I6 or v8
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
I6 or v8
Im in a real pickle here guys. Like I have said in a few of my posts, my 66 f100 is an all original barn find.. I absolutly love the truck. The only problem that arises is the motor. it runs great, but I need to put a new exaust on it, and would like to add a few upgrades.. ie split headers and add a 4 barrel carb. Which all costs money, but that will leave me with the original motor with a few bolt on parts. Heres where the question arises... I have a 68 as well thats a total pile. It has been eaten by salt and rust, so no box and the cab is barely on . thankyou WI. anyhow, it has a 390 with only about 70k miles and a Torg borner 4 speed ( same as my 66)... what should I do? No replacement for displacement, or a few bolt on parts to my original 240..... Or... just not touch the motor at all... let me know what you guys think.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 24,552
Likes: 74
From: Creedmoor, North Carolina
For me, I'd go with the FE with a C6. Damn a full grown Ford truck that can't shift its own gears. A lot of guys like the 6 banger but I don't care for them.
Sounds like you have a motor and no truck, and a truck with no motor. Make one and sell the other.
John
Sounds like you have a motor and no truck, and a truck with no motor. Make one and sell the other.
John
Mountain Pass
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 144
Likes: 2
From: Skagit County, WA
I love the big sixes but even after dumping a ton of money into them they still are struggling to do what a bone stock 2 barrel 390 does. It takes a certain blind eye to money spent vs power gained and a true love of the big six to build one up.
On the other hand I have a love hate relationship with the FE's--I love how simple they are but I think that intake manifold design deserves a special place in hell.
If you're looking for pure bang for the buck I'd go with the 390 that you already have. I have a new never mounted Performer RPM FE manifold sitting in my shop if you have any interest...I'd let it go much cheaper than a new can be bought.
On the other hand I have a love hate relationship with the FE's--I love how simple they are but I think that intake manifold design deserves a special place in hell.
If you're looking for pure bang for the buck I'd go with the 390 that you already have. I have a new never mounted Performer RPM FE manifold sitting in my shop if you have any interest...I'd let it go much cheaper than a new can be bought.
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 239
Likes: 3
my 66 f-100 has a 390 with a c6, and I like it . . . if you are worried about originality for value's sake then keep the original engine somewhere if you do the swap so you can always say you have the original engine if you do go to sell it.
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 2,389
Likes: 58
Since swaps are supposedly quite easy in the later slicks and you already have a donor, then the 390 may be a good way to go.
I haven't seen the other posts but I don't see a complaint here about the 240. If you're generally satisfied with it, then upgrade it, dare to be a little different.
I haven't seen the other posts but I don't see a complaint here about the 240. If you're generally satisfied with it, then upgrade it, dare to be a little different.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 1,480
Likes: 6
From: Great White North
I would yank the six and stow it away and put the 390 in it. Easy to swap back later on so long as you keep it all
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
I love the big sixes but even after dumping a ton of money into them they still are struggling to do what a bone stock 2 barrel 390 does. It takes a certain blind eye to money spent vs power gained and a true love of the big six to build one up.
On the other hand I have a love hate relationship with the FE's--I love how simple they are but I think that intake manifold design deserves a special place in hell.
If you're looking for pure bang for the buck I'd go with the 390 that you already have. I have a new never mounted Performer RPM FE manifold sitting in my shop if you have any interest...I'd let it go much cheaper than a new can be bought.
On the other hand I have a love hate relationship with the FE's--I love how simple they are but I think that intake manifold design deserves a special place in hell.
If you're looking for pure bang for the buck I'd go with the 390 that you already have. I have a new never mounted Performer RPM FE manifold sitting in my shop if you have any interest...I'd let it go much cheaper than a new can be bought.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 1,670
Likes: 8
Yes, but mainly for the weight. The WOW factor won't be noticed unless you change or at least modify the heads. What are the #s on the heads. If you can find a good pair of early model G heads and install the larger cobra valves, I think you'd be happy. OR, spring for a set of aluminum heads to match the manifold.
Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 6,305
Likes: 18
From: Boulder Creek, Ca
IMO, mentioned the 240 " runs great" then I would not go the expense of purchasing headers; not an authority just not sure the 240 would reach the power band where headers play a factor? I would install a decent exhaust system and either route them out the back, or behind the rear wheel. Again, if the engine is running great, then I would stay with the existing intake and carburetor, swapping for a 4bbl, IMO, would be a waste, doubtful the secondaries would come into play? If decide to swap for the 390 then upgrades may be another matter, not so sure with swapping for the 302?
If intend using on a regular basis then there is a significant difference in MPG between the 390 and 302?
Imagine, all things considered, the cost would be minimal if decide to stay with existing configuration; meantime, drive the truck while deciding and do the research on what would be involve; cost, and benefits? Anyhow, food for thought?
If intend using on a regular basis then there is a significant difference in MPG between the 390 and 302?
Imagine, all things considered, the cost would be minimal if decide to stay with existing configuration; meantime, drive the truck while deciding and do the research on what would be involve; cost, and benefits? Anyhow, food for thought?
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 2,389
Likes: 58
Any engine can make use of better exhaust (headers), bigger carbs and corresponding intakes as long as complimentary modifications are made.
Think of a 240 6cyl as 3/4 of a 320ci 8 cyl. On a per-cylinder basis, the 240 will have the exact same demands when everything that can be equal is equal. The exact same things you would do to this hypothetical 320 will apply to the 240. The laws of physics are the same no matter the displacement or number of cylinders.
Think of a 240 6cyl as 3/4 of a 320ci 8 cyl. On a per-cylinder basis, the 240 will have the exact same demands when everything that can be equal is equal. The exact same things you would do to this hypothetical 320 will apply to the 240. The laws of physics are the same no matter the displacement or number of cylinders.
