New to 300 inline sixes...
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New User
Joined: Jun 2012
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New to 300 inline sixes...
Hello All;
I have a 1985 f150 super cab xlt w/ the 300 six in it.
I am looking for information on performance upgrades for this engine, as far as I can tell right now, i do not have the computer controlled version of this engine (thank goodness)
I am looking for a little more zip, so that its peppy enough for the wife & yet still does decent on gas, along w/ eventually pulling a pop up camper trailer.
So if any one has good solid data on what to do for perfomance , i am open to all suggestions.....
Respectfully
Gary B.
I have a 1985 f150 super cab xlt w/ the 300 six in it.
I am looking for information on performance upgrades for this engine, as far as I can tell right now, i do not have the computer controlled version of this engine (thank goodness)
I am looking for a little more zip, so that its peppy enough for the wife & yet still does decent on gas, along w/ eventually pulling a pop up camper trailer.
So if any one has good solid data on what to do for perfomance , i am open to all suggestions.....
Respectfully
Gary B.
Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 23,620
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From: Coeur d alene, Id
gary.. once you get your cooling system fixed i would reccomend a good tune up..remember just buy plain ole motorcraft copper plugs.. once you have done the tune up I would look into possibly regearing the rear end.
and just so you know it should have no problem towing a a pop up trailer stock.. a 300-6 is a work horse of a motor.
and just so you know it should have no problem towing a a pop up trailer stock.. a 300-6 is a work horse of a motor.
Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 23,620
Likes: 2
From: Coeur d alene, Id
most likely a c6...oh a couple other questions is it 2wd or 4x4?
what tire size are you planning on running?
on gears i wouldnt go above a 4.10 other wise you will lose highway rpms to save on gas...i would say 3.73s or 4.10
what tire size are you planning on running?
on gears i wouldnt go above a 4.10 other wise you will lose highway rpms to save on gas...i would say 3.73s or 4.10
Moderator
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 7,987
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From: Boise, Idaho
The '85 came with the computer controlled carburetor and ignition. If yours doesn't have it, it's most likely been removed. Are you sure it doesn't have it? The carb would have solenoids on it.
If you have a 3spd auto, it's the C6. A VERY robust and reliable transmission, but is known to sap power and gas mileage from an engine, especially the 300.
Before you decide on gearing, what size tires do you have?
As for performance options, nearly every other thread on this forum is about that very topic. You don't need to look far.
The 300 is a powerful engine, but from the factory it's very restricted and simply doesn't breath. That's your biggest thing to address.
The exhaust manifold and pipe is restrictive.
The carb is undersized, as is the intake.
The head doesn't flow very well.
A performance intake (generally an Offenhauser or a Clifford) will allow you to bolt on a 2bbl or 4bbl carburetor of your choice.
Exhaust manifolds from a fuel injected 300 are a direct bolt on and will vastly increase the exhaust flow. Or headers if you're so inclined.
A full port and polish on the head will really pull everything together.
After that, your options are a hotter ignition, a different cam, oversized valves in the head, etc.
If you have a 3spd auto, it's the C6. A VERY robust and reliable transmission, but is known to sap power and gas mileage from an engine, especially the 300.
Before you decide on gearing, what size tires do you have?
As for performance options, nearly every other thread on this forum is about that very topic. You don't need to look far.
The 300 is a powerful engine, but from the factory it's very restricted and simply doesn't breath. That's your biggest thing to address.
The exhaust manifold and pipe is restrictive.
The carb is undersized, as is the intake.
The head doesn't flow very well.
A performance intake (generally an Offenhauser or a Clifford) will allow you to bolt on a 2bbl or 4bbl carburetor of your choice.
Exhaust manifolds from a fuel injected 300 are a direct bolt on and will vastly increase the exhaust flow. Or headers if you're so inclined.
A full port and polish on the head will really pull everything together.
After that, your options are a hotter ignition, a different cam, oversized valves in the head, etc.
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The truck is 2wd
Tires/rims;
The truck has off road tires on it - along w/ alum aftermarket rims - heck the rims are worth $700 alone -
I plan on putting street radials on it - probably some 60's or what will fit safely, & looks good & helps w/ handling - i don't plan on going off roading or hauling stuff constantly -
The truck will be for Momma to drive & for her enjoyment
:-)
Tires/rims;
The truck has off road tires on it - along w/ alum aftermarket rims - heck the rims are worth $700 alone -
I plan on putting street radials on it - probably some 60's or what will fit safely, & looks good & helps w/ handling - i don't plan on going off roading or hauling stuff constantly -
The truck will be for Momma to drive & for her enjoyment
:-)
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 7,021
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From: Almost Heaven
Without that over-drive gear you better not gear that truck any lower than 3.55's.
300 is the best engine Ford ever made. Great truck engine.
300 is the best engine Ford ever made. Great truck engine.
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Lead Driver
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From: Oak Harbor, OH
Not to hijack the thread but try 'wild blue' when your contract is up with hughes. They are up to 12mbps and 7gbps bandwidth is pretty reasonable.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2007
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From: Almost Heaven
Thanks! I think I've heard of Wild Blue.
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Evening Ford guys:
Well Sunday I pulled the seats out of the truck & discovered that i am missing the seat that goes in between the two front seats - i have the seat belts for the seat but no seat......hmmmmm
I did manage to get the carpet scrubbed really good - took 3 cans of spray foam carpet cleaner & lots of scrubing w/ a stiff scrub brush.... The carpet looks fairly decent - but could use some more scrubbing...
The door panels & kick panels are hopeless - they are quite roached out - if you breath on them the wrong way they disenigrate...... But i see you can buy new door panels @ Jc whitney - lol - i wonder if I can get an account w/ them.......
:-)
Well Sunday I pulled the seats out of the truck & discovered that i am missing the seat that goes in between the two front seats - i have the seat belts for the seat but no seat......hmmmmm
I did manage to get the carpet scrubbed really good - took 3 cans of spray foam carpet cleaner & lots of scrubing w/ a stiff scrub brush.... The carpet looks fairly decent - but could use some more scrubbing...
The door panels & kick panels are hopeless - they are quite roached out - if you breath on them the wrong way they disenigrate...... But i see you can buy new door panels @ Jc whitney - lol - i wonder if I can get an account w/ them.......
:-)
Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 1,116
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As what the other guys have suggested..just letting the engine open up and breath goes a LONG way. By putting a different intake on....you quench the thirst and you won't have to put your. Foot into it as much. The efi dials or if you wanna..the headers route..will let it breath. Either way..if you go that route..and offenhauser dual plane will keep the low rpm torque pretty well. You can run up to 600 cfm carbs w/o a problem..as most guys will disagree cuz its a 6 cyl engine...a 300 is a mere 2 cubes from a 302 and I know plenty who run 600-650s on em. Kinda rambling..but figured is give ya some back info.