Is an I6 enough engine

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May 18, 2004 | 11:05 PM

2ndmouse

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Is an I6 enough engine

There is a guy not far from me who is junking a 74 150 with an I6 carbed engine. the truck is a basket case but the engine runs really nice, no smoke, no misses no leaks.

I was considering ripping out the I6 for a "backup" engine just in case one of these afternoons god gets bored and wants to see what a 390 looks like when it blows up.

I'm going to "assume" It will bolt to my transmission or the one with it will go in my 65 250....

Now, for a F250, is an I6 (300) enough engine?
I dont tow stuff, but I do haul wood and junk. Would this I6 be wasting my time and storage space or would it make an acceptable replacement engine to drop in my 250? ("if" I needed to.. it would be tucked away waiting to be called into service)

I thik I can get the engine /transmission for next to nothing, maybe free. I dont wanna store something I wont really be able to use.

opinions?

May 19, 2004 | 05:27 AM

jowilker

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Joined: Jun 1999

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From: Creedmoor, North Carolina

Mouse, You'd have to change out the complete drive train. The tranny bell is different and the rear would be too high to support the I-6.

You might like it for on farm use but when you got on the hiway you would be looking for the rest of the mota.

John

May 19, 2004 | 07:40 AM

Pro-Street/StateTK

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From: East Flat Rock NC

Well I have not had one (I6) in about 10 years,but the headers on one of the ones i had had lots of power I like hot rods and if I had a chance at a 300 I6
I would have it over in the corner as a back up!

P.S. if you are thinking your going to get good gas milage forget it!

But with headers there is lots of power ! And does not sound like an import .

May 19, 2004 | 11:34 AM

2ndmouse

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I see..
well, I hate to pass up good junk.
maybe I will take it to just have in my pocket as a trade item...

May 20, 2004 | 05:51 PM

JSMConstruction

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that 390 will blow up much much faster then the 300 will by fare......

But Ford is retarded so nothing bolts to nothing. you can't swap an engine with out changing every thing else.....

as fare as interchangablity i like GM......
but ford Truck's tend to hold more wieght.

May 20, 2004 | 05:59 PM

2ndmouse

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Whats "everything else?"
dumb question I know but other than the transmission and the drive shaft (2wd) and the motor mounts, what else would have to be had to do a swap to an I6?

Never hurts to explore the idea...

May 20, 2004 | 09:16 PM

cdherman

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Joined: Jun 2003

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From: Parkville, MO (KC)

You might want to consider reversing your thinking. Your cab, front clip etc will all bolt up to the 74' frame. The bed, assuming the wheelbase is the same as yours, will fit, though it would require new bolt holes.

In doing such a swap you would gain disc brakes, 5 bolt hubs (MUCH easier to deal with tires and rims), and possibly power steering, power brakes, etc.etc. depending on what else your prospective junker has.

There are a number of folks that consider this approach the very best way to upgrade 65/66 trucks that have twin I suspension. When considering this approach, make sure you are getting a truck with a frame that is not sprung or bent. Not always easy to tell, but a good look is important.

A lot of guys swear by the 1978 F150, as they can be found with tilt wheel steering. For my taste, not so critical.

Just a thought.