170 crossflow conversion

[JACK250]

Hi all, I have a 170 block and am curious whether the crossflow head conversion would be effective on the smaller cube engine? I am looking at doing something relatively hot, and have a reconditioned 170 as a base, will it be worth mucking with?

Thanks, Jack

 

[Lazy JW]

Anyone "mucking with" a 170 Ford six most likely is not standing on the Continental United States, so that may change things a bit. Crossflow heads are exceptionally rare here in the Colonies but if you are in Oz then there is a fair chance of pulling this one off. If a 200 or 250 is available it would make more sense to start with that as a base but I don't know much about what you have to work with.
Joe

 

[rocklord]

There's no reason it couldn't be done. The problem is most 170s have four bolt main cranks, so I don't know how "hot" you can make one.
In regards to the crossflow head, the stock valves should work with a 170 (MustangSix stated that they work real well in his 200Xflow), along with some minor porting and a mild 250 cam.

There are several heads in the States and I'm sure you can get one of them. Aussiespeed has an office in Meridian, Mississippi, and can get you intakes, cams, gaskets, and maybe even a head. Here is their website:

http://aussiespeedusa.com/

I'd go for it.

 

[MustangSix]

The chambers are going to be a little large for a 170. And because of the angles that the crossflow pushrods run, you can't make up lost CR with a severe milling like you can on a log head.

 

[JACK250]

Thanks for the replies everyone, yes I am in Australia. I will most likely be going down the 250 2v track now I think...

Jack

 

[Anlushac11]

Since its a aluminum head a good head shop could maybe weld in chamber to fill in and reshape it?

 

[MustangSix]

You could, I suppose. But using it on a 200 makes more sense.

If you're really limited to 2.8 liters (170 cubes), why not an early Toyota Supra/Cressida DOHC/24 valve engine? Probably cheaper than a crossflow conversion.