Engine swap help
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New User
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 11
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From: Eagle River, Alaska
Engine swap help
My truck currently has a 300 straight six and I was wondering if you guys know of any crate engines or parts combos that are economical and would run on 87 octane.
I'd prefer to run a 302 cause its a daily driver.
I know the 300 is the best engine Ford ever made, it's just that there are more parts available for the v8's.
I'd prefer to run a 302 cause its a daily driver.
I know the 300 is the best engine Ford ever made, it's just that there are more parts available for the v8's.
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 425
Likes: 3
What do you mean by "economical"? Are you trying to get better economy (i.e. mileage) or are you trying to make more power for little cost?
If you want mileage keep the 300. If you are trying to make power, you are correct that performance parts are easy to get for a 302, but performance and 87 octane don't mix. If you want to run 87 octane you need to keep the compression ratio pretty much stock.
If you are trying to improve power on 87 octane you could try adding headers, intake, mild performance cam, or performance ignition.
If you want mileage keep the 300. If you are trying to make power, you are correct that performance parts are easy to get for a 302, but performance and 87 octane don't mix. If you want to run 87 octane you need to keep the compression ratio pretty much stock.
If you are trying to improve power on 87 octane you could try adding headers, intake, mild performance cam, or performance ignition.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 968
Likes: 5
From: Corbett, Oregon
If your 300 is in decent shape you probably would be money ahead by putting the add-ons moonley suggested on it.
A bit of head work, a decent intake and reasonably sized carb, a nice dual exhaust system and an upgraded ignition system will really wake up a 300.
These changes will give you a nice running dependable rig that has much more power and the ability to deliver much better mileage than a stock 300.
As a bonus, by keeping the 300 in the truck you can make changes one at a time, allowing you to keep it on the road.
Good luck.
A bit of head work, a decent intake and reasonably sized carb, a nice dual exhaust system and an upgraded ignition system will really wake up a 300.
These changes will give you a nice running dependable rig that has much more power and the ability to deliver much better mileage than a stock 300.
As a bonus, by keeping the 300 in the truck you can make changes one at a time, allowing you to keep it on the road.
Good luck.
MSEE
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 10,386
Likes: 35
From: Austin, TX
Agreed, I don't know what you mean by "economical." Best fuel economy, or highest power vs. cost ratio? If the former, you're asking for contradicting goals - you want to get good mileage, but bolt performance parts onto it.
I'll give my opinion and you can apply it to your real question however you want: the 300 is a great motor (I have one in my '79). It can get great mileage (I've hit 18 before), and the parts options are there. I have a 4-barrel intake, carburetor, and header on mine with dual exhaust. It's a lot more straightforward to bolt that stuff on than swapping an engine completely. I also don't think a 302 is the best option for these trucks. You'll lose out by swapping.
And finally...were you really going to swap the engine anyway?
I'll give my opinion and you can apply it to your real question however you want: the 300 is a great motor (I have one in my '79). It can get great mileage (I've hit 18 before), and the parts options are there. I have a 4-barrel intake, carburetor, and header on mine with dual exhaust. It's a lot more straightforward to bolt that stuff on than swapping an engine completely. I also don't think a 302 is the best option for these trucks. You'll lose out by swapping.
And finally...were you really going to swap the engine anyway?
Laughing Gas
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 968
Likes: 5
From: Corbett, Oregon
Clifford makes good products. I am not familiar with the package you are referring to, but if Clifford offers it you will most likely be happy with it.
I would recommend against a cam change. For a daily driver I like a smooth idle, just personal preference.
A bit of scrounging and on line shopping will usually get you good used 300" parts for a lot less than new. Do some searching before laying down the big money for new pieces. The pieces aren't plentiful, but they are out there.
Presently, I have a 300 in my shop for some "future project". In the past year I have literally stumbled on a lot of the pieces for the engine. Maybe not needing the parts right now, or not being in a hurry has helped me in that regard.
Feel free to PM me if you would like a bit more information.
Good luck.
I would recommend against a cam change. For a daily driver I like a smooth idle, just personal preference.
A bit of scrounging and on line shopping will usually get you good used 300" parts for a lot less than new. Do some searching before laying down the big money for new pieces. The pieces aren't plentiful, but they are out there.
Presently, I have a 300 in my shop for some "future project". In the past year I have literally stumbled on a lot of the pieces for the engine. Maybe not needing the parts right now, or not being in a hurry has helped me in that regard.
Feel free to PM me if you would like a bit more information.
Good luck.
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 2,697
Likes: 46
From: Vancouver
The 300 is an excellent engine but not a particularly economical one. At the pinnacle of its development - around '94-'95 - it was rated by Transport Canada at 20 city, 22 highway. The 302 in the same base half-ton was 20/23. Those figures are Imperial gallons so in US gals expect 80% of that. I think the most sensible choice is the EFI Mustang 5.0 from the same era.
Eric
Eric
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