Looking for motor opinions

[Canadianbacon]

Hey Everyone, been a long time. Getting back to putting some bucks into the Bronco.

The 302 is getting pretty tired, so i did a compression check today.. uh oh:

120-120-105-100
85-100-125-125

That was warmed up. Not good.

So, looking for opinions. I do not have the time to rebuild it myself. I have $2500 i can throw into it now, or wait until winter and up the budget to $3500.

What would you do?

 

[MPG_Bronco]

if it's carb'd, I'd go EFI... if it's EFI I'd just rebuild stock and be happy with a fresh motor. that's all i would do.

I would check for a collapsed lifter, sometimes it's simple.

 

[bronconut73]

Find a Windsor in a 90's F-150, 250 or E-150, 250.

 

[Canadianbacon]

Its carbed, which i kind of like as i've never owned a carbed vehicle before. I like having to pump it to get it start lol. A little more character that way.

Lets say i find a 95 van with a 5.8 for cheap, how hard is the swap?

 

[ScanmanSteven]

Pretty easy, pull one out put new one in. If you have power brake booster you might have to clearance it but every thing else should fit.

 

[Bronco Billy 75]

I put a 351 windsor crate motor in my 75 and love it. Runs great, plenty of power. One of the best things I have done to my bronco.

 

[Ethansdad73]

Not to kill the 351w swap but if your on a budget do your reasearch on the additional part that cant be swaped over. Im going to do a 351w in mine if i can manage to find one and have money at the same time.....

 

[Canadianbacon]

Not to kill the 351w swap but if your on a budget do your reasearch on the additional part that cant be swaped over. Im going to do a 351w in mine if i can manage to find one and have money at the same time.....

Could you elaborate on the part that can't be swapped?

 

[Wyo4x4er]

oil pan, distributor, intake manifold are all different fron the 302. As is the balancer from a newer efi 302 versus the old 302 and all 351w.

 

[Mattco]

I will ask in here since someone mentioned it. What are the opinions of the 95 302 out of an f150? I can buy one with an auto tranny for auto tranny pretty cheap but it has a broken fuel rail. Are these good motors and trannies?

 

[blubuckaroo]

You could find a good machine shop and have your motor rebuilt. If you are handy, you could have the heads done and block machined, then do the assembly yourself. Either way, if you rebuild, you know your accessories will fit without adapting, hacking, or part searches.
An added bonus... you can still enjoy your carburetor.

 

[Rob1962]

I'd go for one of these, though a tad outside your budget!

http://www.racingjunk.com/Engines-Components/2354425/Ford-Racing-Boss-363-Crate-Engine-302-351W.html

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/hpe-hp11c/overview/make/ford

http://www.phoenixengine.com/Ford-04.html

The last link has some pretty good turn key prices.