Need power train advice!

[RangerRyan]

I have a 1984 ford bronco II with a 3" body lift. I want to put in a bigger power train then the 2.8 v6. I'm stuck between a carburated 302 or the 4.0l. What would be the cheapest and easiest swap?

 

[V8 BroncoII]

Is your Bronco II an auto or stick? If it is an auto you have the easiest V8 swap Bronco II ever made. Just change the bellhousing on the C5, get some motor mounts and a radiator and drop in the 302. If it is a stick then it depends on your preference. Also, since you have an 84, you have no in tank fuel pump so a carbed 302 may actually be much easier to get running.

 

[V8 BroncoII]

Does your Bronco II have factory air? Either way your 3 inch body lift also will help clear the passenger side 302 valve cover. With the body lift only minor adjustments to heater box will have to be done.

 

[country0001]

Is you Bronco II an auto or stick? If it is an auto you have the easiest V8 swap Bronco II ever made. Just change the bellhousing on the C5, get some motor mounts and a radiator and drop in the 302. If it is a stick then it depends on your preference. Also, since you have an 84, you have no in tank fuel pump so a carbed 302 may actually be much easier to get running.

Usually I would say go with the 4.0, but he has a valid point.
The 4.0 would require splicing or a dash swap. The V8 sounds pretty straight forward.

 

[V8 BroncoII]

I did my 302 swap 16 years ago so it took me a few minutes to remember the other issues I had. Had to slightly modify a fox body 302 oil pan, use a remote oil filter kit, and a cheap electric fuel pump due to clearance with the steering box issues. Anyway I am sure some 4.0 guys will jump in on that swap, I just think for your year vehicle (if it is an auto) the 302 may be easier, not necessarily cheaper though.

 

[RangerRyan]

Well I have a stick and I want to keep it a stick I was thinking using a old f150 motor for the 302 swap but what year did they switch over to the EFI set up and would a M50d-r2 work on the old carb'd 302 engine? or what would be the best vehicle for the price. I kind of want a all in one donor vehicle besides the front and rear. I have a friend who has a d35 and 8.8 that's willing to sell them to me.

 

[country0001]

They switched to EFI in 86. You would need to get the whole harness setup. Just remember,the computer mainly controls the tranny. so be careful on your choice. I'd go carb'd on your truck. Probably with a C-6. The less computer on your truck the better.

 

[RangerRyan]

They switched to EFI in 86. You would need to get the whole harness setup. Just remember,the computer mainly controls the tranny. so be careful on your choice. I'd go carb'd on your truck. Probably with a C-6. The less computer on your truck the better.

My problem is I still want to keep it a stick. So what tranny will mate to a old 302 carb.

 

[country0001]

I think you could get by with the m50dr2. Not real sure tho

 

[country0001]

You might wanna go a little further down on the main page and look at the V-8 conversions forum.They'll have a few more answers