I used to drive an E300 (that's going back a bit) with the Ford 300 cube Inline 6 and I believe the C6 Auto transmission. That was one of the toughest, most durable, ultra reliable vehicles I have ever driven. It was a commercial van and was always loaded to the roof.
One problem in many 1000's of miles....a rad hose went...which is no big deal and certainly to be expected on all vehicles as it is a service item.
I don't have a 4.2 V6, but I've been reading some of the posts.
Both the Ford 4.2 V6 and Ford 300 cuber straight six are/were used in Ford trucks. But is it my imagination or was the 300 six quite a bit more reliable/durable than it's modern day equivalent...the 4.2 V6?
If so, is it modern engine computers, engine designs that aren't as heavy duty as older stuff or what ?
BTW, I know it just isn't Ford ,it's all manufacturers that do things differently
4.9>4.2 no dout about that.Ive had friends who have had the new modular motors including my dad.They seem pretty relaible,but Id still have to say the 300 was the most durable engine ford ever built
I have had both. A 1992 F150 with the 300 with a 5 sp. manual and currently 2004 F150 with the 4.2 auto.
It depends on what you are looking for. In my mind the 300 is the tougher better built engine that will run forever, although I only have 50,000mi on my 4.2 so time will tell.
If you are looking for a tow vehicle with good low end torque then the 300 is for you. If you are looking to do 85mph on the highway day in and day out then the 4.2 is for you. Overall I loved my 300 to death but I am getting better fuel mileage in my 4.2. I also don't do nearly as much towing and hauling as I used to, so the 4.2 is better suited to my needs.
The thing I liked so much about the 300 is that it made its peak torque around 1500-1800rms. The 4.2 makes its peak torque somewhere around 4000rpms. Which I know is a result of the inline 6 compared to the V6.
I have had both engines as well. I had the 300 I6 in my 85 F150 that I had. Ran great wasnt anything that it couldnt do. I have had the 4.2 in my last truck which was an 01 and my current truck. I have not had any major issues with it other than an alternator. The 4.2 also gives me better gas mileage than the 300 ever could.
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shaun from Dundalk,MD
2003 F-150 Reg. Cab Sport 4X4 4.2L V6
1994 E-350 Ambulance 7.3 diesel
Delaware Chapter Member
MIDATLANTIC REGIONAL MEET ALL TRUCK NATIONALS CARLISLE, PA
These answers seem on the mark to me. One thing not mentioned is smoothness. I just took a 200 mile trip with my 4.2 and never even thought about the engine. The inline 300 you are always aware that it is out there doing it's thing. The 4.2 is a smooth engine. I like mine. 20 mpg with a garden tractor in the back. And my wife likes the way it rides.
Chris
I've been driving my '90 300 5 spd for 17 years (it still runs great but is showing its age) and am thinking about getting a new XL longbox with a V6 and a 5 speed. You guys are helping me make up my mind. Thanks.
well i hear the v6 doesnt get great mileage compared to the 4.6 and the 5.4,so personally id go w the 5.4 or kepp your 300.btw i think the new v6s are being phased out not positive tho
I have had both. 2000F150 and an 86F150. Both manuals, regular cab, and 4x4. I got about 15mpg or so with the 300 and about 16.5-17mpg with the 4.2L. I have never had any problems with the 4.2 and I love my trucks more than my girlfriend. But the 300 is so much better, the torque is amazing and so is the reliability. True the 4.2 is smoother, but that is simply the product of being a V design.
By the way, the 4.2 does make its peak torque at about 3800rpms, but if you look at a hp/tq curve, you will see that the torque part is pretty much flat as a board. It makes about 15 less ft/lbs at 1,500rpms than it does at peak.
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Michael
2000 F-150 4.2L, 5spd, 3.55, 4x4
1984 F-350 6.9L 2wd, T-19
1980 F-250 460, c6, 4x4, pulling truck, many mods to come when money becomes available
"I've been driving my '90 300 5 spd for 17 years (it still runs great but is showing its age) and am thinking about getting a new XL longbox with a V6 and a 5 speed."
If I had a good 1990 I wouldn't bother with a newer six. Save a bucket of cash and put some money into the 1990 instead. There is a reason the 4.9 is massively popular in industrial, equipment, and fleet use. There is good reason the 4.2 isn't...
I like my 2000 4.2. but I have real trucks for hauling. Overhaul and remanned engines are much cheaper for the 4.9 too.
I have a fleet customer that buys F-150 4X2 Reg cab XL...4.2...auto...a/c... for his salespeople. He says that he runs them 150,000 miles with virtually no issues other than a ball joint replacement. He also says they average 20 mpg...loaded or empty. I talked to him last Friday and he ordered 5 more...wants to give the '09s a year or so to prove them selves before getting some.
I had a 95 F-150 with the 300/auto. Dam good engine. You need to remember the 6-cly engine has 7 main caps, a rod sits between each main bearing. That makes for a strong engine. The big 18-wheelers have inline 6's. Strength wise, there is no better design.
In all honesty, the 4.2 would better suit my needs. A smooth running motor that gets 20 MPG, and can get out of it's own way when needed. The 300 is tough, strong, but slow and sucks gasoline. They're both good motors. Each seem to have been created for different reasons, however.
I would love to own a 1997+ F150 Step side with a 4.2 auto. Black with baby tires. I wonder how much one like that would go for these days anyway?????
I've been wanting to buy a newer pickup as a daily driver and let my '94 retire.
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