Replacing 170 straight six with 351W - What do I keep?

[sixtynine]

I have a rust bucket '69 Bronco with a 170 straight 6. It has the three speed tranny and a 4:11 rear end. I plan to replace it with a 351W and am considering putting a 5-speed tranny behind it. What is the best overall tranny to put behind it? Are there any tech writeups on this swap? I would just like to get an idea of what I am getting into.

Thanks,

Jeff

 

[grauerfam]

Jeff, the 351W is a great choice, lots of low end power. As for a 5 speed, there are two paths to take; daily driver/ light wheelin - NV3550, or heavy duty/ radical wheelin - NV4500 or the ZF. Check the tech section for more info.

 

[BlackHorse]

As for the what do I keep part the answer is just about nothing. Let's see don't keep the
radiator
motor;D
trans/bell housing
frame welded motor mounts
flywheel/clutch
trans adapter

You can keep that frame mounted clutch pivot deal it's the same on the V8.
You'll like the 351.

 

[sixtynine]

Thanks!

That's more or less what I thought. I figured that I would be replacing everything. I'll be on the lookout for either an NV3550 or NV4500. I'll probably just get whatever I can pick up locally or most inexpensively.

Thanks again,

Jeff

 

[Cactus killer]

If you go with the ZF you can take that too the ZF has a hydraulic clutch.

You can keep that frame mounted clutch pivot deal it's the same on the V8.
You'll like the 351.[/QUOTE]

 

[sixtynine]

ZF as a replacement tranny

I like the ZF and it would be my first choice if is was equivalent in price and complexity to install to the NV4500, but from what I have read, the ZF is much more difficult and more expensive and also heavier. Any thoughts on this? I am just nervous about sinking money into this Bronco and it possibly becoming too expensive to finish because of all the things I have to add or change. I can just imagine that the shopping list never ends.

I have considered getting that '76 Bronco on eBay with no title (but power steering and front disks!) and just rebuilding the 302 in it and keeping the 3-speed and using the title from my rust bucket. I could probably get it for less than a grand and have it trucked down to Florida for about $400. That would be extremely difficult to explain to my wife however!

I appreciate all the help!

Jeff