engine swap? don't disown me

[cobshane]

So I have a question for you all. I know I may get some hate mail responses for this but i am going to throw it out there any way. So my bronco has a 170ci six banger and the three tree. I have a (egdod) backwards for safty purposes, 1994 2500 pickup with a gas 5.9 liter and a nv4500 trans, see where this is going yet? Im thinking about ripping these drivetrains out and putting in the 5.9 with nv4500 trans in the bronco since i dont have the funds to get a rebuilt 302 and buying advanced adapters for the 302 setup. Just want to see how many of you are completely against this which I would understand or to see who may think this isnt such a bad idea. LOOKING FORWARD TO YOUR RESPONSE. I really want the nv4500 in this thing with spending a ton. I would keep the six in if I could adapt the trans to it, but no such finds. I have seen worse. cheby 350's in early broncos

[Entourage]

I have heard of about every engine being put into Classic Broncos. It seems like it would be a lot more work but if think if you can make it all fit, then run with it. I am glad you brought this up - it will be interesting to watch this thread on fitting, modifications, adapters, experience, etc.

[Colorado75bronc]

i don't believe the 6cylinder cummins will fit, its too long, but the 4bt should just fine, although its a fairly involved swap, there's a few writeups on classicbroncos.com

[cobshane]

Oh no im talking about the 5.9 or 360 cuinch gas engine v-8. This looks like it should transfer in pretty easily the engine is very compact with accessories tucked in tightly should have plenty of room. Only things needed looks like redoing the motor mounts which should be short work with a plasma cutter. Of course the transercase mount as well

[akaFrankCastle]

I'll play negative Nancy on this one.

What's your mileage currently at on the 5.9? If its a '94, I'm going to guess 100k+. Has it been rebuilt? If not, how much longer do you think you can run it without a rebuild?

What transfer are you planning to run behind this potential swap? Is your Dodge 4x4? Are you going to use that transfer? Are Dodges passenger side or driver's side drop for the front output shaft/drive shaft?

'94= fuel injected, correct? Now we're going to need to adapt that to the Bronco wiring harness.

I say do what you want to with this potential swap. However, if it all comes down to price point, you're going to be better off in the long run if you simply save the coin and do it right versus doing it inexpensive.

Always budget twice as much money and time as you think it will take. Better to come out with money left over than to be stuck in the middle of something and broke.

[Kinder]

If you can't afford to rebuild a V8 and you want to ditch your 6 then I'd look for a used 302/351 on CL, I've seen them for as little as 300-600 for a runner and then you won't have the hassle of the swap. I love seeing new motors and drivetrain swapped into Bronco's but I think you'll find it is a long road to get there. I'd do a search on CB.com about swaps and read everything and everyone's ideas and problems sets. Then do what you like!

[akaFrankCastle]

i don't believe the 6cylinder cummins will fit, its too long, but the 4bt should just fine, although its a fairly involved swap, there's a few writeups on classicbroncos.com

C'mon Cory. You know you can make ANYTHING fit with a little massaging.

[cobshane]

I do see your point, there is always different problems and obstacles to jump through to do such conversions. I have done alot of homework on this subject. The engine itself has been rebuilt with new heads. Drivers drop is a yes, I do not know if I want to use that t case but I am considering it. The fuel injection is one reason I want to do this. But of course the nv4500 is the main reason for all of this. I did I think this through as well, I have a in tank fuel pump sender that is a returnless pump setup from an late model ford that bolts to the top of the tank. Since the dodge uses returnless setup. I will just need to put a hole in the top of the tank and put some karserts inserts in and the sender will bolt right in. The wiring will probably be the easiest part. Just running power and ground to fuse box and computer. This all seems easy to talk about though, doing is another thing right. I just see the parts that are all needed to switch from a six to a 302 and its extensive. Change mounts different trans and tcase adapter, clutch and clutch linkage is different. Just thought it would be easier to use stuff I already have.

I guess the way im talking I have made up my mind, just wanted to see what other bronco owners thought of this. I thought everyone would be totally against this.

[BFD305]

I'm always for a little bit of difference and enguinuity! That said if cost savings is a leading factor in doing this, rethink it. I got a great deal on our full 5.0 EFI setup. I figured I would get the whole swap done for next to nothing.....I was way off. By the time you add in all the little things and everything else that comes up it is not cheap. Don't plan on saving money over a rebuild.

Just my 2 cents....

[cobshane]

I could get a good deal on a efi 302 or 351 but I would still need a v-8 trans and v-8 bell housing flywheel clutch, and linkage transfercase adapter. or if using my nv4500 still need the 1000 dollar adapters to make it all work I could trade the truck for a ford but then I lose the reason for the nv 4500. the zf is another option but its not rock solid as the nv4500

alright my mind is set! the dodge is getting torn up tonight. will post pics of progress.

I thank you all for the input. I swear I am addicted to this website as much as craigslist

[Colorado75bronc]

i don't believe the 6cylinder cummins will fit, its too long, but the 4bt should just fine, although its a fairly involved swap, there's a few writeups on classicbroncos.com

C'mon Cory. You know you can make ANYTHING fit with a little massaging.

lol! or alot, anything will fit when you own a hammer, sawzall, welder, and a torch!

