All right all you 2.3L Engine Bronco drivers - what's your verdict?

^^^ yes read post , I went and changed my order to a 2.3 yesterday . had a 2.7 ordered for 13 months / 2D and have not heard a peep from ford.
and have read most post about the 2.3 so I changed. maybe ill get lucky and get picked sooner.
I too went to TX roadeo and drove the 2D rapid red with the 2.3 and it had all the power I need .

Hello,

Here are my thoughts after nearly 5 months of owning a 2.3.

Mine is a 2.3 BL MT with 4.70 Rear Axle Option. It is so good!!

Mine is also a 4 door on 37 inch tires, 3 inch lift/level kit, heavy 4WP bumps, steps and winch. Big hoss lol. It's name is "Broncowski". Fitting. See pic

The manual transmission is a dream with many creature comforts I've never had on other manuals like the auto start feature if you stall (which happened once first week of ownership going up my driveway) but glad it happened bc the second my foot started to press the clutch to restart it, the bronco restarted itself VERY QUICKLY!).

Plus the electronic ebrake automatically disengages when you shift into 1st or Reverse. Plus other great MT features.

The 2.3 is the better engine IMO bc the 2.3 is an INLINE motor + 4Cyl = Bulletproof on many levels. Inline motors also love consistent revs, which is critical when offroading.

OBXBroncoGuy

Did you read the posts about 2.3 vs 2.7?

Yes....I have but was looking for the current feeling out there....I have read all the posts....

the 2.7 has a timing Chain it is not a belt!

Cornwelltoolman

the 2.7 has a timing Chain it is not a belt!

Thats Not what many others have said..and thats what im going off of.

NT AUTOMOTIVE

Thats Not what many others have said..and thats what im going off of.

What I understand is that the cams are driven by dual chains but the oil pump is driven by a belt.

Manual or bust.

0 issues, and after last night, I love the crawler gear, even my best friends gf wants a Bronco now, even though they just got a '16 STi back in August. All I want to see now are downpipes and a chargepipe/intercooler setup available and I'll be happy

JFranklin

Then I went to the Off Roadeo here in Texas where I spent all day in a 2Dr with the 2.3 and it seemed a very happy combination - never felt underpowered at all.

Sounds like you don't need others opinions. If you thought the 2.3l never felt underpowered then seems like you would be perfectly happy with it.

I was all about the 2.7l since day 1. Had one in my F-150 and loved it. Test drove a 2.3 and was pleasantly surprised how it performed. It won't throw you back in your seat like the 2.7. But it has plenty of power and torque for what I need. And I won't be as tempted to be as heavy on the pedal. Also I'll be coming from a Gladiator with the 3.6 so it will definitely be an improvement.

I like the 2.3. Ready for a bit better throttle response now that I have 1300miles on it (but that’s a separate thread!, right @NT AUTOMOTIVE ?)

Did first road trip (300 miles), a mix of interstate, state hwy, and trails. Averaged 20.8 per vehicle and 20.5 by the gas pump. Didn’t get it for fuel efficiency but seems pretty darn good!

Have not driven a 2.3 with 10-sp, however.

Ya I moved mine back today also. Dropped heated block an paint protection due to the lack of wrap on hand.

I have a 2.3 auto on order. I'll let you know in 5 weeks when I get it.

Mandogus

I have a 2.3 auto on order. I'll let you know in 5 weeks when I get it.

2D or more door ????

Shoresy

I like the 2.3. Ready for a bit better throttle response now that I have 1300miles on it (but that’s a separate thread!, right @NT AUTOMOTIVE ?)

Did first road trip (300 miles), a mix of interstate, state hwy, and trails. Averaged 20.8 per vehicle and 20.5 by the gas pump. Didn’t get it for fuel efficiency but seems pretty darn good!

Have not driven a 2.3 with 10-sp, however.

Yep. And I can share it on other posts if explaining why MY EXPERIENCE with the 2.3 works for me. Which in part is because of the product Im offering to anyone that might be interested in a better driving experience. Like yourself

All the comments about the 2.3 manual are making me more excited for my delivery day!

+1 on the 2.3 Manual - really like it. I have the 2 door BL. A lot more responsive than I thought it would be. Will upgrade to Roush Air, exhaust and tune (when that becomes available). Can’t leave anything stock.

oldgoat

2D or more door ????

Or Hodor!?

NT AUTOMOTIVE

Thats Not what many others have said..and thats what im going off of.

Google should be a lot of peoples friend :)

Rydfree

Google should be a lot of peoples friend :)

View attachment 26467

Good job! Do you have the link showing those are the 2.7 engines...lots of V6 engines out there..

Now lets hope those 2.7's dont blow up ;) I guess the handful of others who said it had a timing belt on the other forum were wrong. My mistake.

I've had my Big Bend 4 door with the plain old auto and the 2.3 for almost 2 months. I think it's plenty of power, it scoots pretty good. But I still want more power if it's available, will stick with the 2.7 for my Badlands order.

The reliability of the 2.7? Don't know. But I do know it will have a warranty, so I can get a new one every few thousand miles if they are crappy. lol