What can I realistically expect from the 170?

[colby45]

Hey guys,

I've got a question about the 170. I've got the original 170 in my Bronco with the 3-speed. My concern is anytime I hit any sort of decent incline, I usually end up shifting into second and the max I can go is 30. Now I know the I6 is no speed demon, and I have realistic expectations about it, but I wanted to see if that is standard hill climbing speed or if my engine is weak and I need to check the compression.

Anyone have any input about the power of the 170? It will go 55 no problem if the road is decently flat, doesn't smoke and has good oil pressure. It's hills that are the issue. Thanks.

-Colby

[Eck]

No experience with that but what would you expect when you name her Sally?!

[akaFrankCastle]

What gearing do you have? I would expect you to have 4.56. But if someone has swapped in something else it would sense for it to be a bit anemic. If you still have 4.56, then it might be time for a rebuild.

I enjoyed the 170 that was in my '66. It wasn't a powerhouse but it did scoot around well on 33s.

[colby45]

No experience with that but what would you expect when you name her Sally?!

Unfortunately, I didn't name her, she came with the name. But I do think it's kind of endearing.

What gearing do you have? I would expect you to have 4.56. But if someone has swapped in something else it would sense for it to be a bit anemic. If you still have 4.56, then it might be time for a rebuild.

I enjoyed the 170 that was in my '66. It wasn't a powerhouse but it did scoot around well on 33s.

It's still 4.56. My dad said he remembers it having more pep than it does now. I think it is time for a rebuild. It would give me better peace of mind anyway, I just wanted to get some opinions before I started down that road.

[Jesus_man]

Needs a turbo! I know a guy in TX who put one on his bronco and it would keep up with some modded v8's. He called in "The buzzin' half dozen". Quite impressive, but hard to tune.

Realistically, when was the last tune-up? Do they make a TBI kit for it?

[BOBS 2 68S]

My 1968 1/2 cab had a 200 in it when I bought it. I rebuilt it had the head milled as much as was safe, added a long tube header and K&N air filter. Later I added a DUI Distributor,1:6 rockers, Rhodes lifters. I did change to a 3:50 gear before I started the hole build. After all that I pulled it and put in a 302. Classic Inlines has the best slection and they are Ford only. They also have dino numbers on their web site. ( saved me money on a 2bbl carb change. 5 hp not worth the money spent). Clifford performance has less and less parts for the small block Ford six. My 200 is a 1973 smog motor.

[colby45]

Needs a turbo! I know a guy in TX who put one on his bronco and it would keep up with some modded v8's. He called in "The buzzin' half dozen". Quite impressive, but hard to tune.

Realistically, when was the last tune-up? Do they make a TBI kit for it?

The buzzin' half dozen? I like the sound of that! Sounds like it might be outside of my skill range unfortunately even though that would be a fun project. I know the old six cylinder is no speed demon, I just want to make sure it's in decent running shape.

I did a full tune up on it in June, also rebuilt the carb in April when we originally got it running again. The tune up made a huge difference in power, it just still seems to be missing some off the top end. I came across a forum post last night that said leaky vacuum wipers can also rob the engine of some power. I might plug the vacuum lines at the engine and see if that is causing the power loss. I'm gonna do a compression test also and see what's going on. It's never been rebuilt so I don't have an issue getting it done if it needs it.

My 1968 1/2 cab had a 200 in it when I bought it. I rebuilt it had the head milled as much as was safe, added a long tube header and K&N air filter. Later I added a DUI Distributor,1:6 rockers, Rhodes lifters. I did change to a 3:50 gear before I started the hole build. After all that I pulled it and put in a 302. Classic Inlines has the best slection and they are Ford only. They also have dino numbers on their web site. ( saved me money on a 2bbl carb change. 5 hp not worth the money spent). Clifford performance has less and less parts for the small block Ford six. My 200 is a 1973 smog motor.

I ran across Classic Inlines last night. They do have an amazing selection of parts so I'm sure I'll become a customer there not too far in the future. I didn't see the dino numbers so I'll take a look at them today.

[hockeydad4-22]

Colby,

If you are going to do a full rebuild, and want to learn about them - there is probably no simpler engine than those early I-6s. Truthfully, I doubt there is a full rebuild in that engines near future - it has less than 20k original miles on it. however - it did sit for a very long time so who knows....

If it were not a classic survivor then you might consider a swap to a larger 6 (200s are plentiful and cheap - or even free if you want to pick them up). You might still consider it, then reinstall the original engine when it is rebuilt if that is what it actually needs. (oh boy - here goes the dreaded bronco creep)

[colby45]

I agree I can't think of a better engine to learn to rebuild. Seems to be as simple as they come. I unfortunately don't have the facility to do a rebuild so I think I would have to outsource that to a shop.

