New to the I-6 world got a question

[otis310]

Ive got a 69 bronco with the 170-I6 i like it and all but its under powered especially going up hills. so what i would like to do is have it rebuilt and bored 30 over if that's possible. Is there a company that makes rebuild kits for a 170 that's bored out? Or would i be better off finding a 200 to drop in? I'm new to the I-6 world so any tips or suggestions will help.

thanks JR

 

[66200i6]

Welcome to the Forum.

And, yes there is now a bunch of information, parts and processes you can follow right here on the forum.

Select the link at the top of each page here for Fordsix.com. At the top of that page find the Ford Six Shop link. Check out Clasic Inlines and save the link. You can find one of the first items you should purchase, the Falcon Handbook. While your there on the site check out the Dyno page and take a look at the combination's that are possible with OEM parts and the aluminum replacement head that is now available.

As far as more power for your Bronco, I guess it depends on budget. If it is limited you can start with a fresh rebuild of the 170. Even if you decide to go to a 200 or 250, hang on to the adjustable valve train that comes with that 170.

Pick up that Handbook from Mike at ClassicInlines and and start reading. There is lots to learn.

Good luck and have fun.

 

[Anlushac11]

IMHO drop in a mildly hopped up 200, use your 170 valve covers and air cleaner to try and keep the original look.

IMHO its hard to beat that extra 30 cubic inches and extra torque when going up a hill.

 

[bmbm40]

I had the original 170 in my 66 Bronco that I bought at a city utility auction in 1988. It ran but had low oil pressure and was well worn, not out but close. I drove it for a couple of years any way just because it always started. Found a 200 out of a late 70s sedan not sure which model now at the wrecking yard for cheap and put that in. I got lucky it was a non smoking strong running motor. You could feel the difference in performance, not a huge difference but some. The other drawback was the 3 speed transmission. I recently put a 250 from a 70 Mustang in it and a NV3550 5 speed transmission from a 2004 Jeep Wrangler. Only engine upgrade is a DSII. It really tears along now compared to what it was like before. As I understand it some 200 can accept a small block ford bell housing which is what the 250 has. If so then you could use the NV3550 and the required Advance Adapters install kit. The reason I mention this is because I think the 5 speed is enough to make 200 feel adequate and dropping a 200 in is easier than a 250. Get the Falcon Performance Manual direct from the authors, post on this site to find out how, it is what you want for info on modifying these motors. Also check out the products at Classic Inlines. Good Luck!

 

[CZLN6]

Howdy JR:

And welcome to THE FORUM!!! Yes, it is that good. Either way you decide to go you'll find someone has done it or is about to do it. So, figure out what is best for you and let us help you. Some things to think about- Is this a daily driver? Are you interested in keeping it stock, stock appearing, or ???? What is your budget.

FYI- you can do a moderate upgrade on your '69 170 larger Carter YF carb and better distributor. Or, a head rebuild to improve flow and raise CR.

Or- buy a '78 or later 200, go through it and then simply swap engines over a weekend. The later 200 will have a DS II electronic ignition, bigger valves.

Hope that gives you some things to think about.

The next is whatever you want.

Be sure to read, Read, READ here and learn. Do you have a shop manual for your Broncho? AKT the 1970 170 is fairly unique to the Broncho. It may have been available in a Maverick, but was no longer an option in Falcons and Mustangs after 1968. Your 170 may be a relatively rare, seven main bearing crankshaft engine too.

Adios, David

 

[CZLN6]

Howdy Back JR:

I got your PM, but wanted to continue the discussion over here. Since your Broncho is a '69, I was in doubt as to which carb you have. The '69 model year was the 1st year for Carter YFs on the 170 engines in cars. What does you Broncho have for a carb? Cable or mechanical linkage? What is the casting code on the head?

Typically, a '69 will have a point type distributor with vacuum advance/retard to the distributor. What does yours have? Are there two vacuum lines going to the distributor vacuum diaphram? one inside of the cannister and one on the outside?

Using the Carter YF for a '70 - '79 car with a 200 engine along with a Dura-Spark ('74) or Dura-Spark II ('76) electronic distributor would make for a nice performance increasing upgrade, including a bump in the initial advance setting. These, along with a good tune-up would likely give a 10% boost in power.

What do you think? Your stock 170 carb is rated at 150 CFM, while the 200 YFs are rated at 187 CFM.

Keep you info coming.

Adios, David

 

[66Bronc]

i have learned alot about these 6 bangers over the past months from this site! My two cents, just recently pulled a worn out 170 from my 66 bronco. Put in a 200 cubic inch from a 1980 ford fairmont i found(approx 80K). Came w/ DS II ignition so added ignition module,Carter YF carb, Flowmaster exhaust. Still has original 3 speed. HUGE power difference. Very happy at this point. Pulls 33X9.50's down the road w/ no problem! Good luck!
66 Bronc

 

[NC-Fordguy]

Ive got a 69 bronco with the 170-I6 i like it and all but its under powered especially going up hills. so what i would like to do is have it rebuilt and bored 30 over if that's possible. Is there a company that makes rebuild kits for a 170 that's bored out? Or would i be better off finding a 200 to drop in? I'm new to the I-6 world so any tips or suggestions will help.

thanks JR

What are you planning on doing with this Bronco??

If you're planning on a weekend wheeler/daily driver sort of thing as stated in other posts there are some great suggestions.

If you're planning on a rock crawler type of Bronco with a good size lift, cut fenders to clear big tires etc a V-8 is a better option