Viperwolf1]

You need to know if it's a cast iron flat tappet cam or a steel roller cam. The steel is harder and will wear a cast iron gear quickly. Need to match the gear and cam material for long life. There is also a polymer gear available that is compatible with both cams but it's pricey. Bronze gears can be used with both cams but they are sacrificial.

You could sell off those new parts and almost pay for your EFI conversion.

 

[jcb9089]

Thanks, I will look at the engine build sheet and see if it has any info.

True, I can sell the parts. Just needed a kick in the butt to quit complaining and get it done.

 

[74fiberglass]

Any details on the q-jet

 

[welndmn]

I had the engine built to stock specs back in 05, no upgrades.

Will the stock EFI distributer work with this setup?

Some of my friends have this same problem, so I tell you the same thing.
You've had a non running motor for 10 years, I'd put the efi in a box and save it for later and keep plugging away on getting it running.
The EFI will be a bolt on, you just have to add wires, finish it, drive it, then change it.

 

[Unaweep]

I'd get it running first, then switch to EFI.

However the Q Jet is an excellent carb and I wouldn't swap it our with EFI, especially if your Bronco isn't a trail rig like you said.

J.E.

 

[jcb9089]

Thanks, all good advice. I've been thinking of selling the complete mustang engine and buying parts one by one until I have everything I want to covert.