Turbocharging a ford i6 170
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Orly?
I'm sure there was a point in time where you didn't know everything. I didn't know it had three bearings. I don't know much about the Ford sixes but I don't think I'm an idiot.
Does everyone feel the same way about a turbo 200 or 250?
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ok a few things here, first the 170 has FOUR main bearings not three. granted it isnt the best set up with an inline engine, but it does well.
now on to turboing the 170;
1: first build the short block to handle the power. this means forged pistons, forged rods, and yes the factory forged steel rods frm the early motors will do nicely after polishing and shot peening, and adding stronger rods bolts from ARP. also balance and polish the crank.
2: prepare the head for turbo use as well, larger valves, port the valve pockets, install stainless steel valves and hardened seats and dont forget the ARP head studs.
3: turbo selection is important here, as well as whether you choose a draw through or blow through set up. you fuel system choice will also come into play here, carb or EFI. each has its pros and cons, let me know if you want me to elaborate on them. my choice if i decide to turbo my falcon 170 would be a blow through efi or a raw through carb set up. as for teh turbo itself, select one from an engine of similar size and base power out put, say the turbo from a stock early SVO mustang or tbird turbo coupe as these turbos would be a close match for the 170.
4: control your boost pressure. keep it no higher than about 10psi max boost pressure. that will push you poweres levels up pretty good and give you a safety margin for a daily driver.
5: installing a turbo isnt as hard as some make it out to be on an inline six, the stock exhaust manifold with a "J" pipe does a nice job. check this link for lots of good information on turbocharging the ford inline six;
now on to turboing the 170;
1: first build the short block to handle the power. this means forged pistons, forged rods, and yes the factory forged steel rods frm the early motors will do nicely after polishing and shot peening, and adding stronger rods bolts from ARP. also balance and polish the crank.
2: prepare the head for turbo use as well, larger valves, port the valve pockets, install stainless steel valves and hardened seats and dont forget the ARP head studs.
3: turbo selection is important here, as well as whether you choose a draw through or blow through set up. you fuel system choice will also come into play here, carb or EFI. each has its pros and cons, let me know if you want me to elaborate on them. my choice if i decide to turbo my falcon 170 would be a blow through efi or a raw through carb set up. as for teh turbo itself, select one from an engine of similar size and base power out put, say the turbo from a stock early SVO mustang or tbird turbo coupe as these turbos would be a close match for the 170.
4: control your boost pressure. keep it no higher than about 10psi max boost pressure. that will push you poweres levels up pretty good and give you a safety margin for a daily driver.
5: installing a turbo isnt as hard as some make it out to be on an inline six, the stock exhaust manifold with a "J" pipe does a nice job. check this link for lots of good information on turbocharging the ford inline six;
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This is true. He later did a very mild V8 swap on the same car and said that the V8 was just as fast and way more reliable than the turbo 6. If memory serves, it was cheaper too.
Engineering a lot it looks like, I mean I am stuck at home. Maybe time to design something lol
Stuff like this inspired me![]()
The rotsun was one of my inspirations, but of course they know much more than I do. It would require me to learn a lot more.
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1,628 Posts
Turbocharging design and controls have come light years since the Porsche 930 hit the streets. Just even in the last 15 years, building a good reliable turbo system is way easier today. Your biggest issue is going to be fueling with the log intake of the 170. It can be done, but you're going to need to keep the boost low. Almost to the point that it's not worth spending the cash and effort to gain 60-80hp.
If you're seriously considering it, check out The Turbo Forums There have been a few 170/200/250 build threads.
If you're seriously considering it, check out The Turbo Forums There have been a few 170/200/250 build threads.
Yea, I have heard of barra swaps and even wrote a post considering one, but the problem I feel like is getting parts in the states.
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1,628 Posts
How about swapping in a supercharged 3.8 V6 from a Thunderbird Super Coupe? The 3.8 V6's are plentiful and dirt cheap. If you blow up a stock one, who cares, spend another $700 on a junkyard engine and do it again. You can usually find complete blower kits for under a grand.
Still learning, eventually I will get there.
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22,653 Posts
I know the OP said 3, it's actually 4 main bearings. Now you take the old Ford Flathead V8. That had 3 main bearings and they would run nitro methane in them
Yea can you elaborate on Efi vs carb, I want to make a shopping list because some of this stuff I still want to learn but need to know what exactly I am dealing with so I can research it. i want to keep the boost on a safe level so I can get more power but at the same time have a fun daily driver so I will keep it kind of low. Thanks for all the info so far!ok a few things here, first the 170 has FOUR main bearings not three. granted it isnt the best set up with an inline engine, but it does well.
now on to turboing the 170;
1: first build the short block to handle the power. this means forged pistons, forged rods, and yes the factory forged steel rods frm the early motors will do nicely after polishing and shot peening, and adding stronger rods bolts from ARP. also balance and polish the crank.
2: prepare the head for turbo use as well, larger valves, port the valve pockets, install stainless steel valves and hardened seats and dont forget the ARP head studs.
3: turbo selection is important here, as well as whether you choose a draw through or blow through set up. you fuel system choice will also come into play here, carb or EFI. each has its pros and cons, let me know if you want me to elaborate on them. my choice if i decide to turbo my falcon 170 would be a blow through efi or a raw through carb set up. as for teh turbo itself, select one from an engine of similar size and base power out put, say the turbo from a stock early SVO mustang or tbird turbo coupe as these turbos would be a close match for the 170.
4: control your boost pressure. keep it no higher than about 10psi max boost pressure. that will push you poweres levels up pretty good and give you a safety margin for a daily driver.
5: installing a turbo isnt as hard as some make it out to be on an inline six, the stock exhaust manifold with a "J" pipe does a nice job. check this link for lots of good information on turbocharging the ford inline six;
Where would be a great place to find more info cause I am open to all suggestions, thanks though!
At the same time though, I want something unique and there are barely any of these builds. It would be a great learning experience and if I don't like it, I part it out and get a v8 stroker. I have a 289 just need to put it in if i choose to.
Yea, i don't plan on making a drag car, just a nice quick daily driver. I will give it some time to research.
If i could find that dude it would be great to ask him these questions since he has done it before.
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