What do you think it will cost to build an early Bronco 289/C4/Dana 20?

[cleandan]

I am curious what you think it should cost to build an engine/transmission combo...Here are the parameters.
No special circumstances like a free engine from Uncle Jimmy...you just source all the correct stuff to build the driveline.
Everything is rebuilt by competent shops.

Starting with nothing, working to build a 1966 factory Ford correct 4bbl 289 (casting numbers and date codes), using some internal upgrades because nobody will see that.
Roller camshaft and lifters, hypereutectic pistons, ARP fasteners, quality valve springs and retainers.
But nothing exotic....build to a 250-300HP spec with good usable torque in the 2000-4000 range.

Bronco 4x4 C4 automatic transmission and Dana 20 transfer case.

Run/tune engine on the dyno and everything proves great.

I have already done this, but I am curious what you think this will cost.

What I have finished right now is a 1966 date code and casting numbers correct 289 4bbl, Bronco specific 4x4 C4, and the correct specific parts to mate their existing Dana 20 transfer case to the transmission.

I'm curious what you think this will cost at todays prices.

Thanks and have a great day.

[FrozenMerc]

$10K to $25K - Impacts from tariffs not withstanding.

$6K to $15K for the engine
$2.5 to $6K for C4
$1.5K to $4K for the transfer case.

Lots can effect the final cost, different build choices, core quality and initial price, how much work you complete your self, etc.

In the past year or two I have done the following drivetrains and what they cost.

7.3 IDIT and ZF 5 Spd - Approx. $12K - Mostly stock - except for a big pump and reground cam
300 I6 and M5R2 5 Spd - Approx. $12K - Turbocharged and fuel injected 300, remanufactured M5R2.  Lots of custom built bits for the turbo setup on the 300.
438 ci FE and AOD - Approx $22K - Stroker 352 FE, full machine work, aluminum heads, polished intake, complete carb to pan.  Broader AOD and Adaptor.

[cleandan]

I'm surprised there is only one reply.
Thanks for the one reply though.
I appreciate the information.

[HarleyJack17]

I am late to the party but here is my guess:

Transmission- $2,500 if a shop $1,000 if you do it and no crazy issues involved.
T-Case- $750-$1000 Shop, $400 you do it
Motor- $7,800 stockish rebuild add $800 if you go roller set up. At a shop. At home maybe shave $2,000 off that. Depends on parts, and head work, etc. A lot of variables.

I can tell you I just build a 383 SBC with Aluminum upper end with roller cam and lifters and I am +$7,500 in it with me doing the work. That was late 2023 early 2024.  That is Carb to oil pan.