170 or 200

[CPT_DEE]

I have just purchased a 1966 Bronco and I am going to upgrade the in line 6 under the hood. It currently has a 170. Should I go ahead and try to get a 200 or just rebuild the 170? Is there a significant difference? This is my first vehicle restore and any pointers would be helpful. This Bronco will be used for moderate 4x4ing with the family and extensive road trips.

Thanks

Phil

 

[Bully Bob]

Auto Manufactures began de-rating engines in the early 70's

For example, '70 200 cid I-6 was rated 120 HP. In '75 it was rated 75 HP.

(I understand this was done for smog/emission law reasons)

Logic dictates the 30 cubes adds something...the 170 cid I-6 was rated 105 HP. in '70

They're both strong, torquey motors with 6 main bearings.

Check your block #....just right of the starter, it could already be a 200.

I really doubt there's any real "seat of the pants" noticable difference between the two.

Mine's a 200 with a 250 head & it's an ass-kicker out on the trails....but mostly because of the 456's in the pumpkins. (411's are better for hwy.)

fordsix.com

This site will give you a cross ref. for your block & head #'s

Your #'s will be C6CE or the like.

Sooooooo, to answer your question, I think I would fresh'n up the 170. (Unless, you live above 5000ft. level & your hwy. runs are all up-hill grades)

If, down the road, you run across a 200 for next to nothing.... then it's decision time.

HTH, /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />

Bob

 

[S_bolt19]

In all honesty, those I-6s are pretty bullet proof. They also probably get better gas mileage than a V8. Like Bob said, rebuild what you have and if at a later time you get the opportunity to swap in the 200, make the decision then. I know guys that have both I-6s and they say their avg. gas intake is about 1/3 less than what the V8 intake is, so with gas prices the way they are, and no end in sight anytime soon, I would go with what is economically condusive.