4 cylinder 4 door? Really?

[Krak-A-Pat]

I've seen a lot of reviews that the 2.0 4 cyl. is unreliable in the ford explorer. I'm curious if reliability will be an issue with the 2.3 4 cyl. in a four door bronco. I have the 4cyl as a selection on my 4 door badlands build but I'm worried that I may start having issues around 50k miles or so. Not worried about power at all just reliability....

Advertisement

 

[Danger Dan]

Are we still talking about this??? Full disclosure, I haven't read all 13 pages yet... but people are talking out of ignorance here! These are NOT 110hp honda 4 banger engines from the 80s! I have a Focus ST with a 2.0 engine, tuned to about 300hp. I keep up (until about 70mph) with my co-workers Camaro SS. I did the tune right out the gate when I bought it "used" with 900 miles on it. I now have 90,000 and if anything, it's running better than it did with 1,000 miles. You're precious non-v8 Bronco will do FINE with the 2.3l. Do some research, drive some turbos, and quit bitching.

So much this. Reading all the "but V8 :'( " dudes online is endlessly annoying. They're the same people who cry "back in my day" but have no idea what's actually happening today.

 

[PhoenixM3]

So much this. Reading all the "but V8 :'( " dudes online is endlessly annoying. They're the same people who cry "back in my day" but have no idea what's actually happening today.

Don’t knock V-8s. The simpler versions, are very reliable, not over-stressed with turbos or other power adders and do very well in most platforms despite their inefficencies. Plus most V-8 have a great bellowing exhaust note, unlike the high-strung anemic blender song of most 4 cylinders and especially the V-6s.

 

[jaekim]

If the Bronco was rated to tow more I would upgrade. From what I've read the I4 is plenty of engine.

 

[PhoenixM3]

I’m about to restore a ‘66 Stingray. Newer V-8s are technological masterpieces compared to the carbureted relics of the 60’s.

 

[PhoenixM3]

You need to drive something modern with a soul. The GT350 is an amazing car.

 

[PSUTE]

I’m about to restore a ‘66 Stingray. Newer V-8s are technological masterpieces compared to the carbureted relics of the 60’s.

Good luck restoring a 2016 Stingray in 2066. It'll take more than a feeler gauge and a screwdriver...

 

[usarms]

I keep reading about horsepower. My first Mustang GT in 1991 had 225 hp and I used to race Vettes with it. My Jag XKE had 265 hp. My son's new Subaru WRX has 268 hp and is a rocket. My Ford Transit cargo van weighs about 3300 lbs and has 136 hp and I have had over 1500 pounds in it with no problems. The idea that 270 hp and 310 lbs of torque is not enough is a joke. It's more than enough.

 

[DrewBronc21]

I think some people would prefer the 5.8 v8 from the 90s Broncos over the 2.3Eb just because it’s a V8 even though it made a lot less power

 

[usarms]

Correct. My 1996 Bronco weighed 4500 pounds. It towed 4000 pounds. All of this was pulled around with a 199 Hp 5.0 V8 with 270 lbs of torque. 270 Hp with 310 lbs of torque beats the crap out that and it was just fine with less hp and torque. My 2005 Wrangler weighed in at about 3500 pounds and had 190 hp and 235 lbs of torque and was more than adequate.

 

[dabush1980]

Reliability is on my mind as well. I plan on getting an extended powertrain warranty if available or aftermarket warranty for peace of mind. As for power I think the 2.3T will be more than the average joe needs. This video shows factory at wheel dyno with a ranger in Florida see level. Pretty impressive if all you have to do is find some 93 octane.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

I am fine with the 2.3... but if there was an option for a small V8 with the same hp I would go for it.