New Guy… big question!

[Tricky Mike]

Now I have to search cam phasers…. No idea what this involves.

It's relatively uncommon still but V6 ecoboosts are famous for them.

Sponsored

 

[dpAtlanta]

Honestly it was. Close enough that I didn’t think twice about going with the 2.3 and 7-speed. Wanted to row my own gears more than any other option

This kind of answers the question…!!!
Thanks @BOLD Renegade93

I am still willing to trade Shelby drives for Bronco drives!

 

[dpAtlanta]

2 door manual, why! Because they exist!

I forgot to mention… this is one of the necessities… TWO DOOR!

 

[mjcutri]

I have a 2DR 7MT and I love it. I had a 94 with the 5.8L V8 and this engine actually has more power.
I'm not too far from you if you can't find anyone closer.
(My DD was a WRX prior to getting the bronco)

 

[BR549]

I drive a 2dr BD with 7MT. Better half drives 4dr OBX auto. Both 2.3 non-squatch. We love both.

But I REALLY love to drive the 2dr 7MT, it is a blast. On stock 32s 1st and 2nd felt a little too low geared, but now with 35s it is much better. Gets after it once you hit 3rd.

Drove 2.7 auto at Off-Rodeo and the 2.7 has more torque at lower RPM than 2.3. My opinion is auto is a bit easier off-road, but 7MT is more fun. Crawler gear is amazing for tough climbs, feels like you could drive straight up out of the Grand Canyon. 4H became useless for slow off-road with the 35s though, 1st is too fast and C is too slow. 4L is perfect though, can use C-1-2 depending on condition.

 

[dpAtlanta]

Great feedback @BR549

THANKS…!!!!!!

 

[Brian_B]

The v6 has more torque, but not that much more power. Just takes a few more RPM to get to the same horsepower

with ProCal (although it’s been somewhat neutered) - it turns the 2.3 into the same power as stock v6, and within a stones throw of the torque

My 2 cents - get the manual while you can. The difference in engines is not really that much.

When I drove a v6 badlands at off Rodeo the auto felt sluggish, and there is something about driving a manual that just feels more connected

 

[Brian_B]

Drove 2.7 auto at Off-Rodeo and the 2.7 has more torque at lower RPM than 2.3. My opinion is auto is a bit easier off-road, but 7MT is more fun. Crawler gear is amazing for tough climbs, feels like you could drive straight up out of the Grand Canyon. 4H became useless for slow off-road with the 35s though, 1st is too fast and C is too slow. 4L is perfect though, can use C-1-2 depending on condition.

Yup my experience exactly. 1 pedal trail control feels like cheating, but taking the manual up off road is an entire different experience experience

 

[Aonarch]

It's relatively uncommon still but V6 ecoboosts are famous for them.

The 3.5 is famous for them.

The 2.7l nano is a completely different engine and they are very uncommon. There were some issues with a small batch of 2.7 engines.

The 2.7l is an excellent engine. Completely overbuilt.

 

[BOLD Renegade93]

This kind of answers the question…!!!
Thanks @BOLD Renegade93

I am still willing to trade Shelby drives for Bronco drives!

Anytime! Happy hunting!

 

[Oldhippie]

Manuals are fun in ”play” vehicles (sporty cars/hot rods) but suck in tow/off road vehicles…very few serious off roaders have manuals (I gave up on them in the ‘80s) and almost no racers use them…the v6 has almost 100 more ft lbs than the 4 and ford has a tune for them too…love how the 4 banger folks claim they have plenty of power and always add they have or are planning a tune…my v6 10spd (with a tune) has adequate power but nowhere near the mustang coyote 6spd I traded for it…but you be you

 

[Tricky Mike]

The 3.5 is famous for them.

The 2.7l nano is a completely different engine and they are very uncommon. There were some issues with a small batch of 2.7 engines.

The 2.7l is an excellent engine. Completely overbuilt.

Between the various social media I've seen at least 50 2.7 cam phaser failures. Yes, that's a tiny percentage, but it's going to go up as more miles get put on because Ford has no idea how to build a phaser.

 

[JerryC]

Was the seat-o-the-pants meter fairly close between the 2.3 and the 2.7?

I owned both at the same time. 2.3 has enough power but the extra torque of the 2.7 can't be denied. Plus the auto shifts faster than the manual (at least with stock shifter).

When it came time to go somewhere, I took the manual unless my knee was hurting.

Third option for you, BRaptor if you have the money for it. Test drive one and pop it in sport mode.

 

[HoosierDaddy]

I forgot to mention… this is one of the necessities… TWO DOOR!

I have a 2dr manual and for a while had a 4dr 2.3 auto .... I prefer the manual. Mainly due to being able to keep it in the gear you feel it needs to be in. The autos will ALWAYS shift into the tallest gear as soon as they can, always causing a bit of a delay when you get back on the throttle.
Having a manual, in traffic, in sport mode, in the gear YOU want it to be in... oh yeah!! It can be a zippy little rig.

2.3 power:
They're not rocket ships, they're Broncos, but they can get out of their own way.
My favorite comparison is from towing my Old Man's Ranger Bass Boat (3000lb) with the 2.3 auto.
Compared to the old Chevy 1/2 ton, V8 crew cab we usually tow it with, the Bronco had better power for towing that boat. It surprised the hell outta me.

 

[dpAtlanta]

Lots of great replies… thanks folks…!!!

Not this particular one, but this is what I am shooting for:

https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for...nsmissionCode=MAN&zip=30064&clickType=listing

Sponsored