Ford 300 6
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 8,005
Likes: 7
From: Ottawa, Ontario
I'm in that same boat to, my EFI 300 is getting a horrible 11mph highway! Does have 3.55 gearing and a 3 speed transmission, so guess it doesn't help. Plus when EFI's came out, MPG acually went down some.
Cargo Master
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 3,244
Likes: 40
Believe me I was a gigantic supporter of my v6 when I first bought it. I was thinking alright i will get betwee 17-20 mpgs and it will be awesome. But I soon learned that i not only gave up 4x4, extra room, and towing/fun power for 13 mpgs. Granted I got a screaming deal on the truck and its been nothing but fantastic for me, but I wish now if I had the choice and know what I know now I would have bought a v8 with all those features. I have now rectified the situation with a 460 FORD SC, that I bought from the original owner and am told form him he got between 10-12 mpg in his truck. That makes me pretty hopeful, because I would give up 3 mpg to gain all those extra features. OP, YMMV but I strongly suggest you do it right the first time and get a v8. FWIW, I have heard the new v8 and v6 mustangs get similar mpgs because they are pushing the same weight, just the v8s are a hell of a lot more fun. 
Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 8,521
Likes: 16
From: Lost
My opinion:
The only V8 I would consider replacing my trusty 300 I-6 with, is 6.9/7.3L IDI diesel. Of course, a turbo would be on the short list of upgrades to finish the swap....
I'd consider other diesel's as well, especially a 4BT cummins. Anything else would be a waste of my time.
The above statement is entirely my own opinion, and likely differs from many other's, but it's how I truly feel about the mighty sixer.....
The only V8 I would consider replacing my trusty 300 I-6 with, is 6.9/7.3L IDI diesel. Of course, a turbo would be on the short list of upgrades to finish the swap....
I'd consider other diesel's as well, especially a 4BT cummins. Anything else would be a waste of my time.
The above statement is entirely my own opinion, and likely differs from many other's, but it's how I truly feel about the mighty sixer.....
Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 8,521
Likes: 16
From: Lost
The 300 comes close to matching the lugging ability of most diesel's. Peak torque down in the 2,000 RPM range, which just happens to be where most engines tend to hang out when cruising down the highway.......
It will move a rather heavy load, but not quickly.
It will move a rather heavy load, but not quickly.
Cargo Master
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 3,244
Likes: 40
My opinion:
The only V8 I would consider replacing my trusty 300 I-6 with, is 6.9/7.3L IDI diesel. Of course, a turbo would be on the short list of upgrades to finish the swap....
I'd consider other diesel's as well, especially a 4BT cummins. Anything else would be a waste of my time.
The above statement is entirely my own opinion, and likely differs from many other's, but it's how I truly feel about the mighty sixer.....
The only V8 I would consider replacing my trusty 300 I-6 with, is 6.9/7.3L IDI diesel. Of course, a turbo would be on the short list of upgrades to finish the swap....
I'd consider other diesel's as well, especially a 4BT cummins. Anything else would be a waste of my time.
The above statement is entirely my own opinion, and likely differs from many other's, but it's how I truly feel about the mighty sixer.....
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Cargo Master
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 3,244
Likes: 40
I've wanted a diesel forever until I priced out the initial cost, maintanence cost, insurance cost, and diesel fuel costs. It is way more expensive in the long run. Really the only way to justify it is if you haul a camper or rv across states. If you do that alot then the fuel cost will pry add up at some point to be a savings. They start colder and they forever to get warmed up. For example most diesel guys either run a block heater and card board to heat it up faster in the mornings.
Cargo Master
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 3,244
Likes: 40
Certainly a good point. I would be willing to bet I could pull stuff with my v6, and it will be wound out and going 45 or less up hills. To me that is a safety risk with impatient drivers I don't want to take.
Cargo Master
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 3,244
Likes: 40
Parts don't really come all that cheap. Power=money. You would be best to run a new chamshaft, bore and balance your motor, bigger carb, better ignition system. Dual exhautsts will pry also help you.
Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 8,521
Likes: 16
From: Lost
A 300 s6 is putting out about 125 hp, and 230 torque I believe. With a 460 you are roughly doubling it. From everything I've ever understood switching to a cummins you not only have the computer to things about but upgrading your drive lines and suspension. If you do a cummins swap you really need a 250, or 350. Compared to a cummins a 460 is really easy to install, because of the custom fabbing you need to do. For just an average person a 460 will more than do everything they need.
The Cummins I referenced was the 4BT. 3.9L I4 turbo diesel, based on the old 12V 6BT cummins found in the early dodge trucks. No computer to foul things up. Heavier than a 460, but lighter than even the 6.9L found in the early Ford F250/F350.
Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 8,521
Likes: 16
From: Lost
4" bore, 4" stroke. Very similar to the 300. Both displace 50 cid/cyl, and have similar torque curves.
I don't want/need lots of HP, I'd rather have ample low end torque.
I don't want/need lots of HP, I'd rather have ample low end torque.
Moderator
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 22,415
Likes: 92
From: Denver Metro Area, CO
Many people consider the 351M & 400 to be boat anchors not worth
anything. But, if you spend the time to learn its history, what it originated as,
how it was modified by the factory to meet EPA requirements (which is
responsible for its bad reputation & out-of-the-box performance) and, most
importantly, how it can be built to perform as intended, it can become a great
truck engine.
I use my truck mostly for hauling firewood in the winter and am particularly
interested in low-end torque for pulling dead trees through the Colorado
Rocky Mountains.