The Great Bronco Engine Transplant-Final Installment

This will be the final installment of "The Great Bronco Engine Transplant" saga. The goal of removing the old V6 engine and replacing it with a 302 V8 has been accomplished. The engine has been started and I have driven the Bronco approximatly 100 miles. There is still work to do. Some small items and cleanup of cable and hose runs still needs to be completed. I also need to tweak the cooling system, maybe a cooler thermostat. The biggest item to finish is the transmission kickdown rod. The old Ford one would not fit. Right now, if I need to shift down on a hill, I do it manually. And that is exciting! Why? Because I took the transmission completely apart to install the transfer case adapter and reassembled it. And when I was done, IT WORKED! There was always something intimidating about automatic transmissions. But this was easy! I also installed what is called a "Shift Kit". This modifies the transmission so that it shifts quicker, snappier and not as "mushy" as it did before. It was a success.

So now, this blog will go back to mainly sailing, hiking and biking. And maybe some new project to report about!

Evrything neatly painted, installed and tucked away. Notice the "old school" original air cleaner!