Yeah Pkupman82 is right, why go 302 when you can go 351W, I have a 300 now and I didn't even really consider a 302, just priced a 351W right away. I was tampering w/ the idea of a 460 in my 86 4x4 F-150, but I might have to settle for the 351W, b/c that conversion is kind of tough. The only reason I'd get a 302 is for build-up purposes, ever since ford put a 302HO in a Mustang you can get any kind of header you want, then toss on a supercharger, but an engine like that is better suited for drag racin, not dragin the stock trailer.

Redneck-Cowboy

 

I have a 302 now and used to have a 300..... I wish I had the 300 back!!! what about just goin straight to a 351???

 

351w for all i think that is a very good idea but my thoughts also lean towards a big block on nitrous 300 will do 302sjob all day long but the 351w is only replaced by somthing bigger

 

A 300 will do the job of a 351w too, maybe not as fast but will certainly get the job done. I would concider swapping a 351w into my truck IF 300 sixes sieced to exist. In my opinion the 300 is more durable than even the 351w, a V8 seems to wear out in less time than the inline six. Don't get me wrong I would love have the extra power of a V8, but not the gas mileage...concidering the 84 will be my main source of transportation for quite a while. I can build my play toy out of the 77 Highboy.

 

77 Highboy? Go w/ the 390 or 429. I'd take those 2 engines anyday over a 351W. The 390 is the highest hp per inch engine Ford made and you got the truck for it, then there's always the cobra jet 429 or a 428. Wish I could find a decent, decently priced 75 through 77 highboy.

Redneck Cowboy

 

I've toyed with the idea of a 351W, and know of one friend that has one, but it lives at his dad's house about 4 hours away, and it knocks...chances are, I'll stick with the 300, but I may choose to sell the truck I have, as it's not in the greatest shape...mechanically or cosmetically. As it sits right now, I'm getting about 7 mpg, but I think that's mainly due to the carbeurator being 20 years old...do any of you know of adapter kits to put a 2bbl carb on a single barrel intake, or would I hafta buy a new intake if I chose to go that route? I know that Offenhauser has 2 and 4 bbl intakes for inline sixes. What do they cost, approximately? Approx. what would a total rebuild and machining cost for a 300, if I was to completely rebuild it? And what would be a good bore to go to for machining? Thanks for any advice ya'll could offer.

MontanaFord

 

MontanaFord...I ordered a 2bbl adapter kit from Cliffords, and it's waiting for me to install it at home. I do not yet know how difficult the swap will be but, looking at the pics of the adapter Dad sent me; it does not look to be too bad of a job to do. My 1bbl Carter carb works great, I just want to get a little more get up and go out of my 300. And make the most of the RV camshaft I installed. As for the 77 Highboy...I plan to run the original 351m for a while, it runs very strong, gets 50-60 psi oil pressure, runs less than 180 degrees when you run it hard, and on top of all that it was rebuilt approximately 70k ago. I will probably install a 4bbl intake and headers on it, with dual exhaust. When that motor pukes, I am thinking very strongly of either converting it to a 400; or stroking mine to a 400. I have found the 400s better suit me for what the truck will be used for(high torque and heavy duty). I know a guy who runs 351 and 400m motors in all his snowplow trucks (all Fords YES!), He has run nearly every Ford truck engine in his vehicles and found that the M block motors have the best torque and handle the harsh abuse best of all. He beats the hell out of his trucks so hard it just makes me cringe. That's good enough for me, and the guy wouldn't steer me wrong. Granted I would love to drop a 429 into my 77, but where am I going to find one?

 

MontanaFord...I have seen the Offy intakes for the 240-300 Ford sixes in JC Whitney for 200 bucks.

 

Thanks, Pkupman...

Also, what would be a good 2bbl carb to put on if I go that route? And what's an approx. cost? Not only is this truck my daily driver, it's also kinda a project in the making, and I'm on kinda a tight budget. Sux, but hey, that's life. I may just try to find another 300 to build up a little bit and then drop in at a later date. Thanks again.

MontanaFord

 

I was under the impression that the M series motors were junk, for the 351 anyway, I think the 400 was alright.

Redneck-Cowboy

 

I also used to have a 300 inline with a 3 speed manual transmission in my 1985 F150 but changed to a 302 with an automatic with over drive. I wish I could take it all back now. The switch was easy enough but the loss of pulling power and gas mileage is very noticeable. After all its all about pulling and hauling power and that is at the low end. Stick with the 6.

 

1985 F150 4x2 Styleside 302 auto Dog
1977 F250 Ext Cab With 460

 

The 351M is a great engine, a little low on the power (in stock form), but good low end torque. We had them in 3/4 tons with good results. Basicly they are the evolution of the 351 Cleveland with a big block bell housing pattern. I always considered the 351W to be the weak sister of the two 351s (in durability), but by the mid 80's it was the only thing short of a 460 to put in a heavier pickup.

The 400M in truck form is a good engine too, the 400Ms that went in cars seemed to be "soft" when it came to getting high miles especially the valves and heads. Had an 80 one ton dually with a 4 speed 400M and 100K+ miles that out pulled our then new 89 one ton dually with a 5 speed 460, and got better mileage doing it.

 

Like I said, the M blocks are tough motors. They don't make much horsepower when they are stock but a conciderable amount of torque not mention they can be built to be pretty darn stout. A friend and I built a 400m for a guy to put in a 78 Big Bronco. He put a 4 speed behind it with an NP205 x-case, with 33s that truck simply could not be stopped! It has been on the road for nearly 5 years now and it's still running strong. As for my 2bbl conversion on the 300 six, I am going try using a stock 2bbl Holley off a 302 and see how that runs. If I am not satisfied I will probably go to an aftermarket carb, or I will buy the complete aluminum Offy intake and install a 4bbl.

 

hey dont get me wrong i love the 300 and truthfully i cant evan afford to put gas in my truck so i am driving a 4 cyl mustang damn big blocks i would just build evrything towards the purpose you need it for.