Featured in Ken Block's #HRDWifeyBroncoProject
Ken Block is known for his collection of cool Ford Performance project cars. For his latest project, Block has teamed up with Ford Performance Parts to rebuild a 1974 Ford Bronco for his wife. The Bronco will have extra horsepower under the hood with a 5.0L 435 HP Coyote crate engine and 2015-2017 Mustang control pack.
Ken Block hasn't built his reputation by being predictable. So when it came time to get his wife an anniversary gift, he wasn't thinking about flowers or jewelry.
In typical Ken Block fashion, he took the idea of a special anniversary gift to new heights by giving his wife a fully-restored Ford Coyote V8-powered 1974 Ford Bronco. No kidding.
Using the can't-miss recipe of retaining the classic Bronco styling, Block stirred the pot a bit with tasteful mods that created a summer daily driver in Park City, Utah, that could easily shift to serious off-road fun. Using a $10,000 Craigslist beater as the canvas, Ken's Hoonigan Racing Team and his builders partnered with Ford Performance to help bring project "Wifey Bronco" to life.
Over the span of a year, the old 1974 Bronco endured a full frame-off restoration and is now powered by a 5.0-liter Ford Coyote crate engine and modern six-speed automatic transmission. Throughout the build process, Ken had teased us with build photos of this Harbor Blue beauty, and we couldn't wait to see the finished product.
Check out photos of the build and a list of Ford Performance Parts being used.
Ford Performance Parts List:
- M-6007-M50A - Coyote Crate Engine
- M-6017-504V - Control Pack 2015-2017 5.0L Manual Transmission
- M-8600-M50A - Alternator Kit
- M-9680-M50A - 2015 Mustang GT Coyote Engine Cover kit
- M-11000-C50 - High-Torque Mini Starter - Coyote & Modular Engines
- M-8511-M50BR - BOSS 302R 5.0L Power Steering Pump Bracket
- M-3600-R - Ford Performance Steering Wheel - Off-Road
- M-9430-SR50A - 2015 5.0L Coyote Street Rod Cast Iron Exhaust Manifolds
- M-9432-A50 - "Stage 8" Locking Header Bolt System
- M-6375-A302B - Manual Transmission Flywheel Steel 157 28.2
- M-9600-SCJ16 - 2016 Mustang Cobra Jet Air Inlet
The crate engine is completely assembled prior to shipment and can be installed directly uppon arrival. Ken opted for the M-9680-M50A engine cover kit that gives this coyote-powered Bronco the iconic look often seen under the hoods of the current-generation Mustang.
The original 1974 Ford Bronco prior to the restoration
The body is detached from the chassis so the crew can repair the body and retro-fit the chassis to house the new Ford powertrain
The engine is lowered into the bay to be mounted and prepped for the M-9000-PMCA Automatic Transmission.
The Bronco Project takes shape with some fresh Harbor Blue paint, a steering wheel, and roll cage.
The coyote crate engine offers a stout 435 HP out of the box, but the addition of 2016 Mustang Cobra Jet Air Intake M-9600-SCJ16 can increase the output of this already potent Ford powertrain.
The project is complete and the NSB Performance crew performs a test run in the Florida sun. The result is award-winning crafstmanship while preserving the vintage appeal of the classic Ford Bronco.
The upgraded brakes, wheels, and suspension make this Bronco the complete package for use both on the scenic roads in and around Park City, Utah; as well as on the area's rugged trails.
