Hey Dr-dirt...I thought about that..What is a good and easy way to go about that? I may know my engines and auto transmissions, but this is my first standard..Sometimes it is loose and tightens up, then sometimes the other way around. I reset the ECM today...(Since I changed my exhuast to a better breathing setup, to let my computer readjust to the flow) Just from starting it up th clutchfeels better, haven't driven it out of the yard yet though...Does the Ecm control clutch operation??

 

By the way..Dodge 3.7L V6 I could beat one of those in a race with my riding lawnmower.

 

I actually have no idea if the ECM controls the clutch pressure or not. It might, that thing controls everuthing else. As far as I know the master cylinder is purely mechanical, unless there is a vac assist like the brakes. In that case, yes, it would be controlled by the ECM.

Oh by the way, I did keep up to a late model acura going up a hill @90 mph. He was ****ed. Who ever said the 4.2 was under powered?

 

Well granted it is not the biggest V6, and it is a full size truck with different gearing, not aerodynamic, and isn't the best on gas, but it sure suprised me when i bought it!

 

1998 f 150 4,2 V6

 

I voted for the 4.9...It's by far the best 6 ever put in a truck. I'd rather have that than in the 351 that's in my Bronco. My dad and I both have 95's with the 300's and 5 speeds. Mine has a 2.73 rear end and new it got 23 MPG. My dad has a 3.55 rear end and doesn't get as good of mileage, but feels like it has twice as much power as mine, on the highway and around town...that thing pulls like a mule.
Mine has 170K and my dad's have 230K and both run like they were new, not a problem out of either.
If your wanting pulling, and a pretty much bulletproof motor, get the 4.9.

 

As far as a true truck engine the 4.9 can't be beat. It is arguably the best motor ford ever produced. It is a low end grunt motor that is definitely a puller. It isn't a great motor to run 100 mph in but then again a truck should be built for hualing and pulling. The 300 can definitely do that and does it better than any other motor in this poll. It will last forever with regular maintenace and is a real beast as far as a six cylinder goes. Not a V6 the 300 is an inline six so it doesn't quite compare with the other v6's as far as setup but is by far the best truck engine in this poll, if you are using your truck as a true truck.

 

my vote went to the 300, best gas truck engine money can buy.

currently mine is 24 years old, 223,000 miles. put the gas to the floor pull the choke out and she fires right up ready to work another day. paired with 3.55 gears she gives 16 mpg mixed city highway.

it'll haul anything you put in or behind it, the trucks frame could be bent in half and draging on the street the 300 dosn't care.

U.P.S. ran 300s in there trucks for years, 300s power ever thing from forklifts, to wood chippers, and irigation pumps, around here mid american energy is running a fleet of 92 and 93 f150s all 300 powerd all with manual trannys, some have made there way over 300,000 miles and still run like a top.

twas a sad day when fords could no longer be bought with the 300, they found a home between the fenders of f100s - 350s even dump trucks.

i've watched people unsuccessfully try to kill there 300 only so they can replace it with a v8.

my second pick for a great six cylinder one thats not one the list would be chevys 292 inline 6, and if you want a real truck v6 check out the gmc 305 v6, yes its a 305 v6 i know theres a 305 v8 but they are two seperate motors.

the truck market has seriously changed, but i'll rebuild my beloved "under powerd" tractor engine a million times before i replace it with a over bored minivan engine.

and not the ruffle and feathers but anyone who thinks there v6 can take my 302 in a race is more then weclome to line it up, shes smoked a few in her day and will continue to into the future.

 

Sorry guys, I had to pick other for my all time favorite v6 motor. The Nissan 3.5 double overhead cam v6 will go down as one of the best stock v6 motors out there IMHO.
When it comes to trucks, I have to go with the 4.9/300 inline 6. Had one of those in my 91 F150 and the thing was just down right awesome. It would do anything I wanted and then some.
I'm hoping that the 4.2 in my new truck will impress me as much as my old 4.9 did, got my finger crossed.

 

I went with the 4.2 liter V6 bevuase I have the best of both worlds, ampel power and good gas mileage

 

I drove a colorado, what a p.o.s., that engine had no go. I have had to 4.0 5spd Rangers and now I drive a 4.2 5spd F150. Either Ranger would have smoked my F150, but there are other determining factors such as weight there. My F150 has a 3.55 rear and I am shocked at how many people say theirs has no bottom end. My bottom end feels strong (still talking about my truck) if anything if feels like it runs out of steam to quick on the top end. It pulls hard to about 4200 then just feels like it is working too hard. The 4.0 would pull to redline with out complaining. That said, I am enjoying the crap out of driving this truck, I love driving a 5spd, car or truck.

 

Of the ones listed, I'd vote for the 4.0l V6 in the Ranger. Small, light truck + generously sized V6 makes for a nice combo. The 300 straight six is a legend too, though, and a damn fine one at that.

My overall favorite 6-banger, though, has to be the Hudson Twin H Power straight 6, as found on Hudson Hornets. It takes one ride in a 7X-spec Hudson-powered anything to understand why.

 

When tuned 'beyond' the OEM / EPA restrictions the 4.2L V-6 in my '98 F-150 XLT 2x4 yields the best of both worlds in the areas of power availability and fuel economy even at the 7,000' msl altitudes at which I normally operate.

The simple, low cost additions of a 'home crafted' cold air K & N filter and single 3" exhaust and tail pipe connected to a 3" Magnaflow SS muffler really open up the OEM engine.

With the addition of a 3 postion DiabloSport chip to the PCM (ECU) that is set as follows: Pos. "OFF" - unchanged OEM operation for use of 86 octane; Pos. "#2" - E-85 (Ethanol) at 105 Octane; and Pos. "#3" - Unleaded Super Tune set for use of 91-92 octane you can 'pick your poison'.

I've been burning E-85 (Ethanol) 'almost exclusively' for well over 3,800 miles now with absolutely NO PROBLEMS including fuel pump; fuel filter or fuel leaks of any kind. Details will be posted on the Alternative Fuels Forum.

 

what bout the yamaha designed V-6 24 valver?

 

I have always felt that mine had decent bottom end also. I have a dyno sheet on mine. It is completely stock. In a fourth gear run from Idle, tourque starts out under 1000 rpms at 200 ft. lbs. it climbs to a high of 218 at 2600 rpms. it never falls below 200 ft. lbs all of the way to the speed limiter at 4170 RPM. That is a very flat torque curve. On this run I got a high of 165 hp at the rear wheels which is low since I could not get to the redline because of the road speed limiter. In third gear I can get it to redline but 3rd gear gives more parasitic loss in the driveline. Because of this I connot get a peak horsepower reading on the dyno. I like the 4.2. I would definitely buy another. I have 110,000 mostly problem free miles on mine.