It does seem like low mileage for a rebuild but it was never very well cared for, and that was 17k hard plow miles. It runs great, doesn't smoke, and has decent oil pressure, it just seems to be missing a bit of top end power. Or maybe not I'm gonna try and plug vacuum lines and do a compression test for further troubleshooting before I'm convinced it needs a rebuild.

I've thought long and hard about an engine swap, even just temporarily, but I really enjoy I6 for light wheeling. The torque is great and the power is manageable. I think I will stick with it and I know it will never be quick, it's just a matter of ensuring it's in good working order and I can manage I think.

[sykanr0ng]

The 200 ci and the 250 ci inline sixes deserve a look though.

More power and more durability, while still looking original.

[colby45]

Well the thing is, it's a very very early '66, and it's almost completely original so I'm trying to keep everything together. Otherwise, I totally agree. I would have swapped for a bigger straight-6 or a V8 a long time ago.

[akaFrankCastle]

Colby, a 200 is going to occupy very similar space to what your 170 does and requires no mods, IIRC. You COULD go 200, put the 170 in storage, and if ever the restoration bug hits, put it back in the truck.

[Rox Crusher]

Rebuilding the 170 sounds like a fine idea

Not everybody needs a 428 super cobra jet

[colby45]

Colby, a 200 is going to occupy very similar space to what your 170 does and requires no mods, IIRC. You COULD go 200, put the 170 in storage, and if ever the restoration bug hits, put it back in the truck.

That's a great point. I'd love to swap for a 200 temporarily, but I don't have any space to store an extra engine. I might be able to swing space to do a rebuild, but only for a short time. I think that would be a great project for the future though!

Rebuilding the 170 sounds like a fine idea

Not everybody needs a 428 super cobra jet

Also a good point. Should be fun, and I've never rebuilt an engine before, so I think it could be a great first project.

[hockeydad4-22]

That little 170, you have plenty of space for it.

Drain it, clean it up well, paint it purty and I will cut you a piece of glass

Voila

Coffee table.

[Justin]

Thanks. Now I want a '66 170 coffee table.

[colby45]

Now that is a great idea! Might be tough to sneak past my girlfriend though. Her and my Bronco are already not friends....

[sykanr0ng]

Only a few could tell that it isn't a 170 if you put in a 250, and even fewer if you put in a 200.

How far do you want to take "original"?

The 170 wasn't really adequate for the roads and traffic 50 years ago, much less today.

Drive it?

Or trailer it to shows?

[colby45]

Only a few could tell that it isn't a 170 if you put in a 250, and even fewer if you put in a 200.

How far do you want to take "original"?

It's an early 1966 that's 95% original, so it's not how far do I want to take it, it's already there. I just don't feel the need to destroy that, as I feel it has some uniqueness to it that makes it pretty cool. Plus I grew up with it that way, so it makes me happy to keep it the way I remember it always being. It's not about being able to say it's original, or showing it or anything, it's about sentimental value.

The 170 wasn't really adequate for the roads and traffic 50 years ago, much less today.

Drive it?

Or trailer it to shows?

Oh its definitely adequate by today's standards. Not the quickest thing out there, but totally drive-able. I mill around in it all the time. It keeps pace well enough that I don't have a problem driving it anywhere. My point in posting this question was just to make sure it's in good working order, not that I am dissatisfied with the power it has.

[casadejohnson]

My 66 is also an early one but it was bastardized before I got it so I don't feel obligated to keep it 100% original. I did he disc brake conversion, added power steering, swapped the 170 for a 200, and put a C4 behind it. The next plan for mine is EFI and force-fed air. With that said, I could roll 70MPH with the stock 170 and that was with very poor compression. I could not leave the Bronco in my driveway without using the parking brake because it would roll away in 1st Gear! One thing to consider with regards to making the move to a 200 is that 99% of people won't know its not original. The two look almost exactly the same except for the number of freeze plugs in the side of the block. I keep all of my original parts just in case I ever decide to return the Bronco to her original 66 U13 glory .

