I had hoped to get input at the MEB event at Pine Grove but did not make it up there this year, so I am looking for some advice and apologize for long post.
Truck is 1976 302 Sport, AT, uncut and completely stock, 2150, York dealer-installed a/c, no lift, 30" BFG tires on stock rim. Stock manifold and exhaust. PS/disc brakes. Almost all paint is original, all trim is original.
Engine has front/rear leaks and needs to come out. I have picked a long-time Ford engine builder to help me (Ray Fowler in PA).
My overall plan is to keep it relatively stock, though I did add a 3-point roll bar and will be adding a rear family cage at some point as kids get older. I may add a 1.5 inch springs/lift when I replace the bushings. No plans for body lift, but at most it would be 1".
So on a scale of 1-10, with 1 being completely stock, I want to be in the 2-3 range. It is not a show truck or close, but it is about as original as you get. Weekend driver with the kids, and occasionally 90 mile easy road trips. I do not plan on selling.
Advice from builder: keep it looking stock with a few modern conveniences:
- later-year roller block
- 4 barrel intake w/ 4 barrel carb (would like FI but want to keep dual tanks and not ready to install 2 pumps, etc.)...option to do down the road
- stock front dress
- Sanden to replace York with bracket (passenger side)
- Stock/existing P/S pump for now b/c it is working
- stock manifold and stock exhaust
- Bronco script valve covers
- stock air cleaner
- Keep pull-off parts (e.g. valve covers, York compressor, carb, in case desire to go back to full stock down the road).
Thoughts on direction or things i should discuss with builder? No, not doing a Coyote or Godzilla or even a 351. And yes, a crate would be easier but I like the builder and want to go that route and support a long-time Ford builder.
Truck is 1976 302 Sport, AT, uncut and completely stock, 2150, York dealer-installed a/c, no lift, 30" BFG tires on stock rim. Stock manifold and exhaust. PS/disc brakes. Almost all paint is original, all trim is original.
Engine has front/rear leaks and needs to come out. I have picked a long-time Ford engine builder to help me (Ray Fowler in PA).
My overall plan is to keep it relatively stock, though I did add a 3-point roll bar and will be adding a rear family cage at some point as kids get older. I may add a 1.5 inch springs/lift when I replace the bushings. No plans for body lift, but at most it would be 1".
So on a scale of 1-10, with 1 being completely stock, I want to be in the 2-3 range. It is not a show truck or close, but it is about as original as you get. Weekend driver with the kids, and occasionally 90 mile easy road trips. I do not plan on selling.
Advice from builder: keep it looking stock with a few modern conveniences:
- later-year roller block
- 4 barrel intake w/ 4 barrel carb (would like FI but want to keep dual tanks and not ready to install 2 pumps, etc.)...option to do down the road
- stock front dress
- Sanden to replace York with bracket (passenger side)
- Stock/existing P/S pump for now b/c it is working
- stock manifold and stock exhaust
- Bronco script valve covers
- stock air cleaner
- Keep pull-off parts (e.g. valve covers, York compressor, carb, in case desire to go back to full stock down the road).
Thoughts on direction or things i should discuss with builder? No, not doing a Coyote or Godzilla or even a 351. And yes, a crate would be easier but I like the builder and want to go that route and support a long-time Ford builder.
