Definitive answer needed: What is better - built 302, EFi or 351W?

[stingray427]

My tired ol' horse needs some power and I cannot decide which is the best way to go. I use my Bronco primarily for street (though I am heading to Hollister as soon as it stops raining here in CA.) but I want the best of all worlds, performance, off road torque and reliabilty.

 

[ransil]

351 no substitute for cubic inches.
EFI get it with the 351, as for reliability it is all in the work you do, do a half-ass job and you will have a half-ass running vehicle.
Most every run I have been if a vehicle is having a problem its usually the carb'd equipped vehicles.

 

[pahoughton]

I agree to get the best of both worlds get a 351 EFI. I decided on the 5.0 EFI because there was easier and there was more info available for it.

 

[SaddleUp]

There really isn't much difference between the EFI for the 5.0 and for the 5.8. The intake is different due to the difference in the deck width and the distributor is longer because of the deck height. Other than those two items the entire 5.0 Mustang EFI system can be used. I run the Mustang HO MAF system on my 5.8 and I'm very happy with it.

 

[Broncorm]

I like the 5.0. It all fits under the stock hood with no body lift. Run awesome and nobody knows its in there.

 

[wildbill]

;D ;D ;D Hands down the 351W is the way to go. Bigger is better isnt it more power and torque. Bill %)

 

[Broncobowsher]

Knowing someone who went from a 351 to a built 5.0, the 351 is the winner. Of course a built 351 with EFI Like I run is nice too, next step is a stroker.

 

[Bronchole]

There is no replacement for displacement!

 

[RajinCajun]

$ for $, the 351W is the way to go... I will 2nd the EFI being trouble free...I would do mine all over again.. I run a 302 mainly because that is what I got my hands on pretty cheap....

 

[Devin]

Like most of the other posts....go with the 351. You just can't argue with cubic inches.

 

[swa0330]

I don't have this setup due to the Diesel, but if I was going gas, it would have been a 351W. The motor has far more potential and a better (flatter) torque curve can be achieved. Whether it's a 302 or a 351, it's not like the gas consumption is going to be tremendously different. Unless of course the 351 is putting out 400+ hp. But it's all just my experience in talking with many people. I personally went a far different route, so I cannot give you direct knowledge.

 

[jim71]

If you really want the best of both worlds go find an original inline six and... Just Kidding. Ultimate would be a built 351 with EFI, if you don't mind a little work and have a little dough.

 

[Dusty]

5.8L SEFI in my trail rig. Great power and toque, runs upside down and at altitude with no problems. No regrets there.

Got a tired old '75 302 in my wife's rig. I feel for ya brother.

Dusty

 

[broncnaz]

Can of worms here but I agree with most of the others 351W with EFI no real need to put much in for performance parts as you will gain torque and power over a 302 which will keep it reliable. I'd just consider putting a cam that matchs your driving needs and overall gear ratio. Most RV cams are ideal.
I'm a little old school and like carbed engines as they are easily fixed and I like the less wires look. But EFI has been around for a while and has proven to be reliable so it really boils down to how much$$ you are willing to throw at your bronco. While 351W's basically bolt in there are a lot of other parts needed(pulley/ assesory brackets,radiator, possible body lift/hood modifcations ect.) and EFI requires a lot more wires, sensors, and a fuel system to support it.

 

[TJK74]

;D ;D ;D Hands down the 351W is the way to go. Bigger is better isnt it more power and torque. Bill %)

I agree as well. Unless i was doing a total stock restore i would again throw in a 351W. Night and day difference between the two. Plento of HP and Gobs of torque!
;D ;D ;D

 

[WheelHorse]

351 fuelie... do it all up front even if it takes a year or two to do it right. Get the best of the best and in the long run, you will have many years of happy trailing.

 

[injected74]

I agree with everyone else too. Just remember that the 351 will require more cooling. I'm still fighting with mine after a BC triple pass radiator, flex fan with shroud, and distilled water with water wetter. oh yeah, and a 6 pass oil cooler with built in fan. :'(

 

[4xfloored]

I dont have any problems w/ cooling, 192 termo, bc rad, bc fan, and schroud,
check out these...
http://americanbronco.com/page3.html

 

[WheelHorse]

I agree with everyone else too. Just remember that the 351 will require more cooling. I'm still fighting with mine after a BC triple pass radiator, flex fan with shroud, and distilled water with water wetter. oh yeah, and a 6 pass oil cooler with built in fan. :'(

Is your engine punched .040+ over?

 

[HotWheels]

my 351w in hawaii is great as adaily driver. Ron Davis, flowkooler, aux tranny cooler, no issues.