I posted in 80-86 thread about buying a 1986 f150 4x2 300 i6 c6 tranny 187,000 with a comp controlled carb[not sure if has been modified or messed with yet]. seller wants $1,200.Very nice looking truck. Or should I look for an 87 or newer 300 i6 efi?

 

Personally, I'd go with the '86 that has the computer controlled carb, and then swap out that carb for a standard YF carb, and swap out the TFI ignition system with a Duraspark II system from an older model, and pull the computer out of the truck completely. Simple system, easy to maintain, easy to modify, no sensors to worry about.

UNLESS you have to pass emissions where you live. If you have to pass emissions, I think it'd be easier to do so with a newer, EFI model. Because you'd never be able to pass with a standard carb/DSII setup, and trying to get the feedback carb (computer controlled carb) system to work right could be a serious pain. Unless it's already working right. Then you just have to worry about keeping it that way.

My $0.02

 

I read your post about the swap[ actually saved it in my favorites on my computer, just in case]. Only safety inspection on 1995 & older vehicles.

 

Do you still have to pass a tailpipe test?

 

If it's just a tailpipe test, I don't think it's a big issue. On vehicles that old, the newer catalytic converters do a LOT for emissions. I was able to get my '81 to pass the tailpipe sniffer test after I put a Holley 4bbl on it. No stock smog pump or EGR valve, just a new 3-way cat. Passed on my first try with flying colors.

My suggestion on the two trucks would depend a lot on you. Do you like to tinker and maintain your vehicles yourself? Or do you like them to just work for you?

If you're a do-it-yourself kinda guy, the carb engines are a lot cheaper to maintain, especially if you convert to a DuraSpark II setup. The EFI are more pricey simply because of the cost of the components, but have the newer technology, error codes to help diagnose, etc. etc.

 

The C6 was a rare find in an 86 behind the 300. Most were AOD equipped.
I can almost promise you will not find an EFI 300 that doesn't have an OD trans behind it.
300's and C6's are both famous for durability. Killing them is rather difficult, but doable....
The feedback (computer) system is rather nice, when it works correctly, but can be a royal pain when something goes wrong. Not only can they be hard to diagnose, but costly to repair. $1200 is pretty fair price, if the rest of the truck is still in decent shape.

 

No other tests, just safety. Rogue, the truck is in good shape. No major rust issues underneath, or on body. Interior in very nice shape. Will need to put a belt on the a/c, and recharge a/c. 187,000 not much of an issue? the miles & the carb is the only reasons it is not sitting ih the driveway right now.

 

187,000 miles on a 300 is nothing. There are many documented cases of a 300 living well beyond the 1/2 million mark........ Prolly one of the toughest engines ever made. Certainly the toughest ever put in a 1/2 ton pickup.

 

Thanks. Good to know. I talked to a guy today, who knows a thing or 2 about the carb. trucks, said if I bought the truck, he could help with the
with the conversion if I ever wanted or needed.

 

Tomorrow after church, I am going to look at a 1990 xlt,efi, with a 300 i6 & 4 speed automatic, 143,000. My 16 yr. old son will also be driving the truck. I think I feel better putting him in a truck like this, than the carbed '86. i cannot swing it now, but if the '86 is still for sale later on, I would like to buy it, & swap out the comp. carb for an older type carb. I guess the 4 spd. a/t in the 1990 is a good tranny also?