I'm looking for any info on what I can do to my 88 Bronco to get more power out of it for towing. I have a 302 EFI. I live in California so I have smog laws to deal with. How about a 351? cams? chips? Thanks
88 Bronco
Started by
Guest_Bic_David_*
, Feb 02 2004 05:49 PM
12 replies to this topic
#2
Guest_Sturgell_*
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Posted 02 February 2004 - 07:40 PM
Headers shouldnt affect your smog readings, get a high flow cat, 4.10 or 4.56 gears, get an HO motor (5.0 Mustang) they are roller and can handle a lot more abuse, B303 cam, K&n filter, if you are good with a die grinder or dremel get a set of D0OE heads off of a 70' model motor and port the hell out of them, electric fans free up a few horses that are already there, roller rockers, I am getting into some expensive stuff I guess. 
This stuff gets expensive.
James Sturgell
This stuff gets expensive.James Sturgell
#4
Guest_Bronco guest_*
Guest_Bronco guest_*
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Posted 09 February 2004 - 04:16 PM
My brother has a 1988 Bronco with the 302 engine as well.
I'm curious, what's the hp and torque rating of the 302 anyway?
Doing all those modifications cost a lot of money.
Your best bet would just be to sell the Bronco and find one with the 351 V-8.
That should solve your towing issues.
I'd imagine finding a 1988 or so Bronco in similiar condition as your current Bronco but with the 351 would only be a few hundred dollars more.
Then if you still need more power, add Flowmasters, intake to the 351 and you should be alright.
Another thing, if your riding on large (32" or bigger tires) get rid of them.
They raise your axle ratio and make the truck too slow.
Smaller diameter wheels/tires, though not looking as "cool" give you a better axle ratio, are less rotational mass, and therefore makes the truck/car perform better.
I'm curious, what's the hp and torque rating of the 302 anyway?
Doing all those modifications cost a lot of money.
Your best bet would just be to sell the Bronco and find one with the 351 V-8.
That should solve your towing issues.
I'd imagine finding a 1988 or so Bronco in similiar condition as your current Bronco but with the 351 would only be a few hundred dollars more.
Then if you still need more power, add Flowmasters, intake to the 351 and you should be alright.
Another thing, if your riding on large (32" or bigger tires) get rid of them.
They raise your axle ratio and make the truck too slow.
Smaller diameter wheels/tires, though not looking as "cool" give you a better axle ratio, are less rotational mass, and therefore makes the truck/car perform better.
#7
Guest_Bic_David_*
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Posted 15 February 2004 - 10:38 PM
Unregistered
My brother has a 1988 Bronco with the 302 engine as well.
I'm curious, what's the hp and torque rating of the 302 anyway?
Doing all those modifications cost a lot of money.
Your best bet would just be to sell the Bronco and find one with the 351 V-8.
That should solve your towing issues.
I'd imagine finding a 1988 or so Bronco in similiar condition as your current Bronco but with the 351 would only be a few hundred dollars more.
Then if you still need more power, add Flowmasters, intake to the 351 and you should be alright.
Another thing, if your riding on large (32" or bigger tires) get rid of them.
They raise your axle ratio and make the truck too slow.
Smaller diameter wheels/tires, though not looking as "cool" give you a better axle ratio, are less rotational mass, and therefore makes the truck/car perform better.
thanks for the help but none of them are options. I like my Bronco and it's in very good shape. Smaller tires looks stupid on Bronco's. I was just wondering what others have done with the 302's in those years. You can allways buy a truck with a bigger motorlol
My brother has a 1988 Bronco with the 302 engine as well.
I'm curious, what's the hp and torque rating of the 302 anyway?
Doing all those modifications cost a lot of money.
Your best bet would just be to sell the Bronco and find one with the 351 V-8.
That should solve your towing issues.
I'd imagine finding a 1988 or so Bronco in similiar condition as your current Bronco but with the 351 would only be a few hundred dollars more.
Then if you still need more power, add Flowmasters, intake to the 351 and you should be alright.
Another thing, if your riding on large (32" or bigger tires) get rid of them.
They raise your axle ratio and make the truck too slow.
