Engine Swap Ideas?

[Orangecrush]

Well, it's summer again, and I know my motor will now want to run hot with the A/C on. Since I have a Howe aluminum racing radiator, 7-blade fan, shroud, auxilary fan, etc. I must face the fact that the engine is just old and needs a swap. Oh yea, it also gets only 6 mpg! I guess the compression is just too low.

Okay, what are my options? The current motor is a 351w. The transmission is C4. Major HP is NOT my goal. Driveability is (this is a street bronco, complete with TV, DVD, GPS....A/C, etc). Ideally, I'd end up with something that looked exactly like a vintage bronco with 35" tires, BUT, runs like a Navigotor. I was thinking about going EFI; but, what other things must be done in order to be able to run EFI? I don't think it's as simple as dropping in an injected motor. There's the computer.....etc.?? What kind of $$$ would I throw at something like this, if it could even be done?

What about the current tranny? Does anyone know if the C4 with match up with something like a Triton V8? (if you think that motor is even an option for me).

 

[Seabronc]

Here are a couple of links that might help you http://www.ronmorrisperformance.com/06tech/ and http://www.fordfuelinjection.com/

Good luck,

>-

 

[Bully Bob]

Hay Crush,

Long time no hear....

Check-in now & then & post your successes with that "sweet rig" so that you can help others with like problems. >

Anyway, whoever set-up that 351 may not have got it right. (long story)

Age doesn't necessarily = heat.

A stock 351 with the do-dads you have should run at normal temps.

Heat & poor milage is a "clue"

--"Okay, what are my options--"

Stock motor, keep the do-dads, (maybe add a cavation plate in the water pump), (or an elect. water pump) ----see Summit racing.com

Keep the C4

NOW, you have a "much sweeter" rig than any Navigator with minimal $$ to set-up a good stock 351

 

[Orangecrush]

Hay Crush,

Long time no hear....

Check-in now & then & post your successes with that "sweet rig" so that you can help others with like problems. >

Anyway, whoever set-up that 351 may not have got it right. (long story)

Age doesn't necessarily = heat.

A stock 351 with the do-dads you have should run at normal temps.

Heat & poor milage is a "clue"

--"Okay, what are my options--"

Stock motor, keep the do-dads, (maybe add a cavation plate in the water pump), (or an elect. water pump) ----see Summit racing.com

Keep the C4

NOW, you have a "much sweeter" rig than any Navigator with minimal $$ to set-up a good stock 351

Hey and thanks for the comments. Yes, I really suspect it may not have been beuilt correctly. You're right (long story) to go over all the possibilities. The head gasket could be blocking water passages, the cam could have been installed improperly.....the list goes on and aon and on. Bottom line is I could drive myself crazy trying to figure out the culprit.

Tell me this though, can you see any harm in blocking off the bypass water hose? I thought I might as well force as much water to run through the radiator as possible. Any problem there?

The other big thing I should look into (I've tired most every other obvious possibility) is the size of the pully on the water pump. Come to think of it, this could be the problem. History: The "monkey" who did the a/c, manifold, carb, etc. really had trouble with the A/C because he had to fabricate brackets and go through junk yards trying to find pullies that would work. He eventually was able to rig it together so that everything worked and lined up (god help me if my alternator ever needs to be replaces......long stroy but I don't know how I'd ever get it loose because of the custom brackets). Anyway, I know the alternator spins too slowly because it's a 150 amp and only puts out 10.8 volts with the lights on (problem). Also, the water pump pully looks HUGE. I bet it's just running 30% too slowly?

Can anyone send pictures of their water pump pully so that I can compare??? Or, maybe tell me how many inches diametere theirs it???

 

[Orangecrush]

I thought I'd attach a link where you could at least see some basic photos (interior and exterior) of the Bronco. There' not the best pics; but, you get the idea. I'm running the black wheels right now.....not sure if I like the aluminum better or not?

http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/calcaremedic...ir=1cf2&.src=ph

 

[Bully Bob]

Awsom truck...!

Like that dash....like the alum. wheels.

You gotta get that bad boy cooled down. Could be on to something with the pulley.

I have no knowledge concerning the by-pass hose.

Some of the other V8 'rs may know.

 

[Orangecrush]

Awsom truck...!

Like that dash....like the alum. wheels.

You gotta get that bad boy cooled down. Could be on to something with the pulley.

I have no knowledge concerning the by-pass hose.

Some of the other V8 'rs may know.

I think you're right with regard to the wheels. Black looks nice and stocky; but, when I see pics of the aluminums on there, I think they look better. Either way, I think I'll do the top in semi-flat metallic black. The white just doesn't do it for me.

Hey Bully, I didn't realize you're over in Boulder City. I'm in LA (Pasadena) and get to Vegas about twice a month. In fact, as soon as I can break away from the girlfriend's parents (mother's day), I was probably going to head over. I get free rooms at Harrah's properties. I was even thinking of taking the Bronco over just to see how it deals with 3 hours of desert driving.

 

[combstj]

I was thinking about going EFI; but, what other things must be done in order to be able to run EFI? I don't think it's as simple as dropping in an injected motor. There's the computer.....etc.?? What kind of $$$ would I throw at something like this, if it could even be done?

I try not to drop the names of those other bronco websites, but...broncofix.com has tons of posts regarding EFI converstions. Just drop "EFI" in the search and you'll get tons of posts that will give you and idea about what you'd be getting yourself into with ane EFI swap.

 

[brewchief]

Nice ride I think you may be on to something with the water pump pully idea, but if you want to go to EFI look for a mustang 5.0 motor. I did my 5.0 conversion 12 years ago and have never ever looked back. Besides the motor you need the computor and wireing harness and an eletric fuel pump. Fordmotorsport has a efi harness that is very easy to hook up, 6 wires to your truck if memory serves me. The motor mounts are the same, trans will bolt up etc. Fan clearance is a little tight but i think the 94-95 mustang water pump is shorter. You will also gain a factory belt setup w a/c compressor. I am not sure what i get for MPG but I bet it is better than what you get and my rig is not setup to drive on road that much. If you have any questions let me know and I will do what I can to help.

 

[Scott Andrews]

I'd rebuld a 302 and drop that in.

If HP is not the goal, then you could try a 5.0 EFI. this is ALMOST a drop-in for the 302 and 351, and all you would need is to mount the ECU and work out the cooling attachments.

Any EFI is not going to look stock. SO if you want that go with the 302. You can get one that needs minor freshening for about $300-$500.

S