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Bronco, Bronco II

1985 Bronco engine replasement advice

3 posts 3 contributors 1,290 views
BG

bob GreenmanOP

  • Member since Jul 2003
  • 2 posts
  • Los Angeles, CA, USA
Jul 7, 2003 at 12:45 AM
I have a 1985 full size bronco and i brought it to the shop because something did not feel right and the mechanic told me that my engine's life was limited. I was woundering what special things that would intail. I was woundering if i could also upgrade my 351 to a 460 because i have felt that my bronco has been rather gutless thus far. I also want to know if i have to replace my transmition, and if so i was woundering how hard it would be to change my automatic to a manual. Thanks for your time.
FA

FastFreddy

Jul 8, 2003 at 12:35 PM
I'm planning on doing this swap myself in a 81 I'm not sure about motor mounts but if you have a 351W the bell housing is diferent from a 460 and won't bolt up, 351M and 460 have same bell housing bolt patern.
EL

E. Long

Jul 8, 2003 at 3:42 PM
Quote:
I have a 1985 full size bronco and i brought it to the shop because something did not feel right and the mechanic told me that my engine's life was limited. I was woundering what special things that would intail. I was woundering if i could also upgrade my 351 to a 460 because i have felt that my bronco has been rather gutless thus far. I also want to know if i have to replace my transmition, and if so i was woundering how hard it would be to change my automatic to a manual. Thanks for your time.


Bob,

If your mechanic told you that you're engine's life is limited it could be do to worn rings which could be a factor in performance problems. Before you dive into swapping in a big block motor and new transmission, I would encourage you to consider a rebuilt 351 and perhaps "hopping it up" with a few performance parts. A fresh motor with some aftermarket toys on it will really be a night and day difference from your aging motor right now.

Food for thought.

The engine/tranny swap can certainly be done but it all depends on what your budget is. As soon as you can determine your budget and what you want to do with your Bronco, it will help folks around here offer up better suggestions. My initial questions would be why do you want to go to a big block engine with a manual transmission -- what do you use your Bronco for?
-Eric

'67 Galaxie 500 - 390 FE, .030" over, FE to AOD adapter, disc brake conversion. The Daily Driver.
'00 Excursion - 7.3L PSD, LANDYOT Gen-II Radius Rods, Factory Tech Valve Body, 200K+ miles and going
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