Engine ideas...

[McTuggernuts]

Howdy folks...first time poster here. I am restoring a ‘68 Bronco, just completed body work and need to fit an engine and transmission. I had originally planned on a Coyote swap but have opted to go with an engine I can just bolt in. The shop I’m using has suggested a high performance Boss 302. I have read more negative about them; to over-simplify it’s more geared towards racing and lacks the optimal torque. I want it to have good off-road capability (no rock climbing) but will be more of a weekend driver.

Would appreciate suggestions of a solid motor and a manual transmission to fit. Hoping to keep the cost of both under $15k. Thanks!

 

[rguest3]

Welcome to Classic Broncos.

You can have a very nice engine and transmission built well within your budget.

I am in the 351ci group. Either 351 Windsor and 351 Cleveland. Both have potential to have a lot more power than the stock 302. Both have the same transmission Bellhousing bolt pattern and motor mounts. The 351w is a more popular choice and probably more parts available. You can go as wild as you want, but for your purpose a crate motor 351w long block is perfect and extremely reliable.

As for transmission, you stated manual, I would go with an AX-15 5-Speed conversion. Once installed it looks like it was made for an Early Bronco. Wild Horses among others has kits for a complete install.

A 1" body lift will help to clear the 351w and the transmission.

Ask plenty of questions. A lot of knowledge and first hand experience here on this site.

 

[Timmy390]

Welcome.....

What gears are you planing to run and what size tires? All of the drivetrain has to work together. The wrong gears will kill the performance no matter the engine trans combo.

I love my 351W

Tim

 

[jhill52]

X2 351 has good torque. Can be built to any performance level you want. 5 speed is best choice for manual trans,

 

[vintage bronco]

least amount of trouble would be 347 stroker on 5.0 roller block

 

[ared77]

The Boss 302 would be a very bad choice! I love them, but they are very expensive (if you are talking about an original '69 or '70 B2) and really love to run at about 6K RPM's and up...not a good EB choice! I owned a '69 Boss 302 Mustang for 38 years.

A modern 5.0 roller, 347 stroker, or a 351W as others said would be good choices.

 

[oldiron]

351 Hits all the targets you're after (except mpg). Dollar for dollar it comes out on top in almost every scenario. Great torque without having to sacrifice HP. Best of both worlds. Unless you just wanna spend money and overcomplicate things, then I'd suggest the 3.5 ecoboost.
Greg

 

[McTuggernuts]

Welcome.....

What gears are you planing to run and what size tires? All of the drivetrain has to work together. The wrong gears will kill the performance no matter the engine trans combo.

I love my 351W

Tim

Will likely stick with my Dana 20 and 4.11 gears, 33 inch tires. Any differences in 351W manufacturers (ATK, Blueprint, etc)?

 

[Rustytruck]

maybe post your location and see if someone is willing to let you take a look at a 351 Bronco they make all the difference in the world. biggest thing decide on tire size and get the gearing right up front then worry about motor size. Otherwise your chasing your tail roundy round.

 

[Timmy390]

Will likely stick with my Dana 20 and 4.11 gears, 33 inch tires. Any differences in 351W manufacturers (ATK, Blueprint, etc)?

I'm running that combo with my EFI 351W and stock 3 speed. Others will chime in on if that's enough gears for the 5 speed you choose. If you plan on using 5th and are in a hilly location that might not be enough gear.

I have no experience with crate engines. I built my own W the way I wanted. The issue I've seen with most crate engines is they try to sell you on HP vs. the low end torque the Bronco needs. It's not their fault as they deal with the mustang guys 99% of the time and what works for them isn't best for us.

It's all about cam selection.....Stock Explorer cam is good for the bronco. I ran it for a while but had a head issue so I upgraded the cam while I had things apart.

Tim

 

[Remos69]

I put in a crate 351w kept my 3 spd, put it on the floor, running 32" tires, 411 can't be happier!!!

