Engine Swap Recommendations

[Kristachio]

I've decided after this Summer would be a good time to do an engine and trans swap. Initially I was thinking, blueprint 306 with 4r70w trans. However, after putting more thought into it, I questioned if I should go with more horsepower if I'm spending the money. The initial reason for the 306 is because I heard they are great for not overheating.

Any suggestions on engine and trans combos? I live in socal and plan to drive 2-3 days a week. Would like to be able to drive on the freeway if need be.

 

[ngsd]

My 306 Blueprint dyno'd at 375hp. How much more do you want in a Bronco?

 

[chuckji]

My Blueprint 306 dyno’d at 378 and change. Has plenty of power to cruise the highway at 70 MPH, or more if you have the balls for it.

 

[Me2carcrazy1]

Don't forget to think about a new good radiator and possibly fans to keep it cool. And make sure you have good brakes to stop you. Everyone talks about more horsepower for speed but then forget they also need to stop. lol
I am still running the original 302 (95k on it) but will have it rebuilt with cam and exhaust upgrade in the fall mostly because of the engine oil leaks.

 

[gnsteam]

I'm going the route of many, 96-2001 Explorer 5.0, 4R70w. I have a 96 getting rebuilt stock with the exception of a cam change. Comp Cams K35-349-8. Should be around 300 horsepower, enough for me. The key is matching your gearing to your transmission and tire size. To get the best use of the horsepower torque you have. I going 4:56 gears and 35 BFG's.

 

[bulletpruf]

I've decided after this Summer would be a good time to do an engine and trans swap. Initially I was thinking, blueprint 306 with 4r70w trans. However, after putting more thought into it, I questioned if I should go with more horsepower if I'm spending the money. The initial reason for the 306 is because I heard they are great for not overheating.

Any suggestions on engine and trans combos? I live in socal and plan to drive 2-3 days a week. Would like to be able to drive on the freeway if need be.

I prefer a 347 to a 302/306. More cubes, same package, probably same price from Blueprint or close to it. What's not to like?

FYI - last time I checked, Blueprint had a backlog of a few months on their crate motors.

 

[rguest3]

Agreed. I would go with the 347 as well. Additional torque at lower RPMs.

Explorer Front Dress and 4-Core Radiator with Shroud.

Transmission and Tires of choice, gears ratio to match those two.

 

[blubuckaroo]

I prefer a 347 to a 302/306. More cubes, same package, probably same price from Blueprint or close to it. What's not to like?

FYI - last time I checked, Blueprint had a backlog of a few months on their crate motors.

If you do buy a Blueprint engine, buying direct from them gives you certain advantages over vendors.
Some of their small block Ford motors come with roller rockers and some have pedestal rockers and roller rockers are optional. You also have a choice of pan type, hypereutectic or forged pistons, and even engine color.

 

[rexorcist]

X2 on blueprint 347..

 

[CowboyGrin]

My only reservation with Blueprint after reading many posts is that BP’s cam offerings aren’t optimized for low end torque. That may not be the case for the BP 306 that they cater to the Bronco crowd, but the BP 347 seems optimized for high rpm street rods. With no options other than to buy off the shelf, you must do your own cam swap as some here have done or live with the BP default.

 

[blubuckaroo]

My only reservation with Blueprint after reading many posts is that BP’s cam offerings aren’t optimized for low end torque. That may not be the case for the BP 306 that they cater to the Bronco crowd, but the BP 347 seems optimized for high rpm street rods. With no options other than to buy off the shelf, you must do your own cam swap as some here have done or live with the BP default.

You're right. My BP 347 came with a recommendation for a torque converter with a 2500 RPM stall. I doubt most would want that in a trail Bronco.
It would be good for sand dunes though.

 

[CowboyGrin]

You're right. My BP 347 came with a recommendation for a torque converter with a 2500 RPM stall. I doubt most would want that in a trail Bronco.
It would be good for sand dunes though.

Guilty, I was speaking from trail rig/crawler perspective. Keep forgetting most people have other options in their area. Must be nice.

 

[bulletpruf]

Bumping an old thread - saw this video on YouTube - pretty impressive stuff -

 

[MonsterBIlly]

I have a 4r70w with a 408 blueprint. It is awesome. I wouldnt have it any other way. And, the price isnt that different.
Just bitw the bullet, do the 408 a d dont look back.

 

[iSense67]

My Blueprint 306 dyno’d at 378 and change. Has plenty of power to cruise the highway at 70 MPH, or more if you have the balls for it.

Interested in what suspension and body lift you did? I like the lower profile and do not plan on off-road so want to do minimum lift with this same engine.

 

[chuckji]

Interested in what suspension and body lift you did? I like the lower profile and do not plan on off-road so want to do minimum lift with this same engine.

details are in my signature below.