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Looking for 2.3 owners input

MaximuNashville

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I’ve had both, 2.7 first and now the 2.3. I miss the sound of the 2.7 but the never feel like I’m missing power or performance. Honestly I never think about it except for those days with cold starts, the 2.3 sounds pretty trash for the first 10-15 minutes.
 
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KC2LLW

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Thanks for the info, I do have a 2.7 in my 2019 F150 I use only 87 octane in it for a year now and bought it used with 110k on it . I get 19 mpg overall but has 3.55 gears I only use synthetic oil and change it at 3500 miles I do love the engine power and sounds okay but not crazy about the plastic oil pan. I do worry about the oil pump belt and cam phasers but with 121k on it it’s been great so far. I just wanted to hear from people that have the 2,3 in their Broncos and how they like them. It will be my wife daily driver and maybe I may use on weekend trips to our farm in the Catskills about a 140 mile round trip just trying to justify the cost of the 2.7 and reliability between the two. Thanks
Steve
 

Area51BS

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I’ve had my 2.3 Badlands since Nov 2022. Auto non SAS. It’s a terrific engine with plenty of power. Ford built this one right. I run 93 around town. If going on long trips a may refill with 87 if I’m burning through a few tanks. The difference is just perceivable. Will motor last longer on 93. Don’t know. How long will you keep it? Will it last as engineered on 87? Probably. Would I want more power? Who wouldn’t. And you then have the same issue with the 2.7. You will want a V8. It’s like an audio system. Seems like it’s just loud enough. Just enough bass. But man could I just get a little more. My other feeling on these Broncos is less is better. Less parts, less gadgets and electrical upgrades. More to break, fix and cost just goes up. If I were to buy another Bronco would I buy the V6? Probably not unless I found some hell of a good deal. Pricing is getting out of hand.
 
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KC2LLW

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I’ve had my 2.3 Badlands since Nov 2022. Auto non SAS. It’s a terrific engine with plenty of power. Ford built this one right. I run 93 around town. If going on long trips a may refill with 87 if I’m burning through a few tanks. The difference is just perceivable. Will motor last longer on 93. Don’t know. How long will you keep it? Will it last as engineered on 87? Probably. Would I want more power? Who wouldn’t. And you then have the same issue with the 2.7. You will want a V8. It’s like an audio system. Seems like it’s just loud enough. Just enough bass. But man could I just get a little more. My other feeling on these Broncos is less is better. Less parts, less gadgets and electrical upgrades. More to break, fix and cost just goes up. If I were to buy another Bronco would I buy the V6? Probably not unless I found some hell of a good deal. Pricing is getting out of hand.
I will probably keep it for at least 15 years my F150 replaced my 2001 F350 and this Bronco will replace my wife’s 2005 Honda odyssey. The Badlands pretty much has a lot of gadgets so that’s a risk and yes the 2.3 has less gadgets than the 2.7 that’s why I am trying to figure out if the 2.3 is for us. I believe it is more powerful than the Jeep 4cyl trubo
 

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Area51BS

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I will probably keep it for at least 15 years my F150 replaced my 2001 F350 and this Bronco will replace my wife’s 2005 Honda odyssey. The Badlands pretty much has a lot of gadgets so that’s a risk and yes the 2.3 has less gadgets than the 2.7 that’s why I am trying to figure out if the 2.3 is for us. I believe it is more powerful than the Jeep 4cyl trubo
Keeping it 15 years you won’t be concerned with resale at that age. Use good oil. Every 5k. You will like it. If you drive with pedal to the floor then you might want every bit of power you can get. I really is impressive what the 2.3 does though.
When I mentioned gadgets. I’m talking option package items like CP360, front cameras, heated seats, dual zone AC. stuff that breaks and is expensive. The bones of the Bronco are great. V6, now it’s two turbos if something goes. Cam phaser(s) potentially is an issue. Some may say more intake deposits on the 2.3. Big deal. Buy an intake cleaner/blaster kit for $300 or have it done at 100k miles. That’s if it becomes an issue. I’m not trying to talk anyone out of a V6. Just expressing my like of the 2.3.
 