[cobshane]

If you can't afford to rebuild a V8 and you want to ditch your 6 then I'd look for a used 302/351 on CL, I've seen them for as little as 300-600 for a runner and then you won't have the hassle of the swap. I love seeing new motors and drivetrain swapped into Bronco's but I think you'll find it is a long road to get there. I'd do a search on CB.com about swaps and read everything and everyone's ideas and problems sets. Then do what you like!

cb.com? it sent me to career builder.com

[Kinder]

Sorry about that, CB.com is short for www.classicbroncos.com.

[cobshane]

Sorry about that, CB.com is short for http://www.classicbroncos.com.

aahhh I should have known

[cobshane]

Didnt some guy on Loveland or up in that area have a Red Eb with a Cummins in it and sold it a couple of years ago. If I remember right it was a damn clean job. I'm a Mopar guy so I say do it. Although it would be kicken to put a 6.1 Hemi in it.

oh a hemi would cool or a cummins I love seeing the desiels smashed in the broncos

[Coby]

Didnt some guy on Loveland or up in that area have a Red Eb with a Cummins in it and sold it a couple of years ago. If I remember right it was a damn clean job. I'm a Mopar guy so I say do it. Although it would be kicken to put a 6.1 Hemi in it.

I love my 6.1 Hemi, but I'd sure love it more with a Kenne Bell on it. Going to see if I can swing that sometime next year or so. I'd like seeing it in a bronco...just not mine.

[cobshane]

alright the transformation is under way and the bronco doesnt get a bolt moved till I get it all figured out. will be taking photos of my progress

anyone need dodge 1500, 2500, 3500 pickup parts, all avalible other than drivetrain, not sure if im getting rid of the dana 60s

[akaFrankCastle]

I just quickly glanced at the pics of an engine sitting in a frame and thought "holy crap, he's already got it in!"

What's the story with the donor truck? Just something you had laying around? Parting it out after? I just spied a '93 5.9 Cummins on the COS craigslist the other day for 1700.

[cobshane]

laughing2

I just quickly glanced at the pics of an engine sitting in a frame and thought "holy crap, he's already got it in!"

What's the story with the donor truck? Just something you had laying around? Parting it out after? I just spied a '93 5.9 Cummins on the COS craigslist the other day for 1700.

i bought the truck from my boss for $500 cause he blew up the t case I found one on craigslist for 75 bucks. I already have a pickup. the single cab isnt family friendly. plus it sucks going up the hill with the 3.50 gears in it. Its already on craiglist for parting.

I wish it was in work and family kinda put bronco on back burner. with this website it gives me more motivation to get it done though

[cobshane]

holy crap its cold tonight what happened to the 40 degree nights..well i got the engine and trans assem out and bent the bleep out of my bronco bumper, actually i think it just shifted in bolt holes from moving the pickup around with the bronco ahh i was planning on moving the top apart out a little anywho. didnt touch the grill thank god. time to take the set up to the carwash

[Entourage]

This is one of the funnest threads to watch! Going to be so cool when it is done! Keep the pics coming!

[cobshane]

This is a blast, I have never torn a truck apart with no intention of puttinit back together. Im glad your enjoying this

[cobshane]

Oh man what a day. Meeting with the guys in Castle Rock to swap parts to tearing down the Bronco to put in the engine that I have been threatening. I have gotten quite a bit done, well at least got the engine mounted up. Still waiting on the new frame mounts and 2 inch body lift to help give some more clearane for the engine and trans.did get the body back on the frame and fits quite well. Really need the body lift for the trans it hits on the tunnel and I don't want to cut to much out. I will posts more pics tomorrow to show how it sits as of now. And need to reinforce the mounts a little more just to be safe.

[BFD305]

Wow. Coming along well. That is going to be a cool swap.

[cobshane]

Still cut Into the tunnel abit can't wait for the body lift just want to get running

[akaFrankCastle]

You know, I didn't realize Sunday when we talked that you are the guy doing the Dodge engine swap. That thing is going to be original FOR SURE. Uncut '66 with a Dodge 5.9 and NV4500. A conversation piece for sure.

Looks as if you have a very nice place to do your swap. Very convenient having that lift and all of that equipment.

[Entourage]

Looks like it fits perfectly. Keep the pictures coming!

[cobshane]

You know, I didn't realize Sunday when we talked that you are the guy doing the Dodge engine swap. That thing is going to be original FOR SURE. Uncut '66 with a Dodge 5.9 and NV4500. A conversation piece for sure.

Looks as if you have a very nice place to do your swap. Very convenient having that lift and all of that equipment.

This would be a bear to tackle in the garage, tearing the other truck apart is one thing but to do all the mods on the bronco would be near impossible. The lift makes it all happen. Without the shop it would take weeks to get this done.

[777mechanic]

the swap looks like it's going well hope theres no complications would like to see what the mileage is when your done. and if you ever find that dash email me

[cobshane]

the swap looks like it's going well hope theres no complications would like to see what the mileage is when your done. and if you ever find that dash email me

There's always complications

the mileage? ahhh its not about mileage, its the fun you have when driving it. it will probaly do better than the carbed straight six, as it was always floored with everyone still on my ass. It would have to be better than what the dodge got. That was a big truck for a small block and with the 3.50 gears, what a slug up the hill. yeah the dash, i do recall throwing it in the scrap metal bin a month or two ago because no one wanted it with a giant hole in it. I was going though my craigslist history and saw it and forgot i thrown it out. and reposted it with the pic. oh man i digged althrough everything trying to find it. It wasn't for a couple days later after you came over that I remembered throwing it away. i wish i had keeped it, never thought of customizing it. but I have been keeping my eye out for one . Have you contacted Bronco Hut, of course that comes at a price.