I got a hold of an 85 bronco engine with 50,000 miles on it, and 160 compression. I figure spending about 1,000 to 1,500 on it i should have some decent power...what do you guys think? Would this be worth it, or could i get more power out of a new crate engine? Also i have tbi right now. What would it take to switch the carbed engine over to TBI? Or should i just switch to TPI?

 

Bronco?!??!!? I hope you meant Blazer.

 

oh ****....ya...thanks for the correction...blazer of course.

 

Anyone got any advice???

 

Exhaust, intake, heads, cam, in about that order. You're probably looking at more than what you've stated to get it running well. But, it would probably be less than a crate engine, and you'd have to do at least exhaust on it anyway.

Truck engines had dished pistons, so use small chamber heads like 64cc. Unless you go ahead and change the pistons to flat-tops while you're at it, then slightly larger chambers could be tolerated. Screw-in studs are more durable, match your springs to the cam you select.

 

Just for the record i was talking justt engine...i didnt expect 1,000 to include exhaust or anything else...so does that sound better? How about performance. Will i be able to get good performance from this engine?

 

I just did this same type thing... I got a 87 350 from a friend that needed to be rebuilt then I took it up to a engine builder (not a performance machine shop just a place that builds factory rebuilt engines for places) and had them build it form me with a set of forger TRW flat top pistons that I had already (the shortblock only) and it only cost me $500 total. I then went back up there and bought a set of reconditioned stock 76cc 350 heads (casting number 882) for $125. I got a Summit cam $79.95 cam and lifters and a set of Edelbrock Performer springs for around $35. The intake, carb and roller rockers I already had and there it was the new 350 for around $800 and it runs high 13's in an 82 Z28 all day long. So to answer your question yes it can be done and yes it can still run good.