‘79 400 Engine swap

[21cummins3500]

Just picked up a ‘79 bronco with a “partial” 400 (block and heads intact and lots of parts in the back). Got a good deal on it and at some point I’m going to need to get this thing running. What I would like to do is go with a newer motor like a late 80’s/early 90’s 351 efi or something? Surely someone has done something like this and any advice would be greatly appreciated!

 

[miesk5]

Yo 21cummins3500,
Welcome!
Consider using info in this
351M to 351W/E4OD Swap.
"Atomic EFI in a 79 is awesome by mattgunguy;
"...Brand spanking new351m crate motor.
Did a Msd Atomic EFI swap, Msd 8580 Billet distributor, FiTech 40003 fuel command center. Mild cam. Wrapped headers. Has maybe 5 minutes run time so far.
The Atomic efi setup is awesome. Simply amazing throttle response. It is mostly a plug and play system. Between the efi setup, 6al box, and pro-billet distributor. I had maybe a few hours into install and wiring. The fuel system is more involved. I skipped that and used the Fitech fuel command center.
I am having some fuel starvation issues. I believe it's the mechanical pump not being up to the task. I plan on getting something better before long.
Rolling on 35's. Looking to do either a AOD or a E4OD with a stand alone controller trans swap before much longer..."

EFI Installation in a 79 400M
Source: by Shaker666 at
http://www.fullsizebronco.com/forum/6-1978-79-bronco-tech/177830-400m-sefi-project.html

351M to 347 Swap in a 78
Source: by Roger C (Mule) at SuperMotors.net
□●□
Here's the 1979 Bronco/F Series Electrical & Vacuum Troubleshooting Manual by Ford via member Ziggy⚠ @
1979 Ford Bronco Wiring Manual pictures, videos, and sounds | SuperMotors.net
It shows Electrical component location, operation, troubleshooting, with wiring and vacuum diagrams.

1979 Ford Bronco Wiring Schematics, Connector Pin-outs, etc by Ranger429 @ 79 wiring schematics

1979 Bronco Brochure @ https://www.xr793.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/1979-Ford-Bronco.pdf via Dezo's Garage

1979 Ford Bronco vs. Blazer Article by Ford via Indybronco @ 1978 Ford Bronco Bronco vs. Blazer (79) pictures, videos, and sounds | SuperMotors.net

Ford Shop Manual Diagrams: 1978-1979 Full Size Shop Manuals, partial @ Technical Diagrams Archives
My Tablet takes hours to download, so try the first in this list as long as you have Adobe Acrobat 9 or later installed.
Includes:
Wiring Manuals & Diagrams Download PDF
This complete manual for the 1972-1979 Ford Bronco Includes Rear Lights Diagram
Motor Manuals & Diagrams Download PDF
This complete manual for the 1972-1979 Ford Bronco Includes Air Cleaner Diagram
Chassis Manuals & Diagrams Download PDF
This complete manual for the 1972-1979 Ford Bronco Includes '78 Brakes Diagram, Gas Tank Setup Diagram
Body Manuals & Diagrams Download PDF This complete manual for the 1972-1979 Ford Bronco Includes; Upper Body Diagram, Front Clip Diagram, heater Ducts Diagram, Tailgate Diagram, Console Diagram, Front Clip Diagram, Grill Setup Diagram, Heater Controls Diagram, Interior Trip Diagram, Rear Sheetmetal Diagram, Tiltwheel Diagram, Tire Rack
Let me know if the downloads are worth the effort.

Partial Chilton Manual for 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981 Bronco. Scanned by broncocity.com @ Bronco City

See Bubba's M-Block Ford V8 Workshop by Dave Resch

Good fortune!
Al

 

[NotaVegetarian]

Good luck keep us posted on what you choose. And lots of pictures please!

 

[Ric330]

I've had 9 full size Broncos in my life and I wish they all had the 400 that was in my 78.

 

[Skitter302]

The bolt pattern on the transmission is the same as the 460/429 which makes them a popular swap.

If I were building up a 78/79 I would Put in a 460 built to 9.5:1 with a good comp cam. At that point you could go carb'd or holly ****** efi.

(Wait... We can't say s n i p e r on the forums?)

 

[johnnyreb]

I've had 9 full size Broncos in my life and I wish they all had the 400 that was in my 78.

Sounds like Ricco has had a good bit of experience and better luck out of the 400 . Then the other motor. Thumbs up to you Ricco. I had 1 (still have ) and getting it rebuilt.

 

[NotaVegetarian]

well how did it turn out

 

[johnnyreb]

well how did it turn out

Well Mike I haven,t started on the one with the 400 yet. Probably won,t get the chance till spring. Unless I can find a garage to work in. I have been getting part gathered up for the one with the 78(390) and hopefully get it started up really soon. I got a Holley 4 barrel --the spacer and a EDLEBROCK 390 Performer intake. I have one heater hose to hook up(miss-placed the clamp. Put the anti-free back in in. Dropped the distributor yesterday and broke the cap. Plus I had been working on my 77 firebird. A window blowed up on me and I had to replace it, Plus other parts I had to get. Sorry I hadn,t been in in awhile. I also had to get a cell phone--to get a code to get back in my e-manil. Hopefull really soon--less then 2 days--I,ll take the bronco out for a test drive and take some pictures. Take care--sorry I am late. getting back to you.