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Straight 6

66 1/2 cab

Newbie
Joined
Mar 15, 2018
Messages
44
I have a early 66 sept.build 1/2 cab. I have a straight 6/170 cid.mostly original except the front driver side 1/4 panel. Have 66 tailgate 66 bumpers 66 wipers bench seat. I would like more power. Thinking to replace my 170 for a 200 or 300. Looking into short blocks. Just wondering and need thoughts.
Thanks
 

sykanr0ng

Bronco Guru
Joined
Aug 11, 2014
Messages
5,363
I would look at using a 250 instead of a 300, the 250 is basically a taller 200 and needs less work to fit into a Bronco.
 

bmbm

Sr. Member
Joined
Jun 16, 2007
Messages
575
200, 250 or 300

Check out fordsix.com for info on swapping sixes and performance mods. The 200 is an easy swap, the 250 is reasonably easy and the 300 requires a lot of work.
Nice Bronco you have.
 

blubuckaroo

Grease Monkey
Joined
Jun 11, 2007
Messages
11,795
Loc.
Ridgefield WA
There has been a bit of confusion about Ford's inline six families.
The 144, 170, 200, and 250 are in the same family, anf the heads are interchangeable.
The 240 and 300 inline six are in the same family and are quite large. They are mostly used in trucks.

You would think the 250 would be larger than a 240, but no. The 240 is smaller in displacement but considerably larger and heavier.
 
OP
OP
6

66 1/2 cab

Newbie
Joined
Mar 15, 2018
Messages
44
Where do i start looking for 250. Remaufactured or do I finger one and have that one remaufactured ?
 

bmbm

Sr. Member
Joined
Jun 16, 2007
Messages
575
250

I got my last 250 at picnpul. Prior to that I put an ad on CL wanted section and some guy called within a few days. That one is in my Bronco now and runs great.
Plus the really great thing about the 250 is that it has the sbf bell pattern so you can select from more trans options.
 

stout22

Contributor
Bronco Guru
Joined
Dec 13, 2006
Messages
2,692
Loc.
Athens, AL
The 200 would be a drop in but the 250 will require a little work. Like stated the 250 is a taller block. Because it's taller, hood clearance becomes an issue. I found a 250 out of a Maverick.
I used maverick motor mounts because they are lower profile and helped some with the hood clearance. I also did a 1.25" body lift.
The pluses on the 250 are the sbf bell housing so you have choice of V8 transmissions. Also I robbed the PS and electronic ignition off the Maverick.
I have a PS, PDB, electronic ignition 6 cylinder with good power.
 

B RON CO

Contributor
Bronco Guru
Joined
Jun 29, 2016
Messages
2,413
Loc.
Statesville, NC
Hi, X2 on fordsix.com. If you want to keep the Bronco more original, a later year 200 will be a good match. The early carbs and intake manifold openings are smaller, and the ignition is an old fashioned Load-o-matic. The later stuff is a lot better.
As mentioned, there is nothing wrong with the 250.
I would probably go with the best engine you can find whether it is the 200 or 250, but remember, the oil pan, oil pick up, and other Bronco only parts from the 170 will work on the 200, but maybe not on the 250.
Get the Ford Falcon Performance Handbook from Vintage Inlines and come up with a plan before spending any money.
Good luck
 

Nevadasmith

Full Member
Joined
Apr 30, 2016
Messages
182
Loc.
Fallon, Nv
also there are 3-4 different bellhousings in the falcon 6 family, vintage inlines has the Falcon 6 book its worth the $25, Good luck
 
OP
OP
6

66 1/2 cab

Newbie
Joined
Mar 15, 2018
Messages
44
Would the 200 give more power just not getting up to speed around town with the 170 or would the 1” body lift be good enough for the 250
 

bmbm

Sr. Member
Joined
Jun 16, 2007
Messages
575
200, 250 or 300

I have a 1" bl and slotted the motor mounts a bit to lower the 250 but may not have needed to slot the mounts. I have no hood clearance problems with the stock Carter carb and drop base air filter. The front diff and oil pan will not have a lot of clearance but has not been a problem for me.
As stated before if you happen across a 200 in good running condition you could run that until you found a 250 because the 200 is a simple swap and the 250 is sometimes a bit harder to find. Just a few mods will give you a nice running 200 and you might decide it is good enough.
 

bmbm

Sr. Member
Joined
Jun 16, 2007
Messages
575
200, 250 or 300

I use my original 170 radiator in northern NV and have not overheated but I have not used it in stop and go traffic in hot weather. The starter should work.
 

stout22

Contributor
Bronco Guru
Joined
Dec 13, 2006
Messages
2,692
Loc.
Athens, AL
Your original radiator is a 6 cylinder radiator - works for the 170, 200, and 250.
The 1" BL should be good enough it was on mine till I had to replace the factory hood with a new production. The new hood was just enough different that it hit my air cleaner.
250 is kind-of like a stroked 200. It's the same length but taller.
 
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