Preparation Questions

[Bronco_Huey]

I got my Bronco recently and it has 160k on the ticker. The tranny is a drop in rebuilt done last year with less then 10k on it. I know at some point the motor is going to need a rebuild and/or replacement. I currently have a 302.

So my questions are;

1. How much does a rebuild go for approximately?

2. Would it be better to try and find a 351 to just drop in?

I don't do any offroading currently and seldom do I tow things. I've had the 351 in a 95 FSB before and I loved the power. I can't really compare because I have no idea how tired my current engine is, but I do remember what seemed to be much more power.

As far as future power mods go, simple bolt on stuff at most (pulleys, CAI, etc), no blowers or N2O. I'm leaning towards the 351 only because of the natural choice of bigger is better but in reality I doubt I would need it.

I don't have much experience with the guts of the engine so it would not be a project I would want to handle myself so cost is always a factor. I figure I should get a rough ball park on the costs to start savin up! /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />

 

[Justshootme84]

There is really not a big difference in horsepower between the 302 and 351W (about 25HP) on your fuel-injected model. UNless you have a free 351 to drop in, and can do the necessary harness/wiring changes, I would suggest overhauling your stock motor or have it done at a competent garage (not the Ford dealership). Parts and machining of the block and heads can run under $1000, and the labor will be about the same. Figure a total bill of $2500-$3000 for a quality job that will last another 150K miles. In the meantime, keep a very close watch on oil consumption (up to 1 quart/1000 miles is normal), look for any smoke from the exhaust and listen for any knocking coming from the motor. Those are some of the signs of an engine on it's last leg.

 

[bluesman17]

when i had mine rebuilt it cost me about 1500 or so total with me putting it in from an excellent engine rebuilder. 2500 + to have others do it.

 

[Bronco_Huey]

Bluesman, not quite following u? U did it yourself at a total cost of $1500? Or you bought the motor and had someone else install it?

 

[Bronco_Huey]

There is really not a big difference in horsepower between the 302 and 351W (about 25HP) on your fuel-injected model. UNless you have a free 351 to drop in, and can do the necessary harness/wiring changes, I would suggest overhauling your stock motor or have it done at a competent garage (not the Ford dealership). Parts and machining of the block and heads can run under $1000, and the labor will be about the same. Figure a total bill of $2500-$3000 for a quality job that will last another 150K miles. In the meantime, keep a very close watch on oil consumption (up to 1 quart/1000 miles is normal), look for any smoke from the exhaust and listen for any knocking coming from the motor. Those are some of the signs of an engine on it's last leg.

I thought there was a significant different in torque?

I got a leak going on so I need to find out what is going on there too! :wacko:

 

[Straight6]

I recently had my 300 six rebuilt by a local shop and the total cost on it was about $900.00 and that included new values ( mine were bent), rebuilding the head using spring loaded value stem seals, brass freese plugs, and match boring each cylinder for the piston going in it. A mechanic friend of mine and I took the motor out and reinstalled it ourshelves. Excluding new values but including a head rebuild, an overhaul by this shop on a V8 cost about $750.00. A pretty good deal if you happen to live in Houston.

 

[Justshootme84]

Here's the specs for most year model Bronco motors:

Bronco Engine Specs

Torque is not a great deal more for a 351W than the 302. Remember that the peak HP and TQ are at slightly different RPM's as well. Alot of "power" can be added with a tranny shift kit, too.

P.S., the 300I6 is a real torquey brute of a motor for it's size.