What motor was in the 1983 Ford Bronco?
In brief, the 1983 Ford Bronco offered several engine choices, with a 4.9-liter inline-six as the common base engine and two V8 options—the 5.0-liter (302) and the 5.8-liter (351 Windsor)—available depending on trim and market.
The Bronco’s powertrain options reflected Ford's strategy in the early 1980s to balance rugged off-road capability with everyday usability. Below is a look at the engines typically offered for the 1983 model year in the United States, noting that availability could vary by trim and region.
Engine options for the 1983 Ford Bronco
The following engines were the main choices for buyers, spanning a basic six-cylinder to larger V8s for extra torque and towing power.
- 4.9 L inline-six (I6) — also known as the 300 cubic-inch I6; a durable, torquey engine commonly used as the Bronco's base powerplant.
- 5.0 L V8 (302 cubic inches) — Ford's small-block V8 offering more punch for acceleration and towing than the inline-six.
- 5.8 L V8 (351 Windsor) — a larger V8 option delivering higher horsepower and torque for heavy-duty use.
Availability of these engines varied by trim level and region; some combinations were more common on certain packages or markets than others.
Performance implications and buyer considerations
The inline-six emphasized reliability, easier maintenance, and better fuel economy for daily driving and light towing, while the V8 options provided stronger off-road performance and greater payload capability when equipped with proper gearing and transmissions. Buyers could tailor their Bronco to be a capable daily driver or a robust off-road machine.
In short, the 1983 Ford Bronco offered three primary powertrains in the U.S. market: the 4.9 L inline-six, the 5.0 L V8, and the 5.8 L V8, with availability depending on configuration.
Summary
For the 1983 Ford Bronco, the standard powerplant was typically the 4.9 L inline-six, with the 5.0 L (302) V8 and the 5.8 L (351W) V8 as options, giving buyers a spectrum of performance and capability based on their needs.
