Manual transmission on 2.7L???

Jimbowne

Anybody know why the larger engine can’t be mated to the manual transmission? Is the transmission just not rated for the torque or is it an interface issue? Are there plans to make this an option? Thanks!

There was a rumor going around that it was because of the torque value. I haven't seen anything from Ford confirming this though.

Both engines can be further tuned. The 2.7 can get pretty far out of the transmissions rated limits. Especially once you start putting bigger tires on. I wish ford had a beefier manual transmission available for 2021. They may in the future, if demand is high enough. There is a petition floating around to allow manual transmission fans pair their bronco with the Sasquatch package. Those 35" are also exclusive to the automatic, for now. I have my fingers crossed that we will be able to combine those on our order sheets this holiday season

I am sure Ford has done extensive testing of the 2.7 mated to a manual transmission. And there is a valid mechanical reason why it isn't being offered. I don't think they would want a bunch of brand new Broncos with catastrophic transmission failure right out of the gate. It may just take some more R&D before they can confidently offer it to the public. Why hold up the whole thing for one option. Which in all honesty would be for a small niche customer base.

Garemlin

I am sure Ford has done extensive testing of the 2.7 mated to a manual transmission. And there is a valid mechanical reason why it isn't being offered. I don't think they would want a bunch of brand new Broncos with catastrophic transmission failure right out of the gate.

I think thats right. Plus I think its an engine management thing. I was real disappointed I couldn't get a manual when I bought my pickup a few years ago, but the auto helped the motor work better and more efficiently.

All that being said, I would sure like to see a manual with the 'Squatch. Ford is getting beat up on it too. Maybe it will change at some point. I have about decided on the badlands with 33's anyway. back when I ran my CJ I had 32's on it and they were plenty. Just really want that crawler gear....

For what its worth, only 3% of vehicles sold in the US are manuals, so building a vehicle for that segment really doesn't make economic sense (especially if it entails creating a one-off transmission you don't offer in any other vehicle you produce). According to some Wrangler boards, only 15% of Jeeps are manual...again...doesn't make overwhelming sense to work too hard at having a manual option if you're the manufacturer.

Just curious, I've heard of crate engines people buy for swaps... Is there a similar opportunity for manual transmissions? Not sure what would be the best way to go about doing it. Like, buying a 2.7 and having to buy pedals and other shifting stuff in addition to a manual transmission, or buying a manual 2.3 and swapping it the engine and possibly the transmission.

GaryB2220

Just curious, I've heard of crate engines people buy for swaps... Is there a similar opportunity for manual transmissions? Not sure what would be the best way to go about doing it. Like, buying a 2.7 and having to buy pedals and other shifting stuff in addition to a manual transmission, or buying a manual 2.3 and swapping it the engine and possibly the transmission.

You're looking at a ton of work and money. I've done transmission swaps before, from an auto to manual. Not only do you need a donor car (because you'll likely need the transmission, ECU/computer etc, but a ton of misc parts). Now I've never done it on a 2010+ Ford but I can't imagine it got simpler :) And I'd guess the housing isn't matching up either on the manual to the 2.7.

Try Advance Adapters.
Slave cylinder makes clutch hook up easy. Advance has a nice transfer case.

If anyone will support Bronco engine swaps it will be Advance.

My guess is that the 2.3 + manual combo is already available on the Mustang, so it is an easy powertrain to carry over in Bronco.

There is nothing in the Ford portfolio today with the 2.7 and a manual so that would require a lot of R&D to execute.

With the right amount of Money and Time you can put the 2.7 and a manual in the Bronco. I doubt this will be done for a few years.. Talk about voiding your warranty.

This coming from a guy that stuffed a 12V Cummins/47RH into his F250


Its only been a 10 year project.

Part of the problem is,if they put the manual box behind the 2.7 they won't sell any 2.3s with the manual.They are corraling buyers into a 2.3.

In4low

My guess is that the 2.3 + manual combo is already available on the Mustang, so it is an easy powertrain to carry over in Bronco.

There is nothing in the Ford portfolio today with the 2.7 and a manual so that would require a lot of R&D to execute.

They already make 90% of the parts needed. Like the old days, putting a T-5 into the 1983-1987 Aero Bird was a piece of cake, you could buy everything from the parts counter at Ford.
The same with the 2.7, you might have to make a couple drive shafts, the bell housing and flywheel is the only hang up for most people.Advance Adapters is probably way ahead of everyone else on a 2.7 manual setup.

Bronco5.0

Part of the problem is,if they put the manual box behind the 2.7 they won't sell any 2.3s with the manual.They are corraling buyers into a 2.3.

Not only that. They are attracting buyers that would otherwise not consider the Bronco if it didn't offer a stick. As was said the 2.3 is already offered with a stick in the Mustang so it's an easier transaction than designing a whole new set-up.

Garemlin

Not only that. They are attracting buyers that would otherwise not consider the Bronco if it didn't offer a stick. As was said the 2.3 is already offered with a stick in the Mustang so it's an easier transaction than designing a whole new set-up.

I'm one of those buyers, been driving manuals for over 40 years, not changing now.If the Bronco didn't offer a manual I wouldn't buy one.Its why I wouldn't buy a 150.

I'll settle for the 2.3 for now (it really has enough power for the 2 door) and in a few years, treat it as an engineering project and get stupid with it. Right now I want to go fly fishing and ignore the daily nonsense.

Bronco5.0

They already make 90% of the parts needed. Like the old days, putting a T-5 into the 1983-1987 Aero Bird was a piece of cake, you could buy everything from the parts counter at Ford.
The same with the 2.7, you might have to make a couple drive shafts, the bell housing and flywheel is the only hang up for most people.Advance Adapters is probably way ahead of everyone else on a 2.7 manual setup.

Can't wait for someone to take the plunge and figure out what it takes.

Garemlin

Not only that. They are attracting buyers that would otherwise not consider the Bronco if it didn't offer a stick. As was said the 2.3 is already offered with a stick in the Mustang so it's an easier transaction than designing a whole new set-up.

True they already have a stick behind the 2.3l in the mustang but this is an entirely different transmission don’t think many stangs need a crawler gear. Although that would be pretty cool.
This is a Getrag transmission they should be able to make something that can handle the V6. I’m sure it won’t be long before you can get a built Getrag for the Bronco.

Bronco5.0

Part of the problem is,if they put the manual box behind the 2.7 they won't sell any 2.3s with the manual.They are corraling buyers into a 2.3.

Good point. This way they can keep their MPG numbers up. That’s why Ford was still making cars to keep their numbers up for regulations. Now all the Ecoboost help that.

Jakob1972

True they already have a stick behind the 2.3l in the mustang but this is an entirely different transmission don’t think many stangs need a crawler gear. Although that would be pretty cool.
This is a Getrag transmission they should be able to make something that can handle the V6. I’m sure it won’t be long before you can get a built Getrag for the Bronco.

Interesting article on this - https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a33301752/2021-ford-bronco-manual-transmission-specs/