Looking for feedback on engine choice.

[OspreyFE55]

I am now looking at coming off the fence and purchasing a Sasquatch Badlands. But looking for feedback on motor choice. So I currently drive a Gladiator Rubicon on 35s but was looking to more to 37s. I currently drive 90 miles a day for work in mixed highway/city driving. I really want the Bronco as I know it has a better ride and the Sasquatch fits all my needs for wheeling in the Florida Panhandle. I'm just wondering if the 2.7L would be better suited for my driving conditions. I also pull a jetski during the summer about 60 miles round trip. Anyone got any feedback or advice?

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[Rick Astley]

Tons of feedback and advice...... Already exists on B6g.

Do some searching, read and hear others inputs.

 

[vzqhsg]

I am now looking at coming off the fence and purchasing a Sasquatch Badlands. But looking for feedback on motor choice. I mean really its only about $30 difference a month. So I currently drive a Gladiator Rubicon on 35s but was looking to more to 37s. I currently drive 90 miles a day for work in mixed highway/city driving. I really want the Bronco as I know it has a better ride and the Sasquatch fits all my needs for wheeling in the Florida Panhandle. I'm just wondering if the 2.7L would be better suited for my driving conditions. I also pull a jetski during the summer about 60 miles round trip. Anyone got any feedback or advice?

Problem No. 1....Your calculations are based on a monthly amount

 

[RagnarKon]

I agree with @Rick Astley ... lots of good posts on the subject.

My personal opinion is it comes down to the end-goal of the vehicle.

• If you are going to be doing a lot of camping/overlanding, then I'd do the 2.3L. It gets (slightly) better MPG, which is important overlanding. But perhaps more important: it is lighter weight and therefore gives you more cargo capacity for gear and aftermarket upgrades on your Bronco. This is especially important on Badlands, as it is the heaviest trim from the factory and has a relatively small cargo capacity due to that fact.
• If you are looking to tear around the beach, or you will be doing alot of dune running/rock crawling with 39/40" tires... then I'd look at the 2.7L for better performance and the addition of one-pedal drive.

That's pretty much it. One thing that has popped up is the alternator is mounted slightly lower to the ground on the 2.7L than it is on the 2.3L. So if you are going to spend a lot of time in mud and swams it may be better to go with the 2.3L engine (I'm guessing this is another reason why Ford picked the 2.3L for Everglades, but just speculation on my part).

Also... by $30/month I'm hoping you mean the difference in fuel economy?? If you are talking about the differences in monthly payment, then you may want to go back and reconsider what you can and cannot afford.

 

[Evans67bro]

Lots of threads on comparing the two motors. I will give you my personal experience with both

2.7 pros: faster more fun to drive. If you are going to put bigger tires it helps to have the extra ass.if you drive it like grandma its not too bad on gas.if you do get on it sounds way better than the 2.3.
2.7 cons: when driving it fast fuel mileage goes to crap. Only available with the auto trans. Moee money on the build sheet. Crappy oil pan drain plug. Early models had some issues.

2.3 pros: adequate power. Can get it with the manual. Cheaper up front cost. With stock non sas tires gets good mpg. Proven trouble free motor.
2.3 cons: power is only adequate. Looses the fun factor after putting bigger tires on it. Sounds like an over grown sewing machine when you get on it.

I have both motors and the truth is you cant go wrong with either motor.

 

[Lifeliberty]

Do you want manual? Then 2.3

If not, 2.7

 

[OspreyFE55]

Problem No. 1....Your calculations are based on a monthly amount

My comment on the $30 more a month was based on the build sheet on Ford.com As monthly payments are concerned the Bronco will be cheaper then my jeep at the moment. I'm not concerned about the payment. I was more just speaking is it worth the difference in price.

 

[Corsair]

If money isn’t an issue, then get the 2.7.

 

[jjack50]

2.3 is what they use at Bronco Off-Rodeo in New Hampshire goes everywhere fine. My 2.3 BD has the manual so there’s that. Go with the 2.3 and you get 275hp on regular, 300hp on 93octane, and 330hp with the Ford Performance tune.

 

[Squatch]

There is no choice; the manual transmission only comes with the 2.3L

 

[Lil Red Broncette]

In general I always opt for the bigger engine. I rather more power and I rather less reliance on turbo. I'll accept a larger non-turbo engine even if less power than a smaller turbo. That said, both engine choices are turbo and because I wanted a manual trans on my Black Diamond that meant the 2.3L. My base I got an auto trans, and I considered the V6 2.7L, but the 2.7L had some early teething problems while the 2.3L has a better reputation and getting 2.3L in both means both my vehicles would be similar for purposes of working on them.

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