What motor is in the old Ford Bronco?
The old Ford Bronco, particularly the first-generation model (made from 1966 to 1977), did not have a single fixed engine. Buyers could choose from several powertrains, including inline-six options and multiple V8s.
Across its original run, the Bronco offered a range of engines to suit different priorities—economy, torque for off-roading, or raw horsepower. This article outlines the main engine families that powered early Broncos and how availability varied by year and trim.
Engine options in the first-generation Bronco
The following lists highlight the core powertrain options that Ford offered for the early Bronco. The exact engine installed depended on the year, market, and option package, so confirm the specific motor for any given vehicle.
Inline-six engines
Inline-six engines were common in the Bronco's earlier years, favored for their simplicity and reliability.
- 170 cubic inch inline-six (2.8 L)
- 200 cubic inch inline-six (3.3 L)
Inline-sixes provided solid torque for light off-road use and offered better fuel economy compared with the larger V8s.
V8 engines
For more power, Ford offered several V8 options across the Bronco’s lifespan, with availability increasing in later years and higher trims.
- 289 cubic inch V8 (4.7 L)
- 302 cubic inch V8 (4.9 L)
- 351 Windsor V8 (5.8 L) — available in some later-year Bronco models
These V8s delivered greater torque and acceleration, especially valuable for owners with larger tires, heavy loads, or more demanding off-road use.
Notes for buyers and restorers
Engine availability changed over the Bronco’s production run, and regional options could differ. If you’re restoring or purchasing a vintage Bronco, verify the exact engine specified on the VIN, door tag, or build sheet to ensure accuracy, compatibility of parts, and historical value.
Summary
The first-generation Ford Bronco offered a flexible engine lineup, ranging from 170 and 200 cubic inch inline-sixes to 289, 302, and later 351 Windsor V8s. The specific motor varied by year and option package, so confirming the original powertrain is important for restoration, maintenance, and valuation.
What engine came in a 1987 Ford Bronco?
The 300 six and 351W 5.8L V8 engines were paired with electronic fuel injection in the 1987-88 model years. A 5-speed manual transmission was introduced in 1988 and an all-new Borg Warner 1345 transfer case with optional Touch Drive electric shift replaced the New Process 208 case.
What engine did the old Bronco have?
First generation (1966)
| First generation | |
|---|---|
| Engine | 170 cu in (2.8 L) Straight-6 200 cu in (3.3 L) Straight-6 289 cu in (4.7 L) small block V8 302 cu in (4.9 L) small block V8 |
| Transmission | 3-speed manual 3-speed automatic |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 92 in (2,337 mm) |
How much horsepower does a 1970 Ford Bronco 302 have?
Displacement: 302 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 4.00 x 3.00 inches. Compression ratio: 8.7:1. Horsepower: 205 @ 4600 RPM.
What engines were available in the 1989 Ford Bronco?
The 1989 Ford Bronco offered three engine options: a 4.9L inline-six, a 5.0L V8 (302), and a 5.8L V8 (351W). All engines were fuel-injected during this model year, which marked a significant upgrade in reliability and performance over previous versions.
You can watch this video to learn more about the 1989 Ford Bronco's engine and features: 57sTedwardYouTube · Nov 16, 2023
- 4.9L Inline-Six (VIN code: Y): This was the base engine, producing about 147 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque.
- 5.0L V8 (302) (VIN code: N): A popular V8 option with 185 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque.
- 5.8L V8 (351W) (VIN code: H): The largest and most powerful option, generating 210 horsepower and 315 lb-ft of torque, and was often the most desirable engine for towing and hauling.
