170 pistons in a 144?

[santacruz]

Since 144 pistons are hard to find, will the 170 pistons work in the 144 engine since the bores are the same? The 170 piston skirts are modified to clear the stroked crank in the larger engine but it seems that the different skirts shouldn't be an issue in the 144. If the 170 pistons indeed work in the 144, should all the pistons be replaced or just the one I (ahem) broke trying to get it unstuck? Are the wrist pins and height on the two pistons the same? Do they weigh the same?

 

[Econoline]

you've run up against the 'why not put a 200 in there? It bolts right in'

But seriously, why not?

I don't know the answer but I would think the 170 piston would be too tall with it's longer stoke, but the rod is shorter : The stroke is .44" longer but the rod is only .14" shorter. There could be some interference with the head there :shockin: ???

Here's some ebay stuff,

http://www.ebay.com/itm/144-FORD-PI...ash=item58c3d66b44:g:iX0AAOSwPgxVP9gB&vxp=mtr

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Deluxe-Engi...ash=item210abf7c96:g:bZwAAOxyzi9Se-GD&vxp=mtr

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ford-XK-XL-...ash=item2a56808aab:g:S-QAAOSw~gRV1Q8e&vxp=mtr

 

[bubba22349]

Yes the bores are the same size! The wrist pin size is also the same size too! However the compression height is not the same! The 170 Pistons is right about .113 shorter (1.586) in height then the 144 Pistons (1.700) so when installed in that 144 block the Compression Ratio is going drop significantly from a stock 7.5 to 1 all the way down to 6.86 to one. With a full set of 170 Pistons in a 144, they might work ok with a turbo build. The best practice is to replace all the pistons but if you don't want too try your best to match the piston weight so it's close to all the others so there's less chance for vibration due to imbalance. Good luck

 

[santacruz]

That's just what I'm looking for - thanks. Didn't think to check eBay Australia for pistons . . .
Dropping a 200 in place of the 144 is a great idea, but I'm just using this old Econoline to carry canoes and kayaks back and forth in Michigan's Upper Peninsula; no need for the high performance and cost of a replacement engine. Just want one that works. Time for a visit to the local salvage yard.

 

[rbohm]

a stock 200 isnt really a "performance" engine. and since it does bolt in and is more available than either the 144 or 170, you may as well grab one in decent shape that you might come across.

 

[bubba22349]

X 3 a 200 would be a great engine swap even a 170 is better than the little 144, if you have access to a 170 short block or the crank and rods they would drop right into your block and give you a better combo. But if your set on fixing the 144 there is No need to send over to Australia for Pistons there are still plenty available here in the states for reasonable prices. Like in this new engine rebuild kit see below and they still have more then 10 kits left. Good luck on the 144

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ford-Ranchero-M ... NA&vxp=mtr