to 6 or not to 6

raharr3 · Oct 1, 2003

I have just bought a 1967 Bronco with a 170 engine with a three speed on the floor.
Now for the question.

Can I upgrade to a c4 and keep my 170 untill it dies or do i have to upgrade to a V8 to take the c4?

broncnaz · Oct 1, 2003

I believe you will have to upgrade to a V8 the only straight six with the same bell housing pattern as a 289-351w/c is the 300 straight 6 But you may be able to find a C-4 that will work or at least a bellhousing in some cars that had the 170-200 straight 6 try looking at pinto's,mustangs,mavaricks, ranchero's ect. you may find what your looking for just remember you'll need the engine plate, flexplate and torque converter to

broncolove · Oct 1, 2003

86 the 6 if your wanting to upgrade to a 8 in the future. You can get all the stuff to upgrade to a 8 easier than you will locate the stuff for the 6. Just do it all at once Save the time Cash and labor for the 8cyl;D

Broncobowsher · Oct 2, 2003

It could be done. Use a C4 bellhousing for a 6 and a bronco transfer case adaptor. The problem would be that the transfer case must be relocated back about 3 inches. Toss in a couple of new drivelines and a body lift since the transfer case will now hit the body. Cut a new hole in the floor because the T-case shifter just moved back about 3 inches as well.

It is possible, but really not practical. Just swap in everything at once.

BwoncoHowie · Oct 2, 2003

Broncobowsher said:
It could be done. Use a C4 bellhousing for a 6 and a bronco transfer case adaptor. The problem would be that the transfer case must be relocated back about 3 inches. Toss in a couple of new drivelines and a body lift since the transfer case will now hit the body. Cut a new hole in the floor because the T-case shifter just moved back about 3 inches as well.

It is possible, but really not practical. Just swap in everything at once.

I agree with bowsher. One thing I would like to add is that you will be running a CAR type C-4 bell housing that uses the pump bolts to attach the bell housing to the trans. This setup is not as strong for units that have to support the extra weight of the transfer case. Not that a six with an auto wouldnt be trick. It's just that if your ultimate goal is a V8, then it would be more practical and cost effective to leave your drivetrain the way it is till you are ready to do the V8 transplant.
~BH

thumping · Oct 2, 2003

You guys seem to be forgetting about the 250 6cy which is the same bell housing as the 170. Many early Mustangs and Mavericks had 250 6cys. Clifford’s research and development has many after market high performance parts for a 6cy. I would consider upping the cubic inch with the 250 and run a T5 trans. I had a 66 with a 170 and now I have a 73 with a V8. I really miss the gas mileage and the simplicity of the 170. Heck, some black tape and bailing wire is about all that is needed to make one run. ;D

Broncobowsher · Oct 2, 2003

My knoweldge of the C4 is a little limited, give me the 4R70W anyday...

I wasn't saying that it couldn't be done. The 250 swap would be a good idea. Those extra cubes would surly be appriciated, especially with anything over a stock size tire.

I like straight 6 engines. There is a nice RB26DETT I drove a few years ago that really impressed me. Bone stock and the rev limiter was at 8300. The turbos (2 of them) really added a lot above 5000. Not exactly what I consider a perfect Bronco engine, but amazing for someone who learned to drive on a 225 slant 6, 3 on the tree Plymouth.

Any way you try to put an automatic behind the 6, you will still have the problem I mentioned earlier about having to relocate the transfer case back.

feitctaj · Oct 2, 2003

thumping said:
You guys seem to be forgetting about the 250 6cy which is the same bell housing as the 170. Many early Mustangs and Mavericks had 250 6cys. Clifford’s research and development has many after market high performance parts for a 6cy. I would consider upping the cubic inch with the 250 and run a T5 trans. I had a 66 with a 170 and now I have a 73 with a V8. I really miss the gas mileage and the simplicity of the 170. Heck, some black tape and bailing wire is about all that is needed to make one run. ;D

I need to disagree with you. Sorry. I spent 10 years trying to go the cheep way and use 170, 200, 250. I scattered 4 different motors before I wised up and went with a 302. The parts from Cliffords, will give you more power but to upgrade to a 250 will barely be an increase in power. The 250's were so bad with low compression and could not be helped. They had the small quench area and that a 200 from the 60's would be close to the same , maybe a little less power! I built 4 of them and the 200 with the large quench area was close to the same power of a 250. Still, the barrel manifold is such a handicap for the 144, 170, 200, 250, along with the weak lower end, makes them a turd that can't be polished.

Unregistered · Oct 3, 2003

I had a 68 Mustang in high school with a 250 6cy and I wanted a V8. My father said the 6 would stay until it blew up. Short of draining the oil, I tried my best and it would not let go. My uncle has the car today (15 years later) and it still has that same old 250...and still running fine. Dad now has a 69 with a 250 and it seems to be as dependable as the 68. I'm not saying the 250 is a neck snapper by any means...but they are extremely dependable.

feitctaj · Oct 3, 2003

Unregistered said:
I had a 68 Mustang in high school with a 250 6cy and I wanted a V8. My father said the 6 would stay until it blew up. Short of draining the oil, I tried my best and it would not let go. My uncle has the car today (15 years later) and it still has that same old 250...and still running fine. Dad now has a 69 with a 250 and it seems to be as dependable as the 68. I'm not saying the 250 is a neck snapper by any means...but they are extremely dependable.

You are probably right , in a Mustang, the 250 my be ok, But if it is in a EB, it will be more trouble than it is worth. The 250 has very little low end. The 240 has more low end, and I belive that this gentleman is going to swap to a 302 eventually. The 250 is not the solution to the problem. I am still scrounging to get rid of the 6 banger parts that are infested in my garage. There is a reason for the lack of interest in these parts. Ford made a mistake and did not use the 240 or the 300 as a EB 6 cyl.

raharr3 · Oct 6, 2003

Thank you all for your replies.
I will just do the 6 to 8 swap and AT all at once as suggested;D

to 6 or not to 6

raharr3

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broncnaz

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broncolove

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Broncobowsher

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BwoncoHowie

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thumping

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Broncobowsher

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feitctaj

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Unregistered

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feitctaj

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raharr3

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