Im looking for buying a 1986-1993 f-150,250...need to know the power differences..gas mileage..anything you can tell me

 

from 1987-1996 the 300 had 150 hp at 3500 rpms and 260 ft/lbs of torque at 2000 rpms
i think the 302 had about 185 hp and 270 ft/lbs of torque (don't know at what rpms) from 1987-1993
my 1994 f150 2wd with the 300 I-6, mazda 5 spd. manual tranny and 2.73 gears gets about 15 mpg city, dont know highway
Also 1987 was the first year for EFI 86's had carbs
Also i think there might have been a power increace on both engines from 1986 to 1987

 

In '86, the only motor that was carb'd was the 4.9(300), everything else was EFI. I would stay away from first year model changes, i.e. '87, '92, because they always revise the trucks in the later years. It all depends what you want to use the truck for. For just everyday driving down the highway and whatnot, I would go with a 302. Aftermarket parts are cheap and easy to find and the motor is pretty reliable. If you want something to last 400k miles, get the 300 =)

 

FWIW, the 351w didn't go efi until late 87.

 

In 86 the 300 was the last engine to have a carb across the board in all applications

87 was the last year for carbed for the 351w and 460, and that was only in HD emission vehicles (8600 gvwr).
85 was the first for the EFI 302 and 351w in all applications under 8200 gvwr.

 

This makes it seem like the 1/2 ton trucks with 351w's went efi in 85...which the 1/2 ton trucks with a 351w didn't go efi until late 87.

 

I still want to know what engine would be the best...im a student and use it for some highway driving, 4x4ing, and some ranch work in the summer...gas mileage is a big factor, i just want to know what a gas mileage and power differences are. thnx

 

Ya'll know what I mean =) I knew some of the other motors were carb'd but I couldn't remember what motors/truck series had them, thnx for clearing it up.

 

Can we not argue about what motors went EFI in what year and just help the man?

Mileage won't be impacted by the motor as much as gear ratio, transmission (sticks get better mileage), weight (supercab longbed is much heavier than a reg cab shortbed), and 4x4 (front axle is heavier).

As far as power differences, there really isn't much. The 300's power comes on earlier in the powerband than the 302's does. The 300 is also generally regarded as a longer-lasting motor than the 302, although the 302 is no slouch in that department either.

 

No arguement here, just adding to the discussion what I can, I have a 1987 1/2 ton truck with a carbed 351w and the owners manual.



F-150Guy



I think fordtruck88 give you a good estimate for 300 and 302 power output, the 351w would put you at roughly 205-210hp and 320+/-tq in stock form. I have a 351w and 300 and comparing the two is difficult. If your after a v-8 sound then opt for the 302/351w. They are all dependable engines if taken care of. At this point in time its impossible to quote mpg figures, as all the vehicles are used (probably higher mile vehicles) and depending on who's done what, you can expect dramatic differences. In stock form, you could expect the 300 to give you 15-17mpg, simillar to the 302, maybe just a hair less with the 302, then the 351w slightly less than the 302. From my experience the 300 feels like a gutless wonder in normal driving, falls on its face too early in the rpms. I have driven a couple 4.9's w/t automatic trannies and did not like them, the 5 speed really helps IMO, I have owned two 4.9 trucks with a 5 speed / 3.55:1 rear and liked them, still have one. The good part is when you put the 300 to work, then you shouldn't be disappointed, the sucker seems IMO to come to life.

Only advice I could give you, if you can live with a six then don't hesitate to get a six, as they seem to be more availability (slightly cheaper) and will do the job. If however, you crave the v-8 sound, then don't settle for anything less than the 302/351w, IMO you will not be happy until you get it. About the mpg, as previously mentioned the used trucks today can vary, even compared to stock estimates, so if at all possible, when you ask to test drive the truck, see if they will let you have it for the day and put a few miles on it and test the mpg yourself. It may cost you a couple bucks in gas money but it will be worth it to know what your getting into, especially since that aspect is important to you, besides you'll learn a lot about the truck in general. Good luck

 

I apologize if it has been said, but I believe that in '86, FI was an option, and in '87 it was standard.

 

300 or 302?

For dependability/reliability and longevity - the 300 has the edge. Plus it gets a mile or two (MAYBE) farther on a gallon. 302 in no baby in the world either, but; - I think the six with a manual trans will be your best bet. 6 bangers and auto trannys are gas hogs - and performance slugs, keep that in mind too.

edit in -- - no offence to those that like 6 bangers and autos! lol

 

Six is a dream to work on.

 

I think "jwtayler" gave a pretty accurate description. If you get the six, get a manual. Actually, if you got a 302, I would still get a manual... I've had both, and I think the 302 does better with the manual, than an auto. Anyway, to sum, if the truck is going to be a work truck, and sound, power, etc, is no big deal, either one is ok, with the edge probably going to the six, being they last a long time, and are fairly easy to work on. But if it's going to be a street truck, and exhaust sound is important, highway cruising mainly, chickmagnet truck, etc, go the 302. I prefer the 300 for a strict work truck, but I would prefer the 302 anyday for a cruiser street truck. The 302 has a nice throaty sound if set up right. Again, opinions vary, but overall I don't like the sound of the six too much on a street machine. Nothing you do to the exhaust makes it sound too awful good. A piped up six still sounds like a six...Just louder...Naturally, the 351 would be good too...But drink more gas..P.S. As far as mpg, it's a toss, but I think on the highway, with normal gearing, the 302 might do slightly better than the 300. Not a big difference though...MK

 

True, the I6 sucks more at 70 per, but that's not the I6 engine strong suit. And I do drive mine at 65-70 often, and pay the price in fuel consumption/wear.

Like the man said, if you want a cruiser, get the 302, if you want a good solid long lasting working truck go for the 300.