87 throttle body on 89 2.9

[leftlane]

I know that the 87 has a larger throttle body than the 89 has I just need to know if it is a direct bolt on swap. I just encountered the notorious 2.9 head problem and found a replacement from a 89 Bronco II. The bronco motor runs smooth and has no lifter tick and is completely dry, NO OIL LEAKS. Will there be any advantage to swapping the throttle body. Thank you

 

[aspevacek]

there are no oil leaks because there is no oil in it.

 

[leftlane]

aspevacek, I thought the same thing. I thought those things come stock with oil leaking

 

[dave2575]

I swapped TB's in my 88, The 86 and 88 TB's were almost identical, well except for the bore of course. It is almost a direct bolt on part except for the rubber inlet tube that slides on to the end of the TB, I got lucky and found the larger rubber inlet tube one on eBay for $15. Just that one piece was all I had to buy to complete the swap. As for any advantage's over the stock unit, hmm... well if you were to ask 5 different guys you'll get 5 different answers. IMHO I say yes there is a legit reason to do the swap. There is a noticeable difference in the low end response and I know there is a SLIGHT increase in throttle response while cruising. The thing is though you cant go full open throttle to get the most power, the air fuel ratio feels right just past 3/4 open throttle.

 

[Psychopete]

sucks you had to get a new intake tube, mine actually fit from my '88, but I think it makes sense to change (particularly with the big spring that's inside of them).

With that TB, I think a new intake tube in general (something cheap) and some modifications into the air box + tube that runs to the core support, and modifications to the water shield in the front - I think there's something to gain in those areas, but keep in mind it's not going to net much power. Cheap to do though if you want to experiment, just sharing an after thought from when I was messing with this engine.