New project - advice on 88 351 engine improvements?

[Rob&Matt]

I am new to this Forum and to the Bronco scene. I bought a 1988 Bronco 351 auto in good rebuild-able condition and just started the tear-down phase of my intended body-off complete rebuild project.

This project will be shared with my son and grandson /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />

What are the recommended upgrades/improvements for the 351 EFI that I should definitely incorporate in the rebuild process. The intention is to use the Bronco mostly for exploring the Idaho outback, but also for a little "pre-runner" fun. (Old off-road racers just can't resist a little air-time and sideways views on the terrain ahead )

I would appreciate any advice. Rob

 

[Rons beast]

Welcome Rob and Matt.

The improvements you can do depend alot on your budget. The usual bang for the buck comes from dual exhaust, with headers. Improving the intake, but be careful and make sure the engine is getting cool outside air. A better ignition system, with a MDS Blaster coil, and 8mm plugwires. Get the air in, mix it right with fuel,light it up good,and get the gasses out. These trucks are made for pulling, and are geared for low end torque. Just make the engine do what it should effeciently, and they are fun and reliable.

Good Luck and Have Fun

 

[miesk5]

yo Rob

WELCOME!

Consider better gauges for Oil Pressure (stock gauge Sender is merely an on-off switch);

Fake Oil Pressure Gauge TSB 88-05-14 for 87-88 Bronco & F Series

ISSUE: An oil pressure gauge that indicates an erratic or low reading when the engine oil pressure is within specification may be caused by the oil pressure sender. The oil pressure sender may not work properly with the magnetic oil pressure gauge.

ACTION: To correct this, install a new design oil pressure sender and new design resistor wire assembly using the following service procedure. Refer to the oil pressure sender and resistor wire application chart for the correct service parts.

OIL PRESSURE SENDER AND RESISTOR WIRE APPLICATION CHART

Engine Application Description Service Part No.

5.0L, 5.8L, 7.3L and 7.5L Oil Pressure Sender E6SZ-9278-A

4.9L Oil Pressure Sender E8TZ-9278-A

All Resistor Wire Assembly E6SZ-9F291-A

SERVICE PROCEDURE

1. Remove the existing oil pressure sender.

2. Install the new design oil pressure sender. Torque oil pressure sender to 10-18 lbs-ft (13-34 N-m).

3. Connect the female terminal end of the 20 ohm resister wire assembly to the oil pressure sender.

4. Connect the male terminal end of the 20 ohm resistor wire assembly to the vehicle wire harness.

PART NUMBER PART NAME

E6SZ-9278-A Oil Pressure Sender

E8TZ-9278-A Oil Pressure Sender

E6SZ-9F291-A Resistor Wire Assembly

OPERATION DESCRIPTION TIME

880514A 0.4 Hours.

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See this done in Oil Pressure Mod to Actual PSI "...short R in PCB..." in 87-88 F series trucks and Broncos

Source: by Mike & Debbie at http://www.rowand.net/Shop/Tech/FordOilPressureGaugeFix.htm

or add a real gauge w/Numbers; Installation, Sunpro Mechanical, w/T for stock gauge in an 86

Source: by Sixlitre (Malcolm H, Eddie Bauer) at http://www.supermotors.net/registry/4970/22156

More LINKs in my site @ http://www.broncolinks.com/index.php?index=949

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and maybe tranny temp (can tap a port on tranny), such as:

tranny temp Gauge & Sending Unit Installation in an 86 AOD

Source: by Sixlitre (Malcolm H, Eddie Bauer) at http://www.supermotors.net/clubs/superford/registry/4970/17326

Sensor Location in an 88 (into the rear tranny line port (input)

Source: by Dustin S (Dustball, Mellow Yellow, Mr. Laser Boy) at http://ylobronc.users.superford.org/460/c6tempsendervent_JPG.html

More LINKs in my site @ http://www.broncolinks.com/index.php?index=645

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Tranny Cooler is a good off road option; as well as a DD

see some Install LINKs @

for an AOD; http://www.broncolinks.com/index.php?index=59

for a C6 @ http://www.broncolinks.com/index.php?index=786

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Suspesion Lift?

http://www.broncolinks.com/index.php?index=351

Solid Axle Suspension (SAS) Conversion

http://www.broncolinks.com/index.php?index=359

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and, Jeff at the Bronco Graveyard (Our Sponsor here) has offered a 2% discount to members of The BroncoZone for on line orders. To get your discount, enter the discount code BZMEMBER. Also you must include your BroncoZone User Name with the order.

http://broncograveyard.com