170cid i6?

[Schloer2]

I am new to the EB world and looking to purchase my first. I was hoping some of you could give me your thoughts on the 170 CID I-6 engine. Is it powerful enough for modern driving? Can it reach highway speeds with factory gearing?
Thanks,
Eric

 

[brianstrange]

Yes, no, maybe..... Proper gearing, tune and engine condition is key. After that, proper brake adjustments, and good wheel bearings will help minimize power loss. The bottom line is with a 170, you're most likely going to enjoy the ride in the right lane.

 

[dave67fd]

Absolutely. As long as it is in good mechanical condition and well tuned. They had a bit over 100 hp. Many opt for the 289 or 302 which yielded another 100 hp or so.

Edit: Brian, i guess ya beat me to it.

 

[Schloer2]

Thank you both for your thoughts. I will most likely be patient and wait for a good solid v8, but it is nice to know that the i6 is sufficient if a bargain shows up.

 

[thegreatjustino]

I have a bone stock '68 with a 170. I call it my baby bronco, and it is kind of fun and silly to drive. Top speed is about 70 and it's impossible to get up to highway speeds on an onramp. If you are looking for any kind of power or to haul anything, keep looking for a V8. Unless you have a sense of humor about it, a 170 is a terrible choice for a Bronco. The power to weight ratio is horrendous. Why Ford put a tiny Falcon engine in a truck is beyond me. A 250 or 300 would have been a much better choice.

 

[NC-Fordguy]

My 66 has a 170 and it will run hiway speed (65-70) all day long...stock gearing (4:10) with 235/75R15 tires.

I live in the coastal plain so things are relatively flat for terrain. A hilly area with lots of grades might be a different story to maintain 70 mph.

For a cruzin put put around rig the straight does ok.

One of the great things about the thriftpower sixes they run forever. The engines usually outlasts the bodies. The long block in mine has never been overhauled after 46 years.

I did replace the head when I bought as it had a split valve. I think that was more of an issue with unleaded gas and the lack of hardened valve seats.

 

[Revelation]

A 250 or 300 would have been a much better choice.

I can attest, the 300 should have been the motor of choice for the Bronco.

 

[Schloer2]

Thanks again. It is great that the Bronco community is so helpful...a huge part of the reason I am choosing the EB over the FJ40!

 

[ep67bro]

If you plan on keeping the bronco stock the 170 will do. But any bigger than stock tires, lift, or added weight will kill the speed and power of the 6cyl. If you want to go fast and do some mods find one with an 8cyl. The 6cyl was a dog in a falcon or mustang so add the weight of a bronco and there is your answer.

 

[bmbm]

170

I drove my 170 Bronco for years. It was a bit slow but for the way I used it mostly cruising around town with no top in the summer and thousands of miles on dirt roads in and around the Sierras camping and stuff. The only reason i replaced it was oil pressure kept decreasing worn bearings I guess no telling how many miles on it. I went with a used junk yard 200 cause it was a bolt in performance upgrade and then drove that for years till the overall condition of the vehicle reached a point where it needed everything. I always kept good brakes on it and tires and just drove the heck out of it.
In my opinion it is much better to find one with a v8 instead of converting from the 6. The v8 has plenty of power and it will be easier to sell it down the road if you decide to. If you go with a six go to fordsix.com for some interesting reading.

 

[dave67fd]

Of course don't let the motor deter you from finding a good survivor for the right price. If you find what you want in good condition it's easy to make the swap and V8's are readily available. Also good to look for the later models, Dana 44 front axle, PS, PB.

 

[bmc69]

FWIW..I drove a 250 I-6 EB as a daily driver for many years. Decent mileage..70 on the highway...