Bruinsfan

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Hi all,
I am looking for 2.3 owners input that have the Sasquatch package and 10 speed automatic. I am trying to decide on the 2.3 vs 2.7 and would like to hear what owners have to say about the power of the 2.3 using 87 octane. I am looking at a 4dr Badlands and wonder how the 2.3 performs as a daily driver and light off road use. Reliability vs the 2.7.
Thanks for your input.
Steve
I have a 22' 4 door Badlands with the 2.3 as a daily driver. It has plenty of giddy up with 93 octane, even towing a small teardrop trailer up some very steep New England grades. I have no regrets and personally I wouldn't change a thing. Some folks have suggested taking the 2.3 and 2.7 out back to back to compare your personal needs. I agree, do it.
 

Kiddo44pct

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I will probably keep it for at least 15 years my F150 replaced my 2001 F350 and this Bronco will replace my wife’s 2005 Honda odyssey. The Badlands pretty much has a lot of gadgets so that’s a risk and yes the 2.3 has less gadgets than the 2.7 that’s why I am trying to figure out if the 2.3 is for us. I believe it is more powerful than the Jeep 4cyl trubo
2.3 is more than enough power for me...I don't have SAS..but overall 2.3 seems to be one of Fords proven engines.
I have no issues whatsoever with it
 
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KC2LLW

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2.3 is more than enough power for me...I don't have SAS..but overall 2.3 seems to be one of Fords proven engines.
I have no issues whatsoever with it
Yeah I’m thinking about badlands with out Sasquatch as for what we need even badlands it over kill auto is a must for wife so now it’s the engine options I will drive both and want to make the right choice as we will have it for a long time
 

Keith J.

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I've owned two F150's with the 2.7 (first gen), excellent engine! My 24 Big Bend 2 door auto non sas Bronco has the 2.3 and I really like it as well. Especially with all of the mods done, that little sucker is impressive! The only issue that I have with the 2nd gen 2.7 is the wet belt driven oil pump (1st gen was chain). I don't trust that setup at all. 2.3 has a proper vane style pump that's reliable and proven to last. Now before people start telling me that they'll last 100k+, I've seen too many tear down videos of these things cracking and wearing prematurely well before 100k miles. That's an extremely costly belt replacement; half of the engine has to be torn down for replacement. No thanks! Terrible idea Ford! It's too bad because otherwise the engine design, robustness and power are phenomenal. Just my 2 cents.
 

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MayhemMike

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Sorry, but as a certified geezer watching debates over which four or six cylinder is ā€œ hotterā€ makes me chuckle. I get the same amusement with the ā€œ type of oil and octane fuel ratingā€. I originally ordered the 2.7 simply due to testosterone. I changed my order to the 2.3 during the 2.7 valve dropping carnage . I also allowed reason to enter the decision making and realized when I test drove both motors I noticed no significant difference that would ever matter with my usage. I saved $1800 going with the 2.3. I suppose it all has to do with living a lifetime with V8 power plants. Everyone enjoy whichever Bronco version you select.
 
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KC2LLW

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yes I’m well past my mustang GT years at 63 and service connected disabled vet I just need it to get me through snow mud and daily driving about 10 miles a day if that i doe like the Sasquatch look i may rethink it all and go BD SAS 2.3 still need to drive the 2.3 tho
 

Dads_bronze_bronco

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So my Bronco Raptor is in for the Cam Phaser TSB and I have a loaner Outer Banks w/ a 2.3 and 10AT. It’s an interesting opportunity to run through the what if I ordered a Badlands today exercise.

Having originally reserved and ordered a 2 door Badlands 2.3 6MT, and driven a few four door 2.3s, I think there is a little too much sponginess with the 10AT, and if I was getting an automatic, I would get the 2.7.

If you are interested in controlling your gear selection and not having a viscous coupling away your power, the 2.3 has enough beans for fun.

At the very least, do the forscan thing and add sport mode if you don’t have it.

Oh - and the sound - you’re going to need an exhaust to not sound like a 2012 Mazda 3.
 

OffRoadr

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I had my 2.3 (manual) for 2 years and currently 2.7 for 1 month so can’t speak to longevity but I always felt that the 2.3 lacked just a tad pick up especially from a dead stop or quickly maneuvering around someone or freeway merging Etc. The 2.7 def has the sound and that quick pick up power that I personally felt the 2.3 lacked. That’s also all day to day driving….not off-roading.
that’s just my opinion and experience though - ymmv. I’d def say test drive both and decide from there.
 

Copperhorse73

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Just bought a 2.3 2 door BB Sasquatch, coming from 2.7 4 door. I put the Ford tune on it, swapped in some 37s, and it’s got plenty of giddy up even with the big tires. Only downside is being locked in to 93 octane but I’m not missing the 2.7 at all.
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