Looking for feedback on my current setup...

[Jbwalsh76]

So...I picked up my Bronco about 18 months ago. My rig had a restomod done by a previous owner back in 2010 (undercarriage/engine bay is date stamped 2010). However, that owner passed with most of the records regarding any mechanical upgrades he did. I purchased the rig off of the next owner (who essentially flipped it…guessing he picked it up for peanuts and sold it to me).

I’ve recently been looking into putting some $$$$ into my existing setup and struggling with which direction to go in. Engine runs OK now, but feels sluggish. I feel like I should have more power than I do.

I have been thinking of adding EFI (rig is a driver/cruiser and will occasionally see some light trails), but I’m not sure if I should stick with Ford EEC-V or just go aftermarket? Would one EFI system work better with my setup over another…

Also thinking of modifying the exhaust system with headers, but if I add a new exhaust now will I have issues installing a 4r70w down the road?...or can I just modify that when I make the switch.

Do I need to figure out the unknown engine parts (ie cam) before making a decision on which direction to go with my rig?

I attached a couple pics of the engine as well.

This is what I know about my setup:
Block: stamped E7TE - '87 roller ready block (I believe)
Bore: Unknown
Recent cold compression test: each cylinder was between 120 and 140
Firing Order: 351
Heads: AFR 165s (58cc)
Cam: Unknown
Carb: Edlebrock 500 cfm – Model #1403
Intake: Aluminum Edlebrock intake
Front Dress: Mustang setup (I believe)
Trans: C4 (rebuilt since I have owned, so married to C4 for a bit)
Transfer Case: Dana 20
Gears: 3.50 LSD
Dana 44 up front
Exhaust: Manifolds and 2 into 1 exhaust/muffler/Cat (no idea what muffler is on their…no identification on there that I can see)…guessing it is not anything special.
Tires: 33 / 12.5 / 17

Thanks!
JB

 

[SteveL]

The sluggish comes from 33" tires with 3:50 gears. Time to drop some 4:11s in there unless you plan on swapping to an overdrive tranny. Then you're gonna want at least 4:56 with 33s on it.

 

[Jbwalsh76]

If I don't have an overdrive tranny on there yet can I go straight to 4:56, or do I need to go with 4.11s now and then change again to 4.56 when I add the 4r70w?

 

[kat]

I agree with Steve on the 4.11s..change them and never look back. Even if you upgrade to more shifting gears. I have the same setup as you but a manual 3 speed and 35s. 1st and 2nd gear is fuuunnnnnnnn. If it was me since your gonna have the C4 for a bit, go ahead and change your gear ratio (on both ends) check your bearing while you have it all apart. and enjoy driving it while you make your mind up on what you want to do next.

I love headers with dual exhaust but don't know how that might get in the way of future upgrades.

 

[SteveL]

Gear swaps are expensive if you're not doing the labor. With that said if you plan to put in an od tranny I'd put in the 4:56 and deal with the higher rpm till you do the tranny swap. Also if you think you're gonna want lockers might wanna do that too while they're setting up the gears. But then if you're changing differentials you may want to go 31 spline..... it never ends

 

[Timstrk]

With 33s, 4.56/31spline/locker. Don't waste time and money doing it twice. Get your plan and build it. Nothing in the power train is cheap. Do the rear axle first and see how you like the engine then. The gear change will cover a lot of unhappy with the power. You'll be happy with that combination.

 

[Rustytruck]

I would put the 4.56 gears in now and sell the 33" tires and go to 35" then when you do the overdrive stuff go back to 33 inch tires by then the tires will be too old or worn out anyways. do the gear change once. tires are a 6 year change out so works with your schedule. big tires are not hard to get rid of at the prices these days for new ones.

 

[Jbwalsh76]

Thanks Guys! Really appreciate the feedback.

Looks like I will do the gears first (probably will do EFI at same time) and then worry about the other stuff later on.

 

[76YETI]

My set up is pretty similar to yours and I wouldn't say mine is sluggish.
1995 5.0 HO, 500cfm Edelbrock avs2, performer intake, HEI, stock heads, Sanderson ceramic shorties, 2 into 1 exhaust (2-2.5" - 1-3" out) Explorer front dress, 3.50 LSD and although she's not a sports car she has plenty of get up and go...

Maybe a tune up/ open the exhaust a little

 

[Montoya]

it never ends

Haha, so true! My whole project started with a tired 302 and I just wanted more umph.... fast forward 14 years and the only stock drivetrain part I have is the pitman arm from my original manual steering box.

If you have the "while I'm at it bug" like I do, it's a slippery slope

 

[74 Bronco Billy]

There’s some very good advice here, especially in trying out the gearing. But I would pick one project 1st, either the EFI / TBI or gear change. I believe the 4.56 for the rear will get you the performance you want now, but if you are not cut fenders, the 36 or 35” tires might not fit if you’re uncut on the fenders. Once you start playing the game of “Iwant a little more power” you’ll want the 31 spline rear end, wish I had done it. I would not change your exhaust until you either research and know for sure the headers and exhaust you are switching to will fit he future 4R70w. Are you going to use it as a trail rig? Do you want that ability? Does it snow where you live? Ice? Etc? Research if you want a locker in the rear or not, limited slip or not. As said before, gear changes should be done preferably once, including the type of differential and spline count. You can do just the rear in 4.56 to try it out, but remember that you will need to match that in your Dana 44 before you can use the 4x4, ie., engaging both front and rear driveshafts simultaneously. Congrats on the Bronco and getting the bug.

 

[SteveL]

For your use I would rethink the efi and throw a q-jet on it from jet performance.

 

[Jbwalsh76]

Thanks again guys!

Definitely a "slippery slope" once you start the process...

Appreciate all the feedback. This site is the best out there.