I just bought a 1960 F100 4x4 and will be doing a rebuild. The truck already has a few modifications and it will not be a restore project but needs to be a daily driver. I am torn between the idea of putting a flathead 8 in the truck or a straight 300 six. I know the benefits and drawbacks of the six already but love the look of the less familiar (at least to me) flathead. The truck needs to be a daily driver on highways with normal speeds of 70mph for an hour travel time both to and from work. I will be installing new gearing and upgrade transmission for either choice. All upgrades will also take into account gas mileage for economics. Any input would be helpful. Both engines will also be upgraded and modified as necessary.

 

Not sure why you would want a flathead in a '60, they are only 239-255 cubic inches and 100 hp stock. Your 4x4 truck would be horribly under powered even if you hopped it up. Also very expensive to build.

Go with the six....they are a proven engine and easy to work on and get parts for.

 

I can get about 150 to 155 hp on a flathead rebuild according to my research. I think the six only gives around 114 hp stock or am I wrong on this?

 

The reason we love flatheads is because they belong in certain vehicles. I'm just putting the finishing touches on a '47 two ton with a used one in it. It will run at about 45 mph max, and maybe get used 10 times a year...... As said, they are very expensive to build and don't have the hp and torque you'd want in a 4x4 DD. The flathead is prone to cracks and all in all can be a problematic power plant for daily use. I daily drove a 59 ab flathead for 10 years back in the 80s and 90s. This was in a 38 tonner, where it belonged. Not sure why you wouldn't run a 272 or 292 Y block. Since you suggested this as well, I give a hearty vote for the 300 six. It's a very heavy duty truck engine with seven main bearings and excellent torque characteristics. It will move your truck down the road very nicely and will look more the part under the hood. Engines have steadily improved over the years, and you should take advantage of this. 300 sixes show up on CL and a nice 4 speed to go along with it. When they say "they just don't make 'em like they used to" ..... It's a good thing when referring to engines.

 

If you want a daily, why not a 302? Very plentiful and more efficient than the 300. I know the 300 looks more like what was in the truck originally but who is kidding who? I have had a couple 300's and they are very strong engines but they love the gas pump too!

 

If you want a six with good mileage and plenty of pulling power go to youtube and type in 59 f350 with cummins 6at. Then you'll have it all! Much smaller and less common than the 6bt in the dodges. Gotta say Spur is right on with the 302 for a lot of reasons. Surprised he didn't suggest a 223 !

 

223 is my true love! What a beautiful piece of art!

 

I agree. I love the look and sound of a I6

 

My vote goes to a Y block 292 or the 223 inline 6. Put a T98 behind it like Henry wanted it. Easy beans straight forward bolt in. Easy to work on, etc.. Get your highway speed with taller tires and enjoy. And for the record, I am bias! If you plan on spending 2 hours driving this truck every day, save some money for the interior. Sound deadening, a comfy seat, new door seals, etc.

 

Thanks for all the help guys. So do you think the 223 would be a better choice than the 300? I haven't even looked into that option but am willing to consider anything.

 

Really depends on what you want for a finished product. The 223 will be a no brainer to install, the 300 I can imagine new mounts and lots of other fabrication tasks. The 300 will have considerably more power for pulling trailer or hauling weight up a grade. As a DD the 223 will be more economical. The choice is yours. They are both good old ford engines.