Looking for pointers
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Mountain Pass
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 141
Likes: 0
From: Beaverton
Looking for pointers
I'm going to buy a 80 to 88 Ford truck for camping and towing my boat. Boat weighs about 2000 Lbs. I'm thinking manual transmission. Any pointers on which engine / model to avoid ?
I don't want a lot of power, but I do want a V8 hopefully a small block. Mileage doesn't matter. I'd like it to be reliable. I'll probably put a shell on it. Probably a shortbed.
Any info to steer me in the right direction ?
I don't want a lot of power, but I do want a V8 hopefully a small block. Mileage doesn't matter. I'd like it to be reliable. I'll probably put a shell on it. Probably a shortbed.
Any info to steer me in the right direction ?
Laughing Gas
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 896
Likes: 6
Avoid the 302. It's a great motor for a car but it doesn't have the torque to pull well. A 300 inline six with a manual and some 3.50 gears would be great, plenty of towing power and decent gas milage. A 351 would work fine, as would a 460 but it would be a lot of motor for that lite of a load.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 431
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From: Midwest
The 302 will be fine pulling a 2000 pound boat. he said small block, not inline six or a 460. The 302 will be a lot easier to locate being backed up by a 5 spd. than will a 351. Which is basically a hopped up 302. I agree for everyday towing and hauling I would shy from the 302, but it sounds like he wants a everyday cruiser that will pull a boat on weekends. Which is why I suggest the 302, I do a lot of towing/hauling which is why I have the trucks I do(my sig and an 86 f-150 with a 351-c6-9" rear.)
T. Roberts
UFD Local 1147
T. Roberts
UFD Local 1147
Senior User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 347
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if you must insist on a v-8, go with the 351w. The 302 is garbage for towing, i don't care if it is just a weekend hobby thing, you would be much happier with the 351w. myself i would go with a 300 inline six before i went with the 302. also if you go with an automatic stay away from the AOD, try for a C-6. and if you go with stick, try to stay away from the m5od.
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 544
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From: Ocala, Florida
Go with the 351W. You want a small block, this is the one. There is no replacement for displacement. I have a 351W with a manual transmission. I pull a 5400 lbs boat on top of a 1600 lbs trailer, bottom line is I am towing 7000 lbs. The 300 inline 6 is an excellent engine also. I know it is not a small block V8, but it is an engine that is capable of the task. The 302 is good in cars.
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 590
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From: shelocta, pa
i know you said small block, but i have the 300 on a t-18 4 spd. it will give all the grunt you need oto get up out of the water and then some. and it is cake to work on, though it really isn't needed. it is a great set up.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 14,413
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From: Sarnia, Ontario, CANADA!
I don't know why everyone bashes the 302. I regularly tow with one at work as well as have one in my daily driver. If you found the "right" vehicle for you (price, year, options, etc) and it had a 302, go for it! I will say it would not be my first choice but it can still do a good job. Yes the 300 is a good engine too and so is the 351. The 460 is good but has a bad habit of burning oil AND gas (most people don't get over 12 MPG, usually near 8). Good luck! 
-Matt
-Matt
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Mountain Pass
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 141
Likes: 0
From: Beaverton
Thank you for the information
Especially in regards to the 300 Six. I didn't really consider this as an option. I did consider the 302 as an option, but only due to the light towing load. I've also heard the 460 is great, especially if you own a gas station.
I can see I'll have to wait around to find a 360/390 with a manual tranny. I was mainly leaning that way due to the bad combination of Automatic tranny/towing and fried fluid.
I've heard good things about the C-6. If I have the extra fluid cooling capacity can I tow light stuff with the C6 ? Stay under 2000 Lbs ?
Of course the wife might even stoop to driving the truck in that case...!!
I can see I'll have to wait around to find a 360/390 with a manual tranny. I was mainly leaning that way due to the bad combination of Automatic tranny/towing and fried fluid.
I've heard good things about the C-6. If I have the extra fluid cooling capacity can I tow light stuff with the C6 ? Stay under 2000 Lbs ?
Of course the wife might even stoop to driving the truck in that case...!!
Freshman User
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 34
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From: Simi Valley
1980-1986 with a 351W and 350 rear is what I use for the same purpose and I love it ! If you can afford it put in the MSD ignition and Eddlebrock intake. I would not go as low as the 302 unless it's a Mustang!!! It's always better to have more than less!!