And, Doc was the famous Hudson Hornet, the one that dominated NASCAR - at least in the movie. In one scene the engine pushes back a bit when starting, potentially from lots of compression.

 

Cool stuff on their site....thanks Bill !

Jack Clifford' Performance Products inc. - Headers Intakes Cams For Inline Six Cylinder Engines, Inl

 

With the long stroke, the 300 will always seem "lazy" and slow to rev. This engine shines with a load in the bed or behind on a trailer. I don't think carburation or a manifold is going to help much.

If you want a engine with more zing to it, you need something that revs faster and gains rpm quicker with a shorter stroke. Don't go to short and small though, after all this is heavy pickup, basically a metal box on wheels. I agree the 351w would be the best choice for a swap.

 

Would you say your 460 is "lazy" or slow to rev? No? So, what's its stroke compared to the 300's? (Hint: 3.85" to 4.00")

 

(Hint: It's 3.85" to 3.98").

 

(What's two thousandths among friends?)

 

The 6-banger forum here on FTE can be helpful, too:

Ford Inline Six, 200, 250, 4.9L / 300 - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums