Best Engine to swap in

[rgrieser6]

Howdy howdy y'all,

My grandpa has a 66 half cab Bronco we are trying to get going again while I'm on christmas break. It's been sitting for since 1998 in a barn on concrete, so at least the frame is solid. It's bone stock otherwise.

It got parked due to being old, but also running poorly. The transmission was fine when it last ran, no electrical issues either. It hasn't been started since it got parked. We have a pretty good idea of what needs to be done to have it rolling again, but have one lingering question.

I am kind of wanting to drop a new engine in it [possibly a transmission if need be]; the stock 6 cylinder was underpowered, and if this one runs poorly, I don't really want to waste my time on it. Are there any suggestions as to what would require the least amount of modification to the existing motor mounts but still perform decently? Added bonus if it works with the existing transmission in the truck.

I would like to keep it a Ford truck but am open to Chevy engines if that is the best option.

Thanks in advance

 

[thegreatjustino]

Are there any suggestions as to what would require the least amount of modification to the existing motor mounts but still perform decently?

Go get an era correct 200 to replace the 170. Anything other than that is going to require modifications to the motor mounts on the frame or to parts of the engine - the 250 will bolt to the mounts, but will require oil pan & other modifications. The 200 is a straight bolt in and the extra 30 cubic inches does make a noticeable difference.

 

[bmc69]

Had a 250 swapped in to a '69 and it was pretty strong running. But as Justino noted, there are fitment issues; the 250 has same bell housing pattern as the 289/302 for example, and its taller than the 170/200 engines. I ran a Duff hood bubble on mine to clear an air cleaner. Clifford makes some parts that will help make a 200 run pretty snappy.

 

[Broncobowsher]

The only options that will "bolt in" would be another 170 or a 200. Anything else will require modifications.
With the '66 you don't want to try and transplant the distributor or carb. They were the odd load-o-matic design. Nobody else used it and even Ford gave up on the idea. I would do a 200 and some research on how to make them run good. Take the whole 170 and crate it up and put it in storage.

 

[okie4570]

Rebuild your carb and go from there, rebuild kits are cheap and can be found at any parts store.

 

[bmbm]

200 with DSII and upgrade carb. See fordsix.com

 

[bronkenn]

I would like to keep it a Ford truck but am open to Chevy engines if that is the best option.

Thanks in advance

Why if I had a rubber hose...

 

[Broncobowsher]

Why if I had a rubber hose...

There is probably a dry rotted one on the 170

 

[SteveL]

Bite the bullet and find a 351w.

 

[Timmy390]

200 with DSII and upgrade carb. See fordsix.com

This ^^^^^^^

Moving away from the 6 is a major project. Lots of things need to be changed and the 6 trans adaptor will not work with a v8

I'm not saying don't go V8 but make sure you know what you're getting into. You will need to cut off the old engine mounts and weld in new ones in the correct spot and that's just to start the project. Radiator, front dress, trans to T-case adaptor, drive shafts and as I recall trans mount. I'm sure there are a few things I missed

Tim

 

[Speedrdr]

The 72 I used to have had been upgraded from a 170 to a 200. Because it had 411 gears in the diffs it had plenty of power in the MS Delta (flat land) even running 37s. However, when I move to the hills, the engine just didn’t do well. I found a 302 from a wrecked EB that had the transmission and transfer case and bracket together. It was a major ordeal for the swap. Like @timmy said, it can be done, but it’s not just gonna be snatch the 170 out and drop a 302 in.

Randy

 

[Broncobowsher]

Bite the bullet and find a 351w.

Perfect choice, once you commit to cutting the motor mount towers off the frame and go full V8 swap.

For a no modification bolt in swap, 200 is the best it gets.

 

[bmbm]

A 250 will require a bit more work but in my opinion is worth it.

 

[stupidboy]

I want to do a Cummins 4bt with a turbo and 3 speed column shift.

 

[Broncobowsher]

I want to do a Cummins 4bt with a turbo and 3 speed column shift.

That sounds pretty horrible to me. Narrow RPM window with limited gearing. All wrapped up in a loud and shaky package.

 

[stupidboy]

That sounds pretty horrible to me. Narrow RPM window with limited gearing. All wrapped up in a loud and shaky package.

You just ruined it for me

 

[bulletpruf]

Whatever you do, PLEASE do not put a Shivverlay motor in it. There's simply no need to.

 

[Rustytruck]

i vote for the 351 too if your going to swap engines might as well do it right.