Bigblockbronco
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can i get more information on installing a bbf into my 1970 ford bronco,what motor mounts should be used ,headers ,what has to be cut ,etc,thanks
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installing a bbf into a 1970 bronco
- Thread starter Bigblockbronco
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It's not a common swap due to the size of the EB engine compartment, but it has been done. One guy even ran in the Top Truck Challenge about 10 years ago with a 460 in his rig.
You might see if L&L Products lists anything along those lines. They have mounts for the full-size '78 and '79 Broncos, along with conversion headers, but I don't remember any for the Early Broncos. Been awhile though, so worth a look-see.
You happen to have a 460 or FE laying around you want to use? Or are you just wanting to pick one up to put in a Bronco? Reason I ask is that there are better candidates from a fitment standpoint Clevelands and M's and 400's come to mind), including some modern Mod Motors and Coyotes and such, if you're into that kind of thing.
The big overhead cam engines aren't necessarily an easier fit than a 460 is mind you, but I think they're a bit shorter, which helps tremendously with EB's.
The ones I've seen with 460's (but not sure about the FE's) had to cut their core supports and move the radiators forward for clearance. Which of course negates the use of the hood latch so you have to go to pins. In other words, snowball effect.
Good luck. I think there are some members here with big blocks in theirs, so hopefully they'll see your post and add their experiences.
And welcome to CB too by the way!
Whereabouts are you located? What part of the world? Might get lucky and find some locals that have already done it.
Paul
You might see if L&L Products lists anything along those lines. They have mounts for the full-size '78 and '79 Broncos, along with conversion headers, but I don't remember any for the Early Broncos. Been awhile though, so worth a look-see.
You happen to have a 460 or FE laying around you want to use? Or are you just wanting to pick one up to put in a Bronco? Reason I ask is that there are better candidates from a fitment standpoint Clevelands and M's and 400's come to mind), including some modern Mod Motors and Coyotes and such, if you're into that kind of thing.
The big overhead cam engines aren't necessarily an easier fit than a 460 is mind you, but I think they're a bit shorter, which helps tremendously with EB's.
The ones I've seen with 460's (but not sure about the FE's) had to cut their core supports and move the radiators forward for clearance. Which of course negates the use of the hood latch so you have to go to pins. In other words, snowball effect.
Good luck. I think there are some members here with big blocks in theirs, so hopefully they'll see your post and add their experiences.
And welcome to CB too by the way!
Whereabouts are you located? What part of the world? Might get lucky and find some locals that have already done it.
Paul
Broncobowsher
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I've seen 2 done. One put a huge recess in the firewall and moved the brake pedal over to where the clutch pedal is normally out (makes for wierd driving but needed for master cylinder clearance) The other pushed the firewall back into the cab sevear inches. Neither was impressive. Weight balance gets ugly with that much iron hanging off the front.
As stated, there are a lot better options. The big block is a little too much of a pig in a Bronco chassis.
As stated, there are a lot better options. The big block is a little too much of a pig in a Bronco chassis.
Which big-block Ford engine are you considering, FE or 385-series? Each has been done, but each has different considerations as well.
FE = 332/352/360/361/390/406/410/427/428
385 = 429/Boss 429/460
You also could consider one of the 335-series engines (351M/400/351C).
As for what needs to be cut...plan on everything and then you won't be surprised. The cleanest install of a EFI 460 that I've seen in person was done by Bronco Bob at All-4-Fun Off-Road in Albany, OR, and it had issues with cooling and vapor locking.
FE = 332/352/360/361/390/406/410/427/428
385 = 429/Boss 429/460
You also could consider one of the 335-series engines (351M/400/351C).
As for what needs to be cut...plan on everything and then you won't be surprised. The cleanest install of a EFI 460 that I've seen in person was done by Bronco Bob at All-4-Fun Off-Road in Albany, OR, and it had issues with cooling and vapor locking.
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The 385 series (429/460) or FE engines do not weigh enough more than other engines to really worry about the difference...especially if you go with aluminum intakes and heads. The difference is about equivalent to adding a winch and winch bumper.
Both can be made to fit nicely. Cooling problems are well known and, over the years, have all been solved to the point where the solutions are almost routine. I couldn't post that statement 10 years ago though...
Both can be made to fit nicely. Cooling problems are well known and, over the years, have all been solved to the point where the solutions are almost routine. I couldn't post that statement 10 years ago though...
Bigblockbronco
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Thanks for everybody's input, I'm up in Minnesota I have a 385 series 429 thunder jet 69 its mildly built up I mainly go off roading with it ,having 2 six year old boys ,I didn't have the $ to do a nice 347 or a 408 stroker motor I had this motor sitting around, I figured I might as well use it
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Love that engine! Raced a built up and dry-sumped version of that exact same engine back in my offroad racing days.
You won't be disappointed with how that fits in the EB. Yes,it is tight, but not requiring the firewall butchery I've seen in some examples. The key: put the oil pan almost hard against the forward cross-member and then don't be afraid to modify your core support to move the radiator forward a bit.
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Yep, common thing to do. Just not as often in a Bronco perhaps, but sometimes we gotta run what we brung.
Still not sure of the mounts or any other stuff, but at least as the others have said, you can see it's doable. Like just about anything else.
Another thing to consider is driveline length. The BB transmissions are going to be longer and therefore your rear driveshaft shorter and at a steeper angle.
Should be fun, but can you say "snowball" ????;D
Paul
Still not sure of the mounts or any other stuff, but at least as the others have said, you can see it's doable. Like just about anything else.
Another thing to consider is driveline length. The BB transmissions are going to be longer and therefore your rear driveshaft shorter and at a steeper angle.
Should be fun, but can you say "snowball" ????;D
Paul
Budget
If your on a budget all the stuff you do to make the 429 work will probably cost way more than a smaller engine.
You never said what type of use you want to do so it's hard to make suggestions.
My plan that I am collecting parts for a reliable budget torque and decent HP engine is 1995 351W roller cam short block, GT40P explorer heads, 289 HiPo cast iron manifolds, stock Mustang 5.0 cam, Edelbrock fuel injection intake and Mustang mass air computer and harness. My goal is 300 HP and 380 torque at the flywheel.
If your on a budget all the stuff you do to make the 429 work will probably cost way more than a smaller engine.
You never said what type of use you want to do so it's hard to make suggestions.
My plan that I am collecting parts for a reliable budget torque and decent HP engine is 1995 351W roller cam short block, GT40P explorer heads, 289 HiPo cast iron manifolds, stock Mustang 5.0 cam, Edelbrock fuel injection intake and Mustang mass air computer and harness. My goal is 300 HP and 380 torque at the flywheel.
