hey all, i have a 79 Bronco that id REALLY like to put another engine into. the engine in question is a LIGHTNING 5.8L. i have the ENTIRE lightning truck and the body is shot, but engine is VERY strong. stock lightnings put out 240hp and 340tq, but this one has been modified. i currently have a 460 in the bronco, but EFI sounds much cooler. my questions revolve around getting the electronics into the bronco. i have scoured the net for a similar EFI swap, 302, 351, or even an EFI 460, to no avail. any help would be appreciated.

If I were you, I'd stick with the 460. If you want the EFI capabilities, try to find a donor 460 equipped late model truck. The Lightning engine is nice, but the 460 has much more potential for torque/horsepower output. It already has the extra cubic inches that you will want (I assume you'll eventually think about stroking, or long-rodding the 351). If you can get a mass-air equipped 460, you have almost limitless opportunities for engine upgrading.

yea, the big-block EFI would be nice, but i am trying to keep costs down, and i already own the donor lightning vehicle...but either way, i still am looking for info on how to do an EFI swap...

If you have a complete donor vehicle, it should be pretty easy. You'll need the EEC module from the Lightning, and all related harnesses. Other things to consider are the emissions related components. The EEC will call for EGR, and HEGO inputs. You will also need to install the MAP sensor. As long as you're going with the 351, you might as well make use of the overdrive transmission too. Tailshaft housings will be different of course, due to 2WD to 4WD conversion. Your Lightning's motor mounts may work on the Bronco. With a complete donor vehicle, it really seems like it should be a plug-n-chug swap.

Check out the Big Bronco Mass Air Conversion

The MAF conversion is simple to do. The worst part about it, is that you have to overlay the sequential harness over the bank to bank harness. It looks like crap if you want your engine to be clean looking. It takes some time, but if you can figure wiring, and know how to make a good splice, you can tuck the old harness away. The MAF conversion makes a markedly better improvement over the speed density sysytem. The biggest drawback is its initial cost, and you only get the smallish flow meter for your intake tube.

Larger mass air meters are available fom c&l and pro-m (up to 80mm), as well as harnesses.

MILDOT