Engine swap

[19Bronco90]

I'm driving a 1990 Ford Bronco with the 5.0 engine. I was wondering if I should drop in the 5.8 or find a different engine all together. If the latter, what are some good engines to drop into the Bronco? Also, what changes in performance could i expect from the 5.0 to the 5.8?

 

[Justshootme84]

To keep things simple, I would first consider rebuilding the current motor, or finding another 5.0L, if your Bronco is going to be a daily driver or see mostly highway miles. There is little HP difference going to the 5.8L for your 90 EFI model, and you wouldn't have to change the ECM or modify the wiring harness. With a few upgrades to the intake and exhaust, perhaps a shift kit for the tranny, your 5.0 will move better than stock. IF you wantto go all out, a 460 swap is a BIG improvement over the smallblocks. That will take more work, though, JSM84

 

[19Bronco90]

My 5.0 was just rebuilt within the last year, I bought the car from my boss so I am fortunate to know what has been done to the car. As of now, the engine has upgraded fuel injectors and a hot chip. I have also installed a full cat back exhaust system. I believe I used a Vortex. While the car is, atm, my primary means of transportation, I am hoping to get it track worthy for the drag races here in Vegas. I was considering dropping in a 460 but just dont know very much about those engines other than it would give me a big performance boost. Thanks JSM

 

[Yardape]

Your going to 1/4 mile your Bronco? Hmmmm interesting

 

[19Bronco90]

Your going to 1/4 mile your Bronco? Hmmmm interesting

Dont necessarily want to be full 1/4 mile. It will be more geared for offroading. I couldnt keep a Bronco on the road if I wanted to. Just wouldnt be right.

 

[Yardape]

what about the drag races in vegas you referred to? is that a mud bogging event?

 

[Justshootme84]

I wouldn't get rid of the 302 just yet, uf you still want to use the Bronco on the road. I did go with a 460 swp, but my 351W H.O. had blown up. Prior to that, it was hella fun to drive and wheel with. Look at what type of racing you want to do, is it recreational or just for fun, or more serious like the modified mud drags? There's lots of other things you can do, like that transmission shift kit or upgrades, axle gear swaps, spools, etc. depending on what tires you run. Some 35's and 4.56 gears will really wake up that 302. Unless you make some changes to the ECM, the stock unit can't handle any major internal changes like a radical cam or stroker kit. IT sounds like you've already got some good mods in the injectors, chip and exhaust. Ask what camshaft is in it, and look at getting a mild RV of pulling cam that will work with your computer/ECM.

The 88 modle 460 I am using is computer-controlled, and also not willing to accept many performance goodies. That's why I'm converting it to a carb, and eventually some DOVE-C heads. IF you go that route, you need to change the transmission, fuel system, motor mounts, and some other items. You will likely suffer in the fuel economy with the 460, but it can be built for more power than the 302 or 351. You'll still need to address the rest of the drivetrain to handle the higher HP and torque. JSM84

 

[Yardape]

I totally agree with jsm84. Your 302 can pump out a ton of power. You will get your most performance increase from a gear swap and exhaust. Way more than swapping in an engine. I am going to a 460 because the feeling of power from my 3/4 ton to my Bronco is insane, and the fuel mileage is very similar. 460's have a bad rep for being gas guzzlers, but I find with mine as long as you drive it responsibly the mileage is decent. I find if you are going to do an engine swap, get a donor truck. Everything you need for the swap is included, and saving the trips to the scrap yard for parts you didnt think of is a huge benefit in itself. I have done many engine swaps in which all I had was the engine, and believe me it is a nightmare finding parts to make it work. My last ten (I dont know the actual number but its close to ten) engine swaps in which I was installing a different engine that was stock in the vehicle I have used a donor vehicle and it was so smooth, I was willing to pay 10,000.00 for a 460 truck to swap over to my Bronco. The way I look at it is if I dont build the truck I want I will pay about 40 to 50 grand for a truck that will be worthless when I am done. I lucked out with my 3/4 ton and got it for 4200.00 4 months after my friend paid 8000.00 for it. The fuel pumps were toast and he didnt know how to fix it. Before he even told me he would sell it I had ordered a new tank pump and sending unit. He didnt know I had done that, I knew he would sell it cheap. He finally called me, I towed it home and was driving it the next day.

 

[Yardape]

Wow did I ever wander off topic, I need a beer LOL

 

[19Bronco90]

what about the drag races in vegas you referred to? is that a mud bogging event?

Nah, it isn't offroad at all, mostly just tuners run at the drags. I am just getting into offroading since I got the Bronco, its only my second car and the first that can handle it without falling apart. Still trying to find all the offroad races and such around vegas. Its really a bummer in vegas though, because you can get a huge ticket for kicking up dust inside the city limits and there are no designated offroad areas inside the city.

Actually just went offroading for the first time today since I am out in Victorville visiting family. didn't go for long but i had a lot of fun with it, I just need to get more power, didn't quite quench my thirst for speed offroad, but didn't really push as hard as I could have, was a little nervous.

 

[19Bronco90]

I guess I will just stick with the 302 for a while, money is kind of an issue at the moment, business has been slow because of the winter, but this summer Ill really be able to do some stuff to the truck once air conditioning season kicks in. I don't think Ill be able to get into serious mud bogging anytime soon, so at the moment it is just something that I will do once a week.

I was thinking of putting 36" A/T's on it, but havent been able to find any, the biggest ive been able to find for my rims are 35" which means I will probably end up putting some 35" on the truck. What kind of tires would you recommend for it, it will be on the street more often than off road.

 

[Yardape]

35 inch BFG Mud Terrains can hang with the big boys in the mud and they are very well mannered on road. Get those and 4.56 gears when you can and your Bronco love will fire up like you wouldn't believe. You think you love it now, your in for a treat

 

[19Bronco90]

35 inch BFG Mud Terrains can hang with the big boys in the mud and they are very well mannered on road. Get those and 4.56 gears when you can and your Bronco love will fire up like you wouldn't believe. You think you love it now, your in for a treat

cool, what gears does the stock 90 Bronco XLT come with?

 

[Yardape]

3.55 rear and 3.54 front

 

[Justshootme84]

3.55's are very common in your 90, but it could have 3.08's. Check the axle code or ID tags on the axles, and post it up. H9 is 3.55's with rear limited slip. If you want to run 35's or 36's, get some 9 or 10 inch-wide rims. The factory rims are too narrow for a 12.50 width tire, IMO. The BFG all-terrrains would be better for desert or sand use. And Ican't stress enough, if the 302 is a recent rebuild and running fine, keep it for now. WHen you have time and money to add some go-faster goodies, work on the axles, add a limited slip or locker in front and rear. You'll be able to go 98% of the places I can with a big motor and 1-ton axles. JSM84

 

[19Bronco90]

Alright, Ill get it posted asap, it will probably be a few days. I have a leak in my rear main and just drove on the freeway so the entire underside of my car is covered in oil. Need to get it all cleaned and fixed up so I can get the code off of it. I am not on stock rims, atleast I don't think I am, ill ask my boss on tuesday when I see him. Also I am riding on 33" A/T dominators, they are fairly new and have some life left in them so they will probably be on there for a while until I can scrape up the money I need for a full set of 35's.