Smaller diameter wheels/tires, though not looking as "cool" give you a better axle ratio, are less rotational mass, and therefore makes the truck/car perform better.
thanks for the help but none of them are options. I like my Bronco and it's in very good shape. Smaller tires looks stupid on Bronco's. I was just wondering what others have done with the 302's in those years. You can allways buy a truck with a bigger motorlol
#8
Txquadhunter
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F-Series Maniac
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Posted 16 February 2004 - 12:54 PM
most of the cheapiest ways to free up so extra HP has been said. elc. fans add quite a few at a cheap price. I'm sure exhaust can get tricky with CA smog laws. So when looking at aftermartet setups check to see if the 50 states street legal. a good set of headers and a bassani street legal Y-pipe with a free flowing system of your choice will wake the 302 quite a bit. also if your running larger then stock size tires lowering your gear ratio, since you have the OD tranny it won't hurt your gas mileage, it'll probably improve it by making it like stock gear ratio. by what i've read lately the motor swap to a 351W can be done. any motor that was a factory opt. in 88. but you'll have to use a 88 and newer 351w to meet these needs. as for the mustang 302 HO swap that was stated i wouldn't be for that. Yes it'll give you more HP, but you'll loose the low end TQ that your need to pull, plus the stang builds it's power in a higher RPM range where you need to build your power in the low RPM range. Look for parts that build it's power from stop to say 3500RPM ranges. To tell the truth with your 88 Speed den. EFI system cams and such inside the motor wont build as much power for the $$ spent on it unless you add MAF system to help all mods work together. If i was you, i'd either add the exhaust system, lower gear ratio or if i had the $$. i'd hit a wrecking yard to find a late 90's model truck or bronco to rob the MAF EFI system from and build from there since it'll allow you more ease way on adding cams and such.
#9
Guest_Gunner_*
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Posted 19 February 2004 - 10:04 AM
i dont blame you i like my 302 as well. so what if it is a small block that 302 ford motor has got to be one of the easiest motors to work on in the world. but if your like me and are running those 35 inch tires then yes definetly go with the lower gear ratio. granted the high end speed wont be their but if you bought a bronco for going fast on the highway then you need to rethink your plans. i bought mine to hit some trails and on the side it will be in some shows when i am done. see i just bought my 82 so when it warms up i am tearing it down and rebuilding. but i am leaving the 35 inch tires (new) and lowering the ratio to 4:10 gears. i wont be going 90 miles an hour but i will be climbing a 60 degree angle in the dirt. i will tow the little street racers up through the trails. no offense to the little street racer because i also own one of them. just got tired of it and i am going to the dirt side now. GOD I CANT WAIT FOR IT TO WARM UP I WANNA GET STARTED ALREADY.
#10
Guest_Jes4Kix_*
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Posted 19 February 2004 - 02:13 PM
Take a look at the Jet performance chip, K&N intake kit and filter charger along with a Power Aid Spacer, good performance to cost ratio. I'm not sure about the complete K&N kit in CA but even upgrading to a K&N filter would let your 302 breath easier than stock.
Gunner; you might want to go lower than 4:10 if you are going to run 35's. I'm running 33's with 4:10 it's a nice compromise between low and high end. Here is a link to a good reference.
http://www.4wheelpar..._Gear_Ratio.asp
Jes4Kix
Gunner; you might want to go lower than 4:10 if you are going to run 35's. I'm running 33's with 4:10 it's a nice compromise between low and high end. Here is a link to a good reference.
http://www.4wheelpar..._Gear_Ratio.asp
Jes4Kix
#11
Guest_CURSED BRONCO_*
Guest_CURSED BRONCO_*
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Posted 19 February 2004 - 06:20 PM
Crane Cams makes an awesome cam designed to give u more torque and you can add headers and exhuast which will only make it better and it should all be smog legit.
i believe u can also change your throttle body in exchange with a bbk throttle body and that will increase your airflow
i believe u can also change your throttle body in exchange with a bbk throttle body and that will increase your airflow
#13
Guest_Bic_David_*
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Posted 22 February 2004 - 05:36 PM
thanks for the tips I'll look into all of them. I agree I sure did'nt buy my Bronco for the hwy speed. I just need a little umpf up the hills when my boat is stuck to the back. It's a drag with these California laws. I know it would be easy to go buy something else but what challenge is that. Besides it gives my son and me something to mess with.
Pleas keep adding any help or idea's you might have, all is welcome!!
Pleas keep adding any help or idea's you might have, all is welcome!!
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