Muscle and performance have been two major standout features that have defined Ford and its vehicles for over a century. But only a few names stand head and shoulders above the rest, and one of these names is the Ford Bronco. The idea of the Bronco was developed by Ford product manager Donald N. Frey in the early 1960s, with Lee Iacocca approving the final model in 1964. It was developed as an off-road vehicle to compete with the Jeep CJ-5, International Harvester Scout, and Toyota Land Cruiser. The classic Ford Bronco came in at a base price of $2,194, which would be around $21,000 in 2024. The classic Bronco is great, but that old engine not su much. How to do a Ford Bronco Coyote Swap?
The first generation of the Bronco was developed upon a chassis designed specifically for it. Since Ford was creating a new design with the Bronco in mind, everything was supposedly done from scratch. The chassis was built on a 92-inch wheelbase between the CJ-5 and Scout, only an inch shorter than the later CJ-7. The Bronco used the box-section body-on construction, which provided the vehicle with rigidity in its overall build. The rear axle contained a Ford 9-inch containing leaf springs, and the Bronco used radius arms to locate the coil-sprung front axle, along with a lateral track bar, allowing for a 34-foot turning circle, long wheel travel, and a heavier-duty suspension system to give it better control. The 105-horsepower engine was modified using a valve lifter. The following year, a 200-horsepower 289-cubic-inch V8 was introduced as an option, and that is the engine we'll be talking about replacing in a bit in today's review. To lower the Bronco's cost, it was offered solely with a three-speed, column-shifted manual transmission and floor-mounted transfer case shifter. Later on, a floor-mounted transmission would prove to be a popular modification.
You might be wondering, can a Coyote V8 fit in a classic Bronco? The answer’s yes! Although the V8 engine has been worthy of praise in the original Bronco, its owners are still finding ways to restore their vehicles and get the most out of them. One of the ways they've been doing so is by using the Coyote engine. This engine swap not only preserves the classic appearance of the Bronco but also allows owners to enjoy greater horsepower. Coyote engines are readily available, and when you combine them with the body of a Bronco, they can deliver a classic vehicle that's fun to drive and dependable. Every Ford engine installed in a Bronco was an overhead-valve engine. These are usually smaller than overhead cam engines. Then again, even for overhead cam engines, the Coyote is intimidatingly large! But why should one opt for a Coyote engine? Is it something that deserves time and money as far as the Bronco is concerned? Absolutely! The Coyote is one of the most incredible feats of engineering. It is renowned for its great versatility and high performance, which is second to none. The engine debuted in 2011 for the Ford Mustang, and it continues to be a powerhouse even after over a decade! To quickly run your eyes over the supreme specs of the Coyote, we can see that it offers greater valve control, resulting in better engine performance and efficiency; this technology also allows the engine to adjust how it opens and closes the intake and exhaust valves. This optimizes the output, fuel economy, and emissions of the vehicle.
Swapping the original V8 engine of the Bronco with a Coyote can set you back as high as $10,575 for a brand new Gen3 crate engine from Ford Performance. You also have to consider labor costs if you're not doing the work yourself associated with installation, which could be anywhere from $3,000 to $6,000. Of course, you can save money if you decide to do it yourself, which could be a fantastic project for the right person.
For a Coyote swap, you'll need Coyote motor mounts, designed explicitly for the Bronco engine perches, front-drive accessory kits, exhaust systems, fuel systems, engine control modules, and wiring harnesses. Custom driveshafts may be needed due to different driveshaft lengths. Also, different transmission cross members are often required, as well as shifter solutions and an upgraded radiator. These critical components must be perfectly matched to the Coyote engine to optimize its installation in the classic Bronco. Its decent stock output allows Coyote 5.0 to offer substantial potential for upgrading. If the right modifications are installed, you can even take the horsepower higher than 750. No wonder car enthusiasts love the Coyote V8 so much! To prepare your Bronco for the switch, you’ll need to carry out some engine bay modifications such as core support, firewall, and inner fender modifications. You must remember to swap the motor mounts and transmission cross members. You'll also need to upgrade your vehicle's suspension, brakes, cooling system, and drive train. We certainly didn't say it was a straightforward procedure, but the results will be worth it.
To dish out our final thoughts on the Bronco, this vehicle is nothing short of spectacular. Even before we carry out the Coyote swap with its original engine, it has much to offer. It brings about a different dimension to the Bronco, making it all the fun to drive around and experiment with. If you want to purchase a classic Ford Bronco that already has a Coyote V8, look at our deals at Exotic Car Trader!
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