1978 Ford Bronco Ranger XLT

Charity resto-mod · 60-day build

A full ground-up restoration completed in just 60 days, powered by a Ford Performance 7.3L “Godzilla” V8 — built to be auctioned for pediatric congenital heart disease research.

BDS 4″ lift & Fox shocks
35×12.5 XComp Gladiator XT tires
Ford Performance electronic transfer case
Hand-stitched custom interior
1-of-1 polished high-rise intake
Vintage Air A/C
Rockford Fosgate audio

Engine: Ford Performance 7.3L Godzilla V8
Built in: 60 days
Transmission: 10R80 10-speed automatic
For: The Brett Boyer Foundation

Turning rust into research

When a classic 1978 Ford Bronco Ranger XLT rolled into NFI Empire's shop, it marked the start of an ambitious 60-day restoration.

Following the success of 2023's 1932 Ford Roadster auction, which helped fund pediatric heart transplant research through the Brett Boyer Foundation, this “dent-side” Bronco continues that legacy of turning classic car restorations into life-saving medical innovations. Here's the build, system by system.

The heart of the beast

At the core sits Ford Performance's 7.3L Godzilla big-block — and just as the engine is the heart of the truck, this build is about heart in the most literal sense, raising money for congenital heart defect research.

Ford Performance 7.3L Godzilla V8
Ford Performance 10R80 10-speed automatic
Ford Performance electronic transfer case
1-of-1 polished aluminum high-rise intake by Danbury Competition Engines
Ford Performance 89mm Bullet Mustang throttle body
Indy Power Products billet coil & valve covers
Performance fuel rails
Stainless Works air intake with K&N filtration
Custom 3-inch Stainless Works dual exhaust

7.3L Godzilla engine with custom Indy Power Products valve covers at NFI Empire

Custom Stainless Works dual exhaust system

Modern capability, classic style

The Bronco's legendary capability climbs higher with a BDS 4-inch lift and Fox performance shocks, balancing on-road comfort with real off-road travel. SSBC discs bring modern stopping power, and a Kincer Chassis kit makes the Godzilla swap bolt in clean.

BDS 4-inch suspension system
Fox Performance shocks & stabilizer
35×12.50R16 API XComp Gladiator XT tires
16×9 ProComp polished wheels
SSBC disc brake conversion kit
Kincer Chassis Godzilla swap mount & crossmember
Custom NFI Empire front differential cover

1978 Ford Bronco chassis and suspension build at NFI Empire

Contemporary comfort, classic cabin

Inside, NFI Empire's master trimmer hand-stitched every panel, blending vintage Bronco character with modern comfort. A Dakota Digital cluster and RetroSound head unit modernize the cabin, Vintage Air hides climate control in the dash, and Second Skin deadening keeps it quiet.

NFI Empire hand-stitched interior & trim
Dakota Digital gauge cluster
RetroSound radio with modern connectivity
Rockford Fosgate premium audio
Second Skin Audio sound deadening
Auto Custom Carpet cut-pile carpeting
RetroBelt seat belts
Grant steering wheel on an IDIDIT tilt column
Vintage Air A/C

Hand-stitched red leather interior with wooden steering wheel in the 1978 Ford Bronco

Restored cabin of the 1978 Ford Bronco with Dakota Digital gauges

Show-quality, timeless lines

PPG Vibrance Collection paint gives the dent-side lines real depth and modern durability, set off by AMP Research running boards, LMC Truck trim and Jeff's Bronco Graveyard accessories — classic appeal, elevated to show quality.

PPG Vibrance Collection paint & clearcoat
AMP Research running boards
LMC Truck bumpers, glass & trim
Jeff's Bronco Graveyard exterior accessories

Custom 7.3L Godzilla Bronco and NFI Empire badges

NFI Empire body shop work on the 1978 Ford Bronco

This build saves lives

With the support of several industry-leading vendors, the NFI Empire team transformed this classic into a modern performance machine while honoring its original design. Once finished, the Bronco is auctioned to benefit the Brett Boyer Foundation — funding critical research and care for children affected by congenital heart disease.