Short Block 302 In Bronco?

[phpnuke23]

So there is a promotional sale at a shop right by me, 200 bucks and they will do an engine swap. As I understand it, that's a hell of a deal.

So I go an craigslist "302" engines, and come across what appears to be a beaut:

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/hnp/pts/3130117591.html

Looks great to me. Looks similiar to my engine, but if you said long block /short block I wouldn't know difference. I have a functioning 302 in my car, just found metal in oil pan after doing the main seal, so know its time to get a new engine in there.

I am wondering, would this fit into my bronco? The price seems right on it.

72 bronco, 5.0 302 wagon.

 

[Bulletman]

It will "fit" into your bronco, but it's not complete. There is no heads, intake, fuel system, and probably many other parts that would need to either be sourced or switched from your old motor.

 

[broncnaz]

I really dont know if that engine is a good deal because I dont know how well a 1984 crank fits in a 1974 block as late model engines had a 1 piece rear oil seal and early engines had a 2piece. Also the 84 crank is a different balance than the 74 or stock bronco crank so you will need some parts like flywheel and balancers to make it work in your bronco. Also a little leary of a 1974 block still being standard bore.
I think I would pass on it. basically I dont think the shop would do your swap for $200 as it just needs some parts before it can be dropped in.

short block means no heads. long block means it has heads.

 

[ObscureMachine]

any 302 will fit in your bronco (generally speaking). A short block means it just has the bottom end of the engine built (crank, pistons, rings, etc). A LONG block is a completed engine.

So, it will fit, but it won't run because it's only half assembled.

Is the $200 just labor for taking your engine out and putting your new engine in?

 

[phpnuke23]

As far as I understand it its just for the labor...

 

[73azbronco]

I would take it apart and measure clearances just to be sure, done in shop class 14 years ago? Oh yeah, its coming apart.

And $200 sounds to good to be true, remember, if it sounds to good, there's a catch.

 

[phpnuke23]

Thanks folks for all your help. I decided to pass on that one. I have not gone that indepth with the engine (I am more into the welding, I have only do very basic part replacement on the engine) so this one sounds like it would be a bad deal for me.

So the search continues, my engine ain't doing so hot, so gotta keep looking. I think I can get this guy down to around 400:

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/ank/pts/3139688474.html

but there are a few concerns for me. On my 302 the PCV system has a hose that goes from the air filter to the passenger side valve cover. This appears to vent to atmosphere. Does this matter?

Also, wtf is blaster coil?

 

[slowstroke]

I have a complete running 302 from my 75 with all parts to drop into your bronco listed for $250. So I know you can do better on finding one for less. I would keep looking or maybe look into the cost of having yours rebuilt. I'd start by pulling some parts and look for worn items as to the cause of metal in the oil.

And as for the blaster coil. It's just a replacement ignition coil. Costs a few more bucks than a stock one.

 

[phpnuke23]

thank you. I will look into the rebuild costs.

 

[phpnuke23]

Well one quote was 1800! Bump that. I will keep searching.

 

[Heus33]

Thanks folks for all your help. I decided to pass on that one. I have not gone that indepth with the engine (I am more into the welding, I have only do very basic part replacement on the engine) so this one sounds like it would be a bad deal for me.

So the search continues, my engine ain't doing so hot, so gotta keep looking. I think I can get this guy down to around 400:

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/ank/pts/3139688474.html

but there are a few concerns for me. On my 302 the PCV system has a hose that goes from the air filter to the passenger side valve cover. This appears to vent to atmosphere. Does this matter?

Also, wtf is blaster coil?

That looks like its been collecting dust for years. And the carb is obviously not sealed so who knows what crap is down there now.

A blaster coil is an MSD product. Nothing to get too excited over.

 

[phpnuke23]

But it sounds like it charges a laser gun.

 

[Timmy390]

So there is a promotional sale at a shop right by me, 200 bucks and they will do an engine swap. As I understand it, that's a hell of a deal.

I would use that $200 along with a 20% off coupon and buy a HF 2 ton hoist and do the swap myself.

If you have a place to do that kind of work.

Tim

 

[1966bronco392]

Why not buy a reman. long block,then you can reuse the parts you need from your engine.That way you will have a warranty and you will know what you have to work with.

 

[broncnaz]

Second engine wouldnt be to bad of a deal but it was in a mustang and it was a 4sp so who knows how it was treated. I agree it looks like its been sitting there for a long time more than a month I'd say. but on the other hand I've had some fairly good luck with engines I got one that had been sitting in a open shed for several years and it runs great no smoke or anything.
And you get a few good upgrades with that engine if you want them intake and carb, nice valve covers and possibly a ignition system. The PCV system on that engine is there just the one side has a vented filler cover. you can put your stock one on if you wanted. Still you'd have to really check the engine over at very least I'd pull all the spark plugs see what condition they are in. if they are all new I'd be suspect any rust run away. nice tan to grey color all is good. black well its either running rich or burning oil.

 

[ilovemaui]

Obviously you're going to need heads and bunch of other parts. I suspect you're going to be way more than $200 by the time all is said and done.