Gary Lewis

Hugger Orange! That takes me back to a very good era. Janey and I got married the year that came out. And I graduated college and started my career. Anyway, should be easy to see your Bronco. And I assume the top will be black, which is a nice contrast to the orange.

Looking great, Pete! I've forgotten - what is that color? And what are the plans for the engine?

I'll be anxious to read some towing comparisons with the 3.5L EB. I realize that mine is the older 3.5L and has the 6 speed tranny, but I doubt that the tranny will make a lot of difference towing. And, I'm curious to see how the two engines will compare under load.

My goodness! Big Blackie went for half what they are asking? No way!?!?!? It is a nice truck, but not that nice.

A headerliner was standard on an XL, much less an XLT. Maybe that one got gross like Big Blue's and it was taken out?

On my 302 it was, yes. That picture above was a 289 in a Mustang forum IIRC. I'll take some pictures when I get my engine back (hopefully next week) and compare to my VIN. I did a little reading on the topic last night, but didn't find much info. It appears that Ford was really inconsistent with these VIN stamps. Sometimes they are there, and sometimes they're not, with no real reason why. I'll watch for that on Big Blue's engine when it comes out. And I'll look on Huck's to see if there are any numbers there. Good to know, thanks.

I haven't left one off, but I did put one on w/an extra gasket. Turns out the gasket on the old one stuck to the adapter, and the gasket on the new one didn't line up perfectly. With a little lube on the new one it slipped off the side and there was a sizable leak - of new oil. Anyway, you've been and will be busy. FORDing. Lotsa fun!

Here is a picture of where it is on a 302. This isn't mine...my engine is still at the shop, but mine is in the same location as in the picture below. Just behind where the intake sits on the left hand side. Maybe they only did it on some engines/vehicle/combos, but if you search for info, you'll find that others have found partial VIN's stamped here. I believe you. I just haven't seen it. I've pulled two 351W's out of two different 1982's and one 351W out of an '85. And two 351M's out of two different 1981's. The 351M's had casting #'s, but not VIN's.

Don't just replace the gaskets. Lay them on and make sure they cover the holes.

The plate under the carb can easily have a vacuum leak, and that's the first place I'd check. Make sure that you have the right gaskets as that intake should be set up for EGR and not all gaskets cover the holes correctly.

Maybe it's not actually an '84? I know nothing about the XLS trucks other than what I've read on here so I certainly can't spot the little differences. Figured I'd post it since they don't seem to pop up to often, and I do find them interesting. And I know the numbers matching was more of a GM or Mopar thing, but my '84 F150 has the last 8 or 9 digits of the VIN stamped in the back/top of the 302 block. I've come across other people confirming this, but most people do say no. Maybe it was only done on certain engines by certain people on certain shifts on the line?...Who knows. I found my by accident while cleaning the block, but it was there. I haven't seen VIN's, even partials, on the engines of the trucks I've pulled apart. But there is a partial VIN on the frame roughly under the passenger.

Amen!

It is super clean. But, I also agree it is over-priced.

Then check for the accelerator pump working. Pull the air cleaner, look down the throat of the carb, and work the throttle. You should see two streams of gas shoot in. If not, the engine isn’t going to want to run when cold.

Sorry for the late reply. When you try to start the truck are you depressing the pedal once before you turn the key? That’s a requirement with a carb or the choke can’t set properly. Once started then the fast idle linkage comes into play to keep it running. There’s an adjustment for that on the back of the carb, passenger’s side.

Correct.

I believe you are correct. The bottom terminal, which is big, is from the starter-mounted solenoid to the starter motor. The top big one must be the power coming in. And that leaves the little one for the trigger wire.

How 'bout making it to Anderson, MO on June 9th? I'm going to make every effort to be there to see how the "big boys" run a show and to pass out fliers for ours.

Yes, I like it as well. Very clean.

I followed that build. Wow! Such a lot of work. Well done!

How much are you bringing in Sept? LOL! Either would be good. Slingblade looks to be a truck as well, but unless those pipes have mufflers in them you'll be deaf before you get to OK.

Brandon - Can you give us a link to the page? I haven't found it.

Looks right to me. They say "Front" on the part towards the front of the engine. Right?

I like the one-piece gasket, and that's what's going on Big Blue as well. And the pan looks great! On the water pump, can you see a gasket in there? You shouldn't have to take one apart, but if there's no gasket then you need to put one in.

Welcome! I have an F150 and an F250, and would love to have a Bronco. But, I don't have a problem. Just everyone else. Anyway, glad you found us. That looks like quite the Bronco. Lots of neat stuff on it. How 'bout some pics?