Looking for feedback from the 6 cyl. owners

[rdv350]

As I mentioned in another thread I am looking for my first early bronco. My ideal setup would be a 302 with a 3 spd. on the floor. I have been set on getting a v8, but I am now thinking about settling for 6 cyl. and swapping out a v8 later. But I want to know what you guys think about the 6cyl motors. Do they have a fair amount of power to them? How well do they handle larger tires like 33s? And can the the 3 spds. be converted to the floor? I could only find floor conversion kits for v8 models?

Thanks

 

[Scoop]

Don't be afraid to get 6. There are a lot of 6 cylinder trail rigs that do awesome. The 6's come with great gearing - mine is factory stock with 4.56's. A 200 is a bolt in upgrade and does add some zip over the 170. But don't expect blinding acceleration or a high top end even with the 200. My 66 is really screaming at speeds above 65, but it will do 75 or more if you need to.

Yes you can convert to floor shift - which I have done. It really makes it more fun to drive - IMHO. You need to buy the V8 kit and cut down the shift rods about 2 inches (the instructions should tell you the exact amount). I bought a used Duffy shifter and just eyeballed it.

 

[Pa PITT]

no sorry: with the questions you have ..you need a V8 and NP435 for the size tire your talking about ....You'll just be that much happerier come drive mine.
...Don't waste the money for the floor shifter.. for not much more you can have the np435 installed ..
MY running buddy ran a 6 cyl for years but he is now changing to a V8..

 

[AWS]

My son Matt has a 66 170ci with 4.88rp and 36" swampers and he drives it back and forth from St. Louis and the Fawl Crawl. He pushes it pretty hard and never broke any of the original drivetrain, but has since broken 1 rear bb axle and 2 front 44's that we installed last year from a 76.
Steve

 

[bigjhoov]

I run a 200 with 35" Swampers, NP435, and 5.13's. Don't be afraid of them they are great motors.

 

[Bronco Brian]

I had a I6 170 then a 250. I ran 35 with 4.10 and a NP 435 ( agree with Papitt go NP 435 )Then I Got a hot idea to go 5.0 not very happy with my set up now. miss my I6

 

[66Gasgrill]

I'm running a propane injected 200 with an Np435, 4.88's and 37's. I love it. You get a lot of funny looks when you tell someone whats under the hood;D


Oh as far as power goes mine has enough that its broke 2 front u joints, and 4 or 5 front axle shafts. got yukons now we'll see if it can break them.