 

[DirtDonk]

The 4.11 is a great compromise gear, but it also depends on how well your engine is tuned, and what you actually expect from it.
And as you've read, you need to get that shop to define what they meant by "Boss 302" since there are at least three I believe. The original, a Windsor based Ford Racing crate motor, and an overhead cam version of their previous generation (I think) V8's.

In your case, with 4.11's and a roughly 32" tall (actual height) tire, your engine speed at 65mph is going to be approx. 2200-2300 rpm.
Very reasonable with a good running engine.
Will you be running fuel-injected, or carbureted?

So I say stick with the 4.11's if that's what you have now, build the truck up with the engine of your choice and see how you like the performance. It might be perfect for you.
But if it's not you can still change the gears after the fact and are not out any money having already built the axles up with the wrong gear choice.
Run what ya brung first.

Paul

 

[McTuggernuts]

The 4.11 is a great compromise gear, but it also depends on how well your engine is tuned, and what you actually expect from it.
And as you've read, you need to get that shop to define what they meant by "Boss 302" since there are at least three I believe. The original, a Windsor based Ford Racing crate motor, and an overhead cam version of their previous generation (I think) V8's.

In your case, with 4.11's and a roughly 32" tall (actual height) tire, your engine speed at 65mph is going to be approx. 2200-2300 rpm.
Very reasonable with a good running engine.
Will you be running fuel-injected, or carbureted?

So I say stick with the 4.11's if that's what you have now, build the truck up with the engine of your choice and see how you like the performance. It might be perfect for you.
But if it's not you can still change the gears after the fact and are not out any money having already built the axles up with the wrong gear choice.
Run what ya brung first.

Paul

Wanting to go fuel injected...thanks for the input I’ve got some homework to do!

 

[bax]

Well why not be the first to try the new gas 7.3

 

[68ford]

I would always suggest a 347 over a 351 same I would always suggest if your going to buy a 351, buy a 408. 347 is basically the same as a 351(bore stroke) but it's smaller and internals are lighter. Same results, smaller package and more hood clearance.

408. If you're buying a 351, you buying pistons, rods and a crank. Why not spend a tiny bit more and add 60 cubic inches which is almost always worth 75 to over a 100 more foot pounds of torque while at a lower RPM. Isn't that what everyone always says broncos need?

 

[sanndmann3]

408. If you're buying a 351, you buying pistons, rods and a crank. Why not spend a tiny bit more and add 60 cubic inches which is almost always worth 75 to over a 100 more foot pounds of torque while at a lower RPM. Isn't that what everyone always says broncos need?

I wish I had done this when building my 351 15 years ago...
It runs so nice, I just can't justify going back into it... but more torque & hp would always be nice!

 

[rguest3]

Rock Auto has a very nice 351W Crate engine. Replacement for 1996 Ford Bronco with Roller Cam. Part Number is DFKJ. Complete Longblock for under $2,000 with warranty.

Add:

Edelbrock Performer Intake and Holley Sniper EFI with Hyperspark Ignition.
WH Headers and 2-into-1 exhaust
Ford Explorer Serpentine System with Accessories.

Add the AX-15 5-speed conversion, your 4.11 Gears and 33" Tires.

I just finished up my Cousins 70 Build with this 351w and its a Very Nice upgrade from the stock 302. And it's bullet proof, has Great street manners and is a blast to drive. Again, well within your budget.

 

[roundhouse]

Who makes the engine for rock auto ?

 

[73azbronco]

I would go straight to Ford strokers dot com and be done, mild truck version 351/408/427.

Cheapest best ruputation I have seen on the web.

AVOID at all costs Phoenix Engine by Deer Valley in Phoenix.

 

[chuck1022]

I wish I had done this when building my 351 15 years ago...
It runs so nice, I just can't justify going back into it... but more torque & hp would always be nice!

If you are going from a 302..to a 408....that is a 35% increase in cubic inches. How does that translate to cooling load? Do you need 35% more radiator? Is it linear like that?