Reconditioning an XM 170 - questions

[ken]

Hi all,

AM new to this list but am hoping someone would be generous with advice. I have an XM ute with (I think) a 170. The motor has been reconditioned at some stage but is due again for major surgery. I figure the easy option is to pull out this motor and hand it over to someone who knows what they are doing. My questions:

The VIN codes show that this car should have a 170 in it, but how do I check that that's what my current engine actually is?

If I am reconditioning/rebuilding, can it be 'upgraded' to a 200 equivalent or something similar? And if it can, is this a good idea?

Are there any other options/mods I should be thinking about at this stage?

Are there any engine reconditioners/mechanics in Brisbane I should talk to/trust?

Note that I'm wanting a solid reliable ute that drives well - this is not a race-car. One last question -

The ute has a three-speed column-shift with no synchro on 1st. I guess I would like to upgrade to a full-sychro box. Auto would be nice, but I hear that the 1964 auto's are a bit primative (if you can find one) and that with any conversion I need to be careful about the small tunnells in the XM's - so I figure that would all get too complicated. At this stage I think I will just sort the engine out and then deal with the gearbox next. Is that a good idea or am I missing the chance to do something good if deal with the engine and gearbox at the same time?

Thanks in advance,
kr

[redxm]

You can put a 200 in as they came out with them as an option. Its more than likely you have the narrow block 170. Finding a narrow block 200 will be close to impossible. The later model (XR, XY etc) 200's are a different beast and are a bit taller if I remember correctly but will fit with a bit of persausion. Ive managed to squeeze a 170 and Borg Warner 35 Auto into my XM, I had to enlarge the opening of the tunnel a bit but a couple of hours with a porta power and it was done. I did have the engine in and out a couple of times to test fit it.
I wouldnt bother with the 2 speed autos, find a BW35 and fit that, the later model all synchro manuals are bigger and need custom mounts. Manual to auto is an easy conversion if you have all the bits, Hardest thing to find is the honey pots, but they are available repro for about $90

Bear in mind you will have to change the coloum and the shift tubes to an auto, and 2spd and 3 spd are different. Have a look at this site to explain it better

http://stormloader.com/falconccwa/columnhint.htm

[fat289]

What year model is your XM ?
64 will have the small trans tunnel
65 will have the large trans tunnel
If its a 65 you'll be able to fit a 250 & B/W 35 easily with no mods to the body
Ute's already have large drum brakes with 2 1/8" pads - larger than XY drums so it will still stop ok with the bigger engine.

[ken]

Thanks redXM - will take a good look at that link.

fat 289 - I think it's a Feb '65 built in Brisbane (have just noticed the VIN code decoder in the tech section so will double-check). That said - I once took a look under the bonnet of an XP and the tunnel in the XP 'looked' bigger than mine. Is there any way of telling more definatively?

thanks again, kr

[fat289]

Have a look at how much room you have around your bellhousing , if it's a large tunnel your bellhousing should look realy small in comparison to the tunnel

[9triton]

if you read red xm's link re the west aust falcon site - it tells you how to check big or small tunnels - its to do with how the hi beam floor switch is mounted:

on the tunnel is big

on the floor is small

brett

melb