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Ive got an 81 150 that I'm working on making into a rat rod type truck. Only issue is the motor doesn't want to idle, starts up (with encouragement) but as soon as you take your foot of the pedal it dies. It also has what sounds like a faint knock. I am planning on rebuilding the motor, what can I do to add some power. Now I know these motors aren't really made to handle a ton of power, I'm just looking to help it breath and run better while gaining some extra horses and torque.
4 bbl intake, 4bbl, headers, cam with springs etc, maybe some clean up porting. See the six forum for more and some example builds. You can get a serviceable 250 hp without too much trouble.
The 300 isn't a high RPM engine. The long intake manifold gives uneven distribution, regardless of the carb you put on, as well as poor flow as the R's climb. But, at low RPM it is a great truck engine. So, plan your build accordingly. The cam needs to peak at low R's, and low R's don't require much air flow - meaning you don't need much carb.
Here is an improved intake manifold [much better distribution] using modified factory parts. This was made by retired Ford Engine Design Engineer, Greg Koesel [A.K.A. The Frenchtown Flyer].
Here is an improved intake manifold [much better distribution] using modified factory parts. This was made by retired Ford Engine Design Engineer, Greg Koesel [A.K.A. The Frenchtown Flyer].