Engine recommendation - advice
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Senior User
Joined: Oct 2011
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From: Panama City, Florida
Engine recommendation - advice
Hello,
Just purchased a 1985 F-150, 300ci, 4x4, 4sp manual. My primary requirement was reliability and bullet proof operation and from what I have gleened from reading different threads this seems to have high approval in these areas. One thing though... I am still torn considering the 351W engine. I think the final decision should be based on how I plan on using the truck.
It will be pulling a Smallish camper, somewhere in the 18-20ft length area. I don't care so much about acceleration but I do care about the top speed I would be able to obtain on interstate Hwys.
With a well built 300ci can I expect to hit, say 65mph, pulling such a trailer without any problems or negative effects on the engine or transmission or do I really need to go to a 351W, again reliability being the primary consideration.
Thanks for your advise,
Rgds
nonrev
Just purchased a 1985 F-150, 300ci, 4x4, 4sp manual. My primary requirement was reliability and bullet proof operation and from what I have gleened from reading different threads this seems to have high approval in these areas. One thing though... I am still torn considering the 351W engine. I think the final decision should be based on how I plan on using the truck.
It will be pulling a Smallish camper, somewhere in the 18-20ft length area. I don't care so much about acceleration but I do care about the top speed I would be able to obtain on interstate Hwys.
With a well built 300ci can I expect to hit, say 65mph, pulling such a trailer without any problems or negative effects on the engine or transmission or do I really need to go to a 351W, again reliability being the primary consideration.
Thanks for your advise,
Rgds
nonrev
Fleet Owner
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 28,609
Likes: 18
From: Lake Tahoe, Nevada
I am a great fan of the 300. And I have put quite a few miles on my 86 F150. And it was bullet proof.
The length of the trailer doesn't mean as much as the weight. If it is a camper, and you can control the loading and the tongue weight you will probably be OK with the 300. And I say that only because you are in Florida so I assume that you will not be encountering mountains.
If you carry a lot of gear, and/or expect to go to higer altitudes, go with the 351. You will be happier because the 300 is not going to maintain 65mph on a long grade.
The length of the trailer doesn't mean as much as the weight. If it is a camper, and you can control the loading and the tongue weight you will probably be OK with the 300. And I say that only because you are in Florida so I assume that you will not be encountering mountains.
If you carry a lot of gear, and/or expect to go to higer altitudes, go with the 351. You will be happier because the 300 is not going to maintain 65mph on a long grade.
FTE Legend
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 31,930
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From: Ottawa, Ontario
When it comes to towing a larger motor will have an easier time and should therefore last longer, so advantage 351. There's also no reason these V8's shouldn't last as long as the I6 or be as trouble free.. as long as maintenance is kept up. I'm not a big I6 fan, IMO the motor only appears to make good Tq because it makes absolutely no horsepower, the 5.8 actually makes quite a bit more Hp and Tq all stock and is capable of even more with a few simple and cheap bolt-ons.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 28,609
Likes: 18
From: Lake Tahoe, Nevada
Paul is right. But the fact that you already have the 300 in your truck would make it worth trying it out. If it's in good shape that is. Depends on your expectations and your driving conditions.
One other thing to consider............. there is no mileage penalty going to the 351.
One other thing to consider............. there is no mileage penalty going to the 351.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 191
Likes: 1
If the engine is in good condition at this time, the first thing I'd do is hook up the camper and take to the road and see If you are happy with the way it pulls. The easiest and cheapest way to get more 'grunt' is by changing the gear ratio. Also, check with Clifford Engineering for power for your I6.
Moderator
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 6,104
Likes: 384
From: Southern California
I can tell you this, my 1990 F150, 300 cid, SWB, SB, 4x2, 5sp with 3:55 gears would pull my 65 mustang & tandem ax trailer (steel) with no problems....65 mph not even an issue....pulled the grapevine in Ca, at the top which is a 6% grade, 3rd gear, with the ac on, pedal about 3/4 down, running 55 mph (car & trailer combined weighed 5000 lbs)
One note that I did miss....you have a 4x4....that is a bit of weight & additional drivetrain drag....the trailers weigh nothing in reality as compared to my mustang & car trailer (5000+ lbs).....more of an aerodynamic thing. $ for $, I think you would be ahead with the 300 since you already have it and the hp can easily be bumped up to 175 and the tq to 360+ lbs...and granted, the 351 built will produce more hp, about the same tq but the costs is going to be about $1k more by the time you're done.
Reliability.....my dad ran these engines in his construction company for decades......200k miles + on every engine and gosh knows that every construction worker never overloaded or abused these trucks! (grin)
One note that I did miss....you have a 4x4....that is a bit of weight & additional drivetrain drag....the trailers weigh nothing in reality as compared to my mustang & car trailer (5000+ lbs).....more of an aerodynamic thing. $ for $, I think you would be ahead with the 300 since you already have it and the hp can easily be bumped up to 175 and the tq to 360+ lbs...and granted, the 351 built will produce more hp, about the same tq but the costs is going to be about $1k more by the time you're done.
Reliability.....my dad ran these engines in his construction company for decades......200k miles + on every engine and gosh knows that every construction worker never overloaded or abused these trucks! (grin)
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FTE Legend
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 31,930
Likes: 1,499
From: Ottawa, Ontario
None in recent history, they either got a big block(70's) or a diesel(80's on).
OK.. I have seen a few well built 300's in action and I won't dispute that, but a 351 will match that with nothing but an exhaust system added, and if you did all the same things to the Windsor it's no contest again. The OP probaby doesn't need a 351 to achieve the performance he wants but it's certainly going to be easier to get there with the V8 and maybe cheaper too since the motor doesn't need as much work.
OK.. I have seen a few well built 300's in action and I won't dispute that, but a 351 will match that with nothing but an exhaust system added, and if you did all the same things to the Windsor it's no contest again. The OP probaby doesn't need a 351 to achieve the performance he wants but it's certainly going to be easier to get there with the V8 and maybe cheaper too since the motor doesn't need as much work.
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