D17 engine builds

My pulls for the year are all wrapped up, all said and done I think I did pretty good with a bone stock 17, that said my motor definitely needs a rebuild. Ended up getting the green light to build it as I want/can afford. I've been on a few different forums and have some ideas but I'd like to hear what builds everyone else has done and what HP was got. I'll be building for heavy weight, 7k and above, I believe up to 18k, dead sled, clay track. I'll be pulling transfer as well but I care more about the dead sled.

You can pull any class you like for a while....

https://imgur.com/a/8ed1wgw

I hope imgur is okay. I'll be adding more pictures and videos later in the day.

I can't imagine any pull sponsor allowing something like this to happen. I hate to be rude, but even this is absolutely dangerous (and a few other things).

David, could you explain the rational for using a D17 in a 16,000 pound class with higher HP... I would think you would be worried about the final drives, trans, clutch, besides the engine...  Why would one not use a D19 or D21, etc ??

Edited by steve(ill) - 25 Aug 2025 at 6:59pm

Were always worried about breaking some components. It really boils down to we just want to, things will wear out and break but so far neither I or any of my cousins or uncles that pull Allis have seen a d17 break when pulling. I couldn't tell you exact weights of tractor but offer the past 8 years there's been a d17 loaded to 14k-17k for our "king of the mountain" class.

The reason for the tractor model being a d17 and not a 19 or 21 id because the club I'm has a year limit, 1960 and older. The rules are pretty relaxed and basically boil down to "the tractor must appear stock". No motor swaps that weren't available at the time, to turbos, no injection unless a factory diesel motor.

What you do inside the block and transmission is essentially up to you.

That's the thought process behind wanting to build a 17. In my experience (4 years) and my uncle's who got me into this (12 years). A d17, even a series 1 has yet to have any issues that weren't clutch or motor related.
I know it can and will happen eventually but I'll cross that bridge down the line, I just want to know what it'll do before that. So far it's weighing in at just shy of 16k and pulling 21k.
Thank you for the question,
Dave

Aintcheatn.....I don't participate regularly on here but have noticed a few things.

First off I was really looking forward to seeing the results of your post. I am sorry but in my eyes it " got hijacked ". If I were to break in a thread and ask an off color question or post something off subject I am sure I would be corrected /reprimanded.

Second it is your business what you do to your tractor as far as modification or treat it. I see people leave them for dead, scrap them, even put engines in them that were never intended to be in them.

Third I believe building a motor 2 times or more cube, 3 times the horse power and or exceeding designed rpm rating is no different than 2 or 3 times the wieght of ship wieght.

Forth we all know the dangers of motor sports. I only hope common sence will prevail, from the promoters, operators, and even the spectators. (Especially to protect lives)

I see people get criticism all the time on here, including myself. I only wish we could all just be happy that everyone on here has a common interest. From what I get told "maybe you could start a new thread" and leave your details out on weight so that you might get "non judged" information you are looking for.

   I been around orange all my life, and love antique pulling. Wish I knew more about it. Unfortunately its a tight lipped click. I even considered paying to have an high dollar motor build for a 1500 dollar tractor to attempt to be competitive. Unfortunately they turn me sour when I get the cold shoulder.

In conclusion....
I just can't see a young person trying to learn and enjoy an old hobby get criticized....if there is positive comments on the subject of the title ....GREAT!
If not just do what what I always receive....SILENCE!

In conclusion...

Sorry to raid your post, and I hope you get the info you are searching for.
Enjoy your hobby.
I wish you the best of luck!

As to negativity - my comment and question was due to a near fatality seeing a torque housing fail on a 180 that reared up and the front end hit the ground.  The factory specs on a 180 as to max weight is 9500 # and yes that has a lot to do with ROPS specs. Those that have been into a D17/185 torque housing at the power director know it is thin. Then there is a big cut out for the inspection area. The one that failed, split the tractor and almost fatally crushed the driver between the steering wheel and seat as it bucked. The loader frame saved him. I enjoy motor sports and have helped many young guys hop up some tractors. Some things do scare me due to past experiences, pointing out a danger is not a personal attack, it is a love for the sport and participants.    

Edited by tbran - 5 hours 56 minutes ago at 9:16am

In my 50+ year career of working on A-C tractors, I have seen four tractors broken in half (180- two 185's and a 200) from loaders. They all broke in the torque tube.  The stresses they were put under with a poorly attached loader took the castings beyond their capability. When Allis-Chalmers tested the new model D-17 at Nebraska Test in 1958, they had it weighing 9400 lbs with a driver. 7450 lbs on the rear wheels (wheel weights and fluid) and 1800 lbs on the narrow front end. A-C engineers were comfortable with this. The Nebraska test engineers were too or they would never have tested it. The lion's share of added weight was directly on the rear tires, not on the chassis. Really serious pulling tractors have tie bars from the rear axles to the side frames, to try and keep the chassis from spreading apart in the event of a chassis failure. Safety equipment and rules were made to try and keep someone from getting hurt. Sometimes the "rule" was made AFTER someone got hurt.