I am a 300 6 nut, just think its the finest motor Ford made and am disappointed that its no longer made sure would like to have a 97 F-250 with a 300, but not sure if it was even made..... So any one know the facts on the 300,,,,, was it still available in the 97 model or when did Ford stop production.....

 

I think the last year was 96.

 

Based on what I have read, the 4.9L I6 was available in F150s until 1996 and in F250s until 1998.

Also based on what I've read, the F250s that had the I6 were equipped with the M5OD tranny versus the ZF420.

 

Ah there is hope, Ill be searching the web classafieds..... Maybe Ill find a nce regular cab long box.......

 

Actually, unfortuantly the I6 was discontinued in all Ford trucks in 1996. In 97 the F250 had the HD version (old body style) which offered the 5.8, 7.5 and 7.3 diesel. They also released the body style in late 97 to late 98 that took on the look of the 97-03 F150s in the F250 models, they only offered the 4.6 and 5.4 in these.

 

I'm sure Ford discontinued the big 6 because they weren't making much money on 'em. They were too hard to kill. The same reason Dodge stopped making the slant 6. I'm sure there were emission reasons too. The guys were right on when Ford pulled the plug on the 300.

 

The late '90's were a bad time in Ford history. Alot of good motors died then. 300-6, 302, 351W, and 460. Only one truck motor to make it through was the 7.3L diesel, and that one was killed in '03. I don't know if Ford even makes an engine with iron block and heads, cam in the block and pushrod operated valves anymore...

 

Just have to chime in here, I love my 300 I6! I too would like to get a newer model but I'm not giving up the 300 6

Just put $1600 (Frontend) in to my beat up old 94' 4x4 F150 because I don't feel like looking for another 300 I6. It took me for ever to find the one I have now. Big Blue is going to live forever!

 

Mine has 128,000 on the clock. running fine. I love it!

 

To each his/her own. I've had half a dozen inline 6 bangers so far, and haven't liked any of them. Three were Ford 300 c.i. I may have liked them better if they were EFI, since all 3 had the single barrel carb. I know they last a long time, but so does just about any Ford engine. My 5.8 has over 165,000 and does not show it at all. To me, a 6 cylinder doesn't sound as good as a V-8. If you compare the numbers for a 302 and a 300 for the same year, the 302 always has more horsepower, and about the same amount of torque. Some years, the 302 is shown to have even HIGHER torque numbers then the 300. The only advantage the 300 may have, is that the peak torque is made at a slightly lower rpm. That's fine for a tractor, but what advatage is that for a daily driven work truck? I use a truck on my job every day, but I have to drive long distances to get there at times. If you check the weight of the 300, it is a heavyweight for sure. It weighs in almost as much as some big blocks. My final observation of the 300, is that the mileage is not very good. Probably partly due to the weight. I know I'll get slammed for this, but everything I've said is either an observation, or can be backed by links to hard numbers.

 

It was a bad time, they lost alot of good motors for sure! But just so you know, the 7.3l PSD was offered still in 04, i think it was mainly only in the early models, but anyways it was still used.

 

From what I've read, one reason the 300(4.9L) was discontinued was due to it's size. Check out the hoods prior to 97, and then 1997. The newer hoods are smaller and also slope downward. The old 300 wouldn't fit.

 

Well for all you guys crying in your beer for the old 300, remember that Ford used these engines from 1965 till 1996. That is 32 model years. All good things must come to an end. Heck, Chevy doesn't even put the 350 in anything anymore. I'm sure there was an uproar when Ford quit making 390's, which was a way better engine than the 351m's and 400's that replaced it. I had heard that Ford did not want to make the 390 and 360 unleaded gas compatible, and already had so many other V-8's in their line up, it didn't make sence. Just like the 300. A great torque motor, but alot of people today don't understand that. Modern V-8's are alot more driveable and get better mileage. I agree with the person who posted saying there probably isn't room for a 300 in a new style F150. But, there will be older model trucks with 300's around for a long time.
Mike

 

My '54 Ford has a 223 inline 6 and I am in love with it.

You've got half as many heads to deal with, and the design allows for room to work under the hood.

I prefer inline engines to a V style for the maintenance standpoint alone, but I've not actually worked on a modern Ford 300 ever.

All of my Volvo cars with the inline 4 were slow, but reliable, and easy to work on.

I look under the hood at my 302 and it's intimidating.

 

Chevy however did keep the 502 CI, I dont see ford running the 460 anymore, DAM THEM! there's no replacment for displacment!