what can I upgrade my 2.8l engine to?

[Outlaw71]

My 1985 Bronco 2 wont pass state emissions. They say I'm burning too much fuel and badly need carb work. I have a ticking noise, kind of loud. Sounds like lifters. Before I go spending too much money on getting a tune up it really needs, I was trying to find out what I can replace this weak 2.8 V6 with to give it more power/better fuel economy. I don't want to have to change anything in regards to transmission or gears. Can anyone tell me what kind of bigger engine I can upgrade to? I looked online and I can get the same engine it has now used for $1,100 including shipping. Does that sound like a good deal or any suggestions? I'm great at body work but not so much mechanically.

[Bronco11Guy1211]

If you have some patience and do some searching you can find out what kind of carburated 302 you can put in but i heard thats the easiest V8 swap. I dont know how the state emissions go where ever you are but in washington a car over 25 years old do not need to go threw emitions anymore. I took the smog pump completely out and got a small belt for the alternator, saved me about $75. Oh and i have heard alot of talk about being able to drop a 90-94 explorer/ranger 4.0l in a b2 but your going to have to swap out the tranny and shorten your front drive shaft. just passing this info on from another b2 guy. Me, im going to swap my front and rear axels with lower gear ratios, i need more tork for the ruff mountain roads.