SuperMotors.net Forums
bob Greenman
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• Los Angeles, CA, USA |
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• Registered on 7/7/2003 |
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• 2 posts |
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 Posted:7/7/2003 00:51 |
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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. |
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John Barrett
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• West Palm Beach, FL, USA |
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• Registered on 1/31/2003 |
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• 106 posts |
• 1 Vehicle
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Posted:8/17/2003 21:09 |
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| 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. |
Gutles 351W,  .
Ok, A stock 351W in that big heavy truck I understand.
This is what I was going to do to, take it to a Big Block but thought better of it, got the old 351W apart to check it out, Mic'ed the Cylinder Bores, Crank Bearings & Alignment, Cam Bearings & Alignment, once that was done and found to in great shape.
I went to looking for a piston that was going to be 0.030" overbore, this started me to looking into some of the strokers kits out there, Did not like some of them (Came with good pistons & Crank or Good Rods and Crank) but not many that was what I call a complete setup and the one that did suite me - well they cost some $$$$.
Now on the other hand, I could just purchase what I wanted (Stroker Kit) and get this done for a good price too, $1300.00 - $1500.00 for the Kit and the Machine Work will cost too on that, figure about another $1000.00 or so.
The 351W can be taken out to 408cid and bad to the bone, Monster Turq & HP and still be a daily driver (in the Big Block area easy).
Now on the other hand, I could go with a Stock 460 ($$$, most of the time it will be about $650.00) - (If its any good, Roll the dice), then purchase from a (junk yard or new) the towers ($$$, if your lucky $50.00 junk yard, if not $200-$300 new) that will be need to install it, then there will be the driveshaft ($$$, $150-$500 Custom Shaft) to deal with and the crossmember ($$$, $50.00 or more) so the bigger Transmission can fit right on it, Then you got to get the right Radiator and Shrod ($$$, $250.00-$600.00) and do not forget the odds and ends (Bolts ...etc.) ($$$, $150.00) and we can not for get the Ext. pipes ($$$, $250-$600).
It all sounds so simple until you have done it, then you really start to think twice (What did I wind up with) a used motor (That may last or not?), A used Transmission (That may last or not?) and other things that come up too.
The exception to this is if you have all the parts right there in hand right now and cost nothing, Just install it $150.00 for Odds & Ends (THIS WILL NOT HAPPEN IN YOUR LIFE TIME).
I will give you the best advice I can, being I have done what you are getting ready to do.
YOU SHOULD REBUILD the 351W, STROKE IT, that way you will know that you have 150,000- 250,000 or more miles to put on it, the best money spent, Have less problems reinstalling it and will not have to change anything, You will also get the HP & Turq. out of your motor that was missing before.
I hope this helps you make up your mind in what to do.
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DovePower
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• Amelia Island, FL, USA |
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• Registered on 8/2/2002 |
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• 7 posts |
• 1 Vehicle
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Posted:9/11/2003 12:26 |
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I agree with John on rebuilding what you already have. Though, I don't feel that you have to stroke it to get the power that you would be happy with. You said it was your daily driver so i'm assuming that you don't race it or do any hard-core 4x4 ing. If this is true, then a basic performance rebuild will give you very noticeable power gains. Now, if you have plenty of money to play with and aren't on a budjet, then stroke it. John is also right about the 460 conversion. It's a big headache and is very time consuming. No matter how well you plan it you will run into many unforseen problems and expenses. I swapped a 460 into my '79 Bronco and it is considered an easy swap. Also w/ a 460 you will grenade many parts in your drivetrain many times. |
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