[hockeydad4-22]

My 66 is also an early one but it was bastardized before I got it so I don't feel obligated to keep it 100% original. I did he disc brake conversion, added power steering, swapped the 170 for a 200, and put a C4 behind it. The next plan for mine is EFI and force-fed air. With that said, I could roll 70MPH with the stock 170 and that was with very poor compression. I could not leave the Bronco in my driveway without using the parking brake because it would roll away in 1st Gear! One thing to consider with regards to making the move to a 200 is that 99% of people won't know its not original. The two look almost exactly the same except for the number of freeze plugs in the side of the block. I keep all of my original parts just in case I ever decide to return the Bronco to her original 66 U13 glory .

Jeremy - simply admit it.

You keep all your original parts because you are a bronco hoarder too. Welcome to the club.

Colby - you might as well get used to it, you are going to need to find a place to store that 170 because I doubt we are going to let this go all that easily. Actually I am very surprised that nobody has posted up any 200's for sale (or give away) yet.

[casadejohnson]

I can justify anything


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[colby45]

It would be cool to have a 200. But between the nostalgia and lack of space, I'm gonna work with the 170 a bit more and see if I can't get it running a bit better.

Really except for a missing back bumper and cut rear fenders, mine is stock so I think that's pretty cool. I drove it yesterday. On flat road I can get it up to 60, possibly 65 or so. It's just up hills where I have issues. I'm seriously thinking it's a vacuum leak robbing it of power. I keep saying I will do a compression test and find out and I haven't had the time, but this weekend I am going to do some bumper mount repair and do the compression test because I really would just like to know. I'll be on vacation and hunting for the next two weeks after that so this might be my last shot before the weather gets cold. I'll let you guys know what I find out.

[casadejohnson]

I know your wanting to stay stock but the ignition system is a weak spot. The 66 had a "Load O Matic" setup. Basically, you have a distributor that is controlled by metered vacuum signal from from a "Spark Control valve" in the carb. Its an awful system. If you were to swap the carb for a later autolite 1100 and use a duraspark ignition from a later 170/200 I can promise you that you will notice a difference. If your not comfortable making those changes, at least get a copy of The Ford Falcon Six Cylinder Performance Handbook . It is full of tips to maximize the power from your straight 6

http://www.amazon.com/Ford-Falcon-Cylin ... op?ie=UTF8

Thats a link to it on amazon.

[colby45]

That could be a good improvement. I don't mind doing making that change as I can store the original parts pretty efficiently and reverse them in the future if I ever felt the need. I ordered a copy of that book also, just to gain some more insight into the 170 and how I can make it better. Thanks for the suggestions!

I unfortunately didn't get a chance to play with the vacuum lines or test the compression this weekend, but if the weather is still nice in a few weeks I will try and do that. I did inspect the vacuum lines to the wipers and noticed a few dry rotted cracks, which look like great places for leaks to be happening. So that is definitely not helping the situation. I'll dig deeper into things and see what I can find when I have time.

I'll keep the 200 in the back of my mind as an option though. I've been mulling it over and considering I don't see a major restoration happening in the near future, making it a little more drive-able might be nice and a swap for a 200 sounds relatively painless. Then I could rebuild the 170 and still have some fun in the Bronco!

[casadejohnson]

pssst! Chebby disc brakes work on a dana 30 and Power steering is Mucho Nice and not very difficult.

[hockeydad4-22]

That could be a good improvement. I don't mind doing making that change as I can store the original parts pretty efficiently and reverse them in the future if I ever felt the need. I ordered a copy of that book also, just to gain some more insight into the 170 and how I can make it better. Thanks for the suggestions!

I unfortunately didn't get a chance to play with the vacuum lines or test the compression this weekend, but if the weather is still nice in a few weeks I will try and do that. I did inspect the vacuum lines to the wipers and noticed a few dry rotted cracks, which look like great places for leaks to be happening. So that is definitely not helping the situation. I'll dig deeper into things and see what I can find when I have time.

I'll keep the 200 in the back of my mind as an option though. I've been mulling it over and considering I don't see a major restoration happening in the near future, making it a little more drive-able might be nice and a swap for a 200 sounds relatively painless. Then I could rebuild the 170 and still have some fun in the Bronco!

And this is how it starts... Next thing you know, you have 3 broncos, all in different states of (dis)repair and your SO thinks it would be better if you had a GF on the side instead because it would be less expensive and time consuming

Welcome to the team Colby, welcome to the team.

[Justin]

Wait, I've logged a ton of time and money on the Bronco. When exactly does my wife encourage the hot girlfriend?

[hockeydad4-22]

Wait, I've logged a ton of time and money on the Bronco. When exactly does my wife encourage the hot girlfriend?

Justin, your situation is different, your wife bought you yours as a gift, she just wanted you out of her hair.

[Justin]

Damn, I knew there was a catch.