HEI +
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 131
Likes: 21
HEI +
Truck: 1980 F-150 300cid I-6, 3sp manual
Howdy:
Boy is dropping a junk yard I-6 300cid into his F-150 while he does a rebuild of the original engine. He's had a chance to look at the "new to him" motor and it definitely has fewer miles and better compression. I am springing for a re-gasketing kit and EFI headers. I was wondering if this was a good opportunity to junk the computer & distro and go HEI + chinesium 1bbl Carter clone carburetor?
Anything else we ought to address on the "new to him" junk yard I-6? Freeze plugs? Belts?
Howdy:
Boy is dropping a junk yard I-6 300cid into his F-150 while he does a rebuild of the original engine. He's had a chance to look at the "new to him" motor and it definitely has fewer miles and better compression. I am springing for a re-gasketing kit and EFI headers. I was wondering if this was a good opportunity to junk the computer & distro and go HEI + chinesium 1bbl Carter clone carburetor?
Anything else we ought to address on the "new to him" junk yard I-6? Freeze plugs? Belts?
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,560
Likes: 206
From: Washington
I would use the newer style one piece oil pan gasket.
Info in the 300 engine forum.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post18257136
Info in the 300 engine forum.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post18257136
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 56,951
Likes: 2,718
From: Virginia
Truck: 1980 F-150 300cid I-6, 3sp manual
Howdy:
Boy is dropping a junk yard I-6 300cid into his F-150 while he does a rebuild of the original engine. He's had a chance to look at the "new to him" motor and it definitely has fewer miles and better compression. I am springing for a re-gasketing kit and EFI headers. I was wondering if this was a good opportunity to junk the computer & distro and go HEI + chinesium 1bbl Carter clone carburetor?
Anything else we ought to address on the "new to him" junk yard I-6? Freeze plugs? Belts?
Howdy:
Boy is dropping a junk yard I-6 300cid into his F-150 while he does a rebuild of the original engine. He's had a chance to look at the "new to him" motor and it definitely has fewer miles and better compression. I am springing for a re-gasketing kit and EFI headers. I was wondering if this was a good opportunity to junk the computer & distro and go HEI + chinesium 1bbl Carter clone carburetor?
Anything else we ought to address on the "new to him" junk yard I-6? Freeze plugs? Belts?
FTE Legend
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 30,832
Likes: 4,097
From: Angier, NC
I am with Dave on use the dist. and intake / carb off the 80 motor and save the money.
The DSII IGN system is just as good as the HEI and I have seen a DSII run 11 sec. in the 1/4 mile and 10 sec on spray.
That is good enough for me.
Dave ----
The DSII IGN system is just as good as the HEI and I have seen a DSII run 11 sec. in the 1/4 mile and 10 sec on spray.
That is good enough for me.
Dave ----
Laughing Gas
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 774
Likes: 104
From: Elk Grove Village, IL
I bought a 4.9 out of a '79 F-150. In addition to what you mentioned, I'm also going to replace the oil pump when I swap oil pans ('79 is different from '80). If you're going with the one-piece oil pan gasket and will have the pan off, you might as well put a new oil pump in there. You don't need anything fancy just a stock replacement pump. Seems like cheap insurance.
Thread Starter
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 131
Likes: 21
All:
OK, by "computer" I meant Duraspark II system. I had a senior moment recalling its proper name. So DSII is just as good/reliable as the HEI unit? OK, will remember that.
New style oil pan gasket will require flattening out / grinding downoil pan rim, right? IIRC, it has raised bits around the pan bolts.
He's rebuilt the 1bbl Carter carb once already. Not sure its current condition.
"While We're In There" List
Gasket Kit (with newer style one piece oil pan gasket)
EFI Cast Iron Manifolds/Shorty Headers
Oil pump
Freeze Plugs
Belts
Vacuum hoses
OK, by "computer" I meant Duraspark II system. I had a senior moment recalling its proper name. So DSII is just as good/reliable as the HEI unit? OK, will remember that.
New style oil pan gasket will require flattening out / grinding downoil pan rim, right? IIRC, it has raised bits around the pan bolts.
He's rebuilt the 1bbl Carter carb once already. Not sure its current condition.
"While We're In There" List
Gasket Kit (with newer style one piece oil pan gasket)
EFI Cast Iron Manifolds/Shorty Headers
Oil pump
Freeze Plugs
Belts
Vacuum hoses
FTE Legend
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 30,832
Likes: 4,097
From: Angier, NC
All:
OK, by "computer" I meant Duraspark II system. I had a senior moment recalling its proper name. So DSII is just as good/reliable as the HEI unit? OK, will remember that.
New style oil pan gasket will require flattening out / grinding downoil pan rim, right? IIRC, it has raised bits around the pan bolts.
He's rebuilt the 1bbl Carter carb once already. Not sure its current condition.
"While We're In There" List
Gasket Kit (with newer style one piece oil pan gasket)
EFI Cast Iron Manifolds/Shorty Headers
Oil pump
Freeze Plugs
Belts
Vacuum hoses
OK, by "computer" I meant Duraspark II system. I had a senior moment recalling its proper name. So DSII is just as good/reliable as the HEI unit? OK, will remember that.
New style oil pan gasket will require flattening out / grinding downoil pan rim, right? IIRC, it has raised bits around the pan bolts.
He's rebuilt the 1bbl Carter carb once already. Not sure its current condition.
"While We're In There" List
Gasket Kit (with newer style one piece oil pan gasket)
EFI Cast Iron Manifolds/Shorty Headers
Oil pump
Freeze Plugs
Belts
Vacuum hoses
I will also say if you need a full exh system being you will need a Y pipe get everything for a 94 F150, less cat if you dont need one for smog.
You may need 2 mid pipes because of no cat to fill the gap.
Dave ----
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Thread Starter
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 131
Likes: 21
Anyways, gathering a parts list on Rock Auto, I was reminded of the oil pump pickup & screen.
"While We're In There" List
Gasket Kit (with newer style one piece oil pan gasket)
EFI Cast Iron Manifolds/Shorty Headers
Oil pump, pickup, screen
Freeze Plugs
Belts
Vacuum hoses
Clutch, as original still in it.
Exhaust piping
Spark plugs
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 3,942
Likes: 507
From: Edmond, OK
Definitely use the Duraspark II distributor. While HEI is a good ignition system, the modules currently available from most parts stores are trash.
I converted my classic Oldsmobile from points to HEI and I keep a spare HEI module in the glove box in case the one in the distributor craps out. I've had it happen multiple times. Especially if you want to buy a Chinesium cheapie.
I know, I know...
trucks here not Oldsmobiles. Just sayin'. 
I converted my classic Oldsmobile from points to HEI and I keep a spare HEI module in the glove box in case the one in the distributor craps out. I've had it happen multiple times. Especially if you want to buy a Chinesium cheapie.
I know, I know...
trucks here not Oldsmobiles. Just sayin'.
Tuned
Joined: Jan 2022
Posts: 416
Likes: 44
From: Edmonton
This has inspired me to leave my distributor alone. I kept seeing things about HEI being a great option but I haven't had issues with my DS2 setup in my 82 and if the replacements are junk definitely not in my interest to mess with it.
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 56,951
Likes: 2,718
From: Virginia
You are correct, if you already have a DSII setup and working, leave it alone. If you have nothing, as when converting from TFI, the HEI is a great easy option to get the engine going again.
FTE Legend
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 30,832
Likes: 4,097
From: Angier, NC
Dave ----