Debating an I6 to V8 swap...

[John_parkeriv]

I've been considering switching my stock 170 I6 to a 351w or 302 V8 for a while. (Not an LS or a coyote because there areprobably more dang broncos with coyotes than mustangs at this point and I don't want to deal with all the EFI junk.) The I6 still runs fine, but I'm looking at making my Bronco into more of a daily driver...

On one hand I want to keep the I6 because it adds a little bit of uniqueness to my Bronco, as broncos with stock I6's are becoming extremely hand to find. On the other hand, the I6 gets worse mileage than most V8's and while great for around town cruising, doesn't seem very useful at highway speed. Is there a way to make the 170 better at highway speed, and if not what other mods are required for a V8 swap? Bigger fuel pump? Upgraded transmission?

 

[ared77]

Good info here -
https://fordsix.com

 

[BOBS 2 68S]

I upgraded to pertronix ignition, Long tube headers, K&N air filter Mobil 1 oil and 3:50 gearing. It would run 75 all day long, but with it ran hot and a head wind would suck the life out. I drove it daily to work 55 miles round trip. I had to fill up once a week {2 tanks)
In the end I changed to a 302.

 

[elan]

If it is stock and has not met up with a Sawzall then I wouldn't be modifying it. But that's me...people expect more out of these tin boxes than they were designed.

 

[okie4570]

Sell it to someone who wants a pretty complete and stock 66......modify or buy one of the other years with a v8, you'll be ahead in the end.

 

[Apogee]

I don't worry too much about what others think, but mine was cut up when I got it 20 years ago. That said, what brings you more smiles? Is it what's under the hood or is the EB itself, or are the two one and the same? I have a 351W in mine, and it's just fun to drive...it gets up and goes and it's never at a loss to flow with traffic, which makes it less stressful in town and on the highway.

 

[Timmy390]

Many many have been converted to V8......It's about what you want. I think you have to change everything from the core support back to the axle with the swap. That's not to say it's hard just parts.....

While I have a Bronco with a 351W and love it. I also love driving my 1.3L Samurai with 4.5 inches of lift and 32's. With stock gears it can only go 55mph and if it's windy? FORGETABOUTIT......I try to avoid hills at all cost...

I don't drive either on the highway. Just around town and country back roads.

Tim

 

[sprdv1]

All about preference.. Make it yours.. Lots have converted to V8 for sure

 

[bmbm]

v8 swap

To be useful at highway speeds even with a v8 you will need different ratios for your axles otherwise still revving pretty high with you 4:11 gears.
Rust for weight reduction, never thought about it like that hahahahaha. So it is actually a benefit!

 

[Timmy390]

To be useful at highway speeds even with a v8 you will need different ratios for your axles otherwise still revving pretty high with you 4:11 gears.
Rust for weight reduction, never thought about it like that hahahahaha. So it is actually a benefit!

4.11's will be fine depending on size of tire and transmission but yeah that's another factor to consider when deciding on what to run. Wasn't 4.56 a factory gear option with the I-6's? Maybe verify ratio before targeting tires and trans.

Then there is cam choice and torque band and rpm to consider.

Rabbit hole alert lol.

Tim