Engine swap 351m for L99 (ls3) and more. CRAZINESS!

[Pinner46]

I have an 81 xlt that I am going to do a little work to (or quite a bit) starting with a 2012 Camaro SS 6.2L L99 engine with 6L80E 6-Speed automatic. Then take the interior of a 2018 f150 platinum to upgrade the interior. Any thoughts??

 

[miesk5]

Yo Pinner46,
Welcome!
You will bet the first Bronco Big owner to perform this swap that I know of, good fortune!
Let's start by researching the Camaro's 6.2 engine and the trans specs as to size, electrical requirements and controls, etc and then figure out an approach.
●
1981 Bronco Brochure - Gary's Garagemahal (the Bullnose bible) by Gary

1980-1986 Bronco/F Series Fasteners by Gary

1980-1986 Bronco/F Series Carburetors, Chokes & EFI by Gary

1980-1986 Bronco/F Series Specifications by Gary @ Axle Ratios - Gary's Garagemahal (the Bullnose bible)

Differences in 1980-1986 Bronco/F Series by Gary

➡ 1981 Bronco/F Series Electrical & Vacuum Troubleshooting Manual (EVTM), partial via Gary @ 1981 EVTM - Gary's Garagemahal (the Bullnose bible)

EEC III Testing, if not removed or disabled by a previous owner or shop via Wayback Machine by Tommy

Haynes Red Manual for 80-95 Bronco & F Series @ Hanes guide 80-96 bko f series.pdf via BroncMom

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

1981 Bronco Advertisement @ Ads0002.jpg

 

[paul rondelli]

So Dr Frankenstein .... you plan on pulling the heart out of your Bronco ...and put in a Chevy heart in it's place?

Would you then call it a BroBlazer ... or a bastard?

just kidding ...... good luck .. and start a build thread

Doesn't the 1981 have the swiss cheese frame ... where they just cut holes in the frame? You are sure going to be putting in a lot more weight on that front end

Is the 80-81 swiss cheese frame really that weak? - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums

1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks - Is the 80-81 swiss cheese frame really that weak? - I have a 80 F250 4x4 reg cab long box. It has the frame with holes in it. I have heard rumers that this frame is really weak and should be avoided. Is this true?

www.ford-trucks.com

 

[Tiha]

Sounds like a fun project but I second the "I think that frame is not the best choice" opinion.

better check it.

What transfer case? or is this 2 wheel drive?

 

[Pinner46]

Its will be a bastard haha. My thoughts are to make it how the new Broncos should have been (now with a chevy engine just needs more power) I was thinking putting a raptor front end on it to give it a sporty look. And after reading some posts it looks like I need to beef up the frame. It is a 4x4 and I'm not sure on the transfer case.
@paul rondelli
@Tiha
@miesk5