So it looks like it's time to repower my Bronco. It originally came with a 170 c.i. straight six and 3 on the tree that I replaced with a 302 and C4 back in high school. The C4 is shot. The 302 was rebuilt 12 years ago but serviceable. I'm considering finding another donor Ford and transferring the EFI, AOD and wiring harness.

I've also got a possible free 4.9L (300 straight six) from a donor F-150 with only 110k miles that a tree fell on.

I also would love to have a 4bt.

Thoughts? Other options?

4/1/2013 10:32:13 AM

opinions are free:

- no to the 4.9; great engine... "but you can do better"
- 4bt, eh, i've seen it done with compound turbos, big $$$ though. you could do a budget build, but then it would be ~ power wise.
- if it's not a full-on restoration, i'd say an efi 302 with the AOD.

4/1/2013 10:46:59 AM

I'd go 351 out of a 90s f150 if i were you.

I was wondering on budget.

IMHO and aftermarket EMS is way easier and better than trying to make the stock one work in something else. but it gets expensive...

Just the EFI kit for my engine (including throttle body, sensors, intake ,injectors, fuel pump fuel lines etc.) was 4k but comes in handy off-roading.

4/1/2013 11:04:18 AM

^Is it worth the trouble of the swap to only step up to a stock 351? I'd think he'd get better results doing some mild work on the 302 he already has.

4/1/2013 1:51:37 PM

4.9 i6.

4/1/2013 2:23:56 PM

^^ the hp may be similar... but the torque won't be...

4/1/2013 3:04:01 PM

I'm kinda torn. I've got some money set aside for my next play car but I've thought about taking that money and spending it on the Bronco. It's currently a 10ft car or whatever it is those kind of guys say about those cars. If I bit the bullet and replaced the motor and transmission I'd do the frame off restoration it always needed.

4/1/2013 4:29:39 PM

Then build a 427 stroker or 392 and drive the balls out if it.

4/1/2013 5:17:08 PM

Put some camouflage Z71 stickers on the side when you're done doing whatever you're going to do

4/1/2013 7:19:01 PM

if you're gonna build it, I'd put a diesel in it

4/1/2013 7:36:04 PM

^^I could bro it out with some BFG A/Ts?

4/1/2013 9:53:41 PM

^^http://www.dieselpowermag.com/features/ford/0709dp_1966_ford_bronco/viewall.html

motivation-

4/2/2013 7:45:41 AM

how much does a 4bt weigh?

i thought the consensus was pass cause they're heavy and take a lot to make power?

hell i thought i was told that by diesel people lol.

4/2/2013 9:31:36 AM

they are very heavy, and the cost for modification is nearly that of the 6bt. the only plus is the mountains of torque and decent fuel mileage...I mean, if you're out for a 'custom' and willing to spend the money, it's cool.

4/2/2013 9:37:17 AM

4bt weighs a little over 700 lbs

4/2/2013 1:03:37 PM

fuck that's what my cast iron big block weighs..

4/2/2013 1:59:34 PM