Engine Recommendation
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New User
Joined: Nov 2004
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Engine Recommendation
Hi everyone,
I have been reading here a little while and have found tons of info. I am looking to buy/build a dependable truck for light towing, sporadic huntin trips, and everyday driving. I want something decent on gas and on 31's. I like the 78-79 supercabs. Can anyone suggest any options for me to look at? I would take 4x4 if I could find one in a 78-79 supercab. Any engine recomendations for what I mentioned. I would like decent throttle response and something for towing but nothing to big. Any info, do's-don'ts would be greatly appreciated.
I have been reading here a little while and have found tons of info. I am looking to buy/build a dependable truck for light towing, sporadic huntin trips, and everyday driving. I want something decent on gas and on 31's. I like the 78-79 supercabs. Can anyone suggest any options for me to look at? I would take 4x4 if I could find one in a 78-79 supercab. Any engine recomendations for what I mentioned. I would like decent throttle response and something for towing but nothing to big. Any info, do's-don'ts would be greatly appreciated.
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 592
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From: BC, Canada
Welcome, and there is tons of info here, use the "search" feature to find almost anything you care to look for.
I prefer the 78 - 79 trucks, I've had one of each, and can't say which is better for myself. Most say the 79 is best I believe, better steering is one reason. I would say go for a larger engines if towing or carrying a load is your thing. I've found the smaller motors just don't have the torque. Just keep in mind you'll probably see worse gas mileage.
I prefer the 78 - 79 trucks, I've had one of each, and can't say which is better for myself. Most say the 79 is best I believe, better steering is one reason. I would say go for a larger engines if towing or carrying a load is your thing. I've found the smaller motors just don't have the torque. Just keep in mind you'll probably see worse gas mileage.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,138
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From: Yuba City, Ca
if i were you i would look for a 79 f-250 supercab RangerXLT 4x4. i would recomend either a 351M or 400. they are the same block just different crank and pistons. Deffinately these motors for MPG concerns. mine gets around 9 in town and 13 on the hwy. if properly tuned carb you should get about 10 in the city. Some people claim as much as 18 on the hwy but i dunno. Look for 3.73 gears for the best of towing and daily driver worlds. with a stock height truck 31's look perfect IMO. you can go upto 33's but since you go hunting and such extra clearance is nice.
New User
Joined: Jan 2008
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Read this :
I think this is the way to go.
http://www.off-road.com/ford/flashback/400_power.html
http://home.earthlink.net/~bubbaf250/index.html
I think this is the way to go.
http://www.off-road.com/ford/flashback/400_power.html
http://home.earthlink.net/~bubbaf250/index.html
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 162
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I get about 12 MPG pushing my engine extremely hard, i have a 93 f150 with the 300-6, love the motor, tons of towing torque, if you dont like the 300, go with a 351 with the zf tranny or watever with the relly low granny gear.
btw i have 3.55 L/s gears say the sticker.
btw i have 3.55 L/s gears say the sticker.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 26,007
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From: Brentwood,CA
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New User
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Thanks for all the info fellas. Someone suggested the f250 over the f150. I had not thought of that. Any other reasons than the weight difference. Thanks
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Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 1999
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From: SW Missouri
the brakes and axles on a F-150 are going to be smaller than the 250.
get a 400 or a 460.
the 400 could be had up to 260 hp/400lbs ft. in stock trim (1971)
the 460 could be had up to 365 hp/500lbs ft. in stock trim (68-71)
my 400+ hp 460 gets 10-12 mpg with 3.73s empty or loaded.
I would get the 460 myself, but the 400 is a close second with proper mods. (performer intake, 1971 T/C set, roller fulcrums, 9-1 pistons, etc)
the 250 chassis is the better setup. the supercabs used the same framerails in all series but axles and springs and brakes are different. the
get a 400 or a 460.
the 400 could be had up to 260 hp/400lbs ft. in stock trim (1971)
the 460 could be had up to 365 hp/500lbs ft. in stock trim (68-71)
my 400+ hp 460 gets 10-12 mpg with 3.73s empty or loaded.
I would get the 460 myself, but the 400 is a close second with proper mods. (performer intake, 1971 T/C set, roller fulcrums, 9-1 pistons, etc)
the 250 chassis is the better setup. the supercabs used the same framerails in all series but axles and springs and brakes are different. the
