IH 966 MORE POWER!!!

When I overhauled my 966, I swapped out the 414 crank for a 436 crank and ordered in the 436 piston kit. My block was drilled for the oil passages for the bottom of the pistons, so I opened them up (if I remember correctly, you just need to knock out a little steel ball) for the additional cooling. There is also a difference in the heads, but I left my original on. I added a 1066 turbo, fuel tank, air filter, and right hood side. I put in a 1466 radiator, flywheel, and clutch (add the hydraulic assist option if you have the tractor under a loader) and possibly some other parts that I don’t remember.

Now, with these modifications you can open the pump and get 150 plus HP out of that engine easy enough if you want, but don’t expect the tractor to hold together if you do. I did not open up the pump, as I was going for more economy for light loads at high RPM, and more lugging power at lower RPM and got both and am very satisfied with my results. The modifications made it a whole different tractor for doing loader work and other light high RPM work. The longer stroke was really noticeable when running the tractor on the silage cutter.

My 2 cents…

I'd say go buy yourself a larger tractor. You are now playing with 30 year old iron. My 560 went for scrap at 17 years. At 30 years old your 966 will do that at an accellerated rate. Yes maybe as quick as one good 10 hour day.

My advice, be content to work them as they were rated new, they will serve you well.

Or a 1466. They darned near give those old things away anymore.

Allan

Fuel only goes so far, though. Without enough air, all you'll do is make lots and lots of black smoke, and very little additional power.

I would expect the tractor to top out at around 120-130HP without a turbo.

Waste of time and money in my opinion,

Allan