1988 Bronco II engine swap to Boss 302...?

[88_bronco2_guy]

I'm wanting to put a new engine in my 88 Bronco II that I recently bought (up until 2 weeks ago, it hadn't been started in 6 years...) It won't go very fast (45 at almost full throttle) and I want to be able to tow stuff with it. What would it take to put a Boss 302 into it? Would it even fit? ...Help?

 

[Jimmy Neutron]

In order to swap in a 302 is not as easy (or cheap) as buying a crate motor and setting it in the engine bay.

(It would be nice though!) Full-size power in a mini rig is fun, yet challenging...

Here is a list of components off the top of my head that will need to be changed:

1. Engine mounts

(I have heard of the stock I4 mounts being able to work with modifications)

2. Radiator

(V6 radiator cooling a V8 = Overheated)

3. Transmission

(Stock B2 will not hold to v8 power for long)

4. Tranfercase

(if equipped)

5. Rear axle

(Stock B2 will not hold to v8 power for long)

6. Driveshafts

(Due to the different running gear)

7. Body mounts

(If you have a 4x4 rig, the engine will not clear the body, minimum 2" of lift required)

8. Suspension

(If you have a 4x4 rig, the engine will not clear the front axle, need a suspension lift)

9. Tires

(With all the lifts, stock tires will just look funny)

10. Rims

(The bolt pattern from mini to fullsize changes)

11. Gauges

(All the new hardware probably will not hook up to the stock gauges)

(Speedometer, Tachometer, Ammeter, Fuel Pressure, Oil Pressure, Water Temperature, Oil Temperature, ect.)

A few other notes:

1. I am not sure if you are EFI or not, but if you are; a new pump or a regulator must be installed to run a carb.

2. The heater box must be modified to clear the valve covers of a V8.

3. If emmissions testing is required in your area, do not expect to pass with a V8 swap!!

4. Buying a complete donor vehicle is the best way to insure you have all the parts that work together for a swap.

5. A 302 and a BOSS 302 measure the same externally.

**DISCLAIMER**

Correct any of my statements if you believe them to be wrong. I am not perfect, I am human and make mistakes!!

 

[BLADE262US]

An explorer radiator will keep it cool with a good electric fan . Most of the stuff Jimmy said is correct the T case will however hold up just fine mine did to a 351W . The 302 ( if it is a BOSS ) will have wider heads on it and a bit taller they are actually the 351C 4V heads same physical size as the 351C 2V / 351M and 400 heads . If your buying that motor from someone be certain its a Boss before you spend big money I have went and looked at many supposed 302 BOSS engines for sale only to find out their a standard 302 with a blue gue rebuild . Easey way to tell is a true BOSS motor will have ***** in freeze plugs if their the knock in kind its not a BOSS . Advance adaptors is a very good place to get conversion parts its not cheap but dont cobble this conversion its alot of motor in something that wasnt designed for it . If it is a BOSS the only thing I can think of that will hold you up is the exhaust its hard enough with a standard 302 let alone something that sets the headers at different angles . Good luck post lots of pics /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />