Well, Ford_six, i imagine you'll like this topic... hehe

20,000km of experience with my beast is encouraging me to further explore an idea I've had for awhile now..

My truck uses a stock, carbureted 300 six, mated to an AOD to get around. Since I have the 4.10/4.09 Dana 60/44HD setup, the six gets around surprisingly well!! I have plenty of power, and the sucker will do anything I want, even though my truck is a 5200lb "Highboy" 4x4!!

Overdrive allows me to drive the sucker 70mph on the highway comfortably, and even will do so with 2000lbs in the back!! (I'm nicer to my AOD than that, but I tried it just to see if it would take it..) heheheh

I know I've cruised by plenty of newer trucks in OD whether cruising in the city at 35mph in OD at 1100rpm, or at 70mph at 2700rpm... great stuff.

I crossed the continent with it in March, in all conditions, with 1500 lbs on it. No problem, although I felt some limitations to its ability to haul at speed through the rockies, as you all might expect.

Here's my point:

I want to convert to propane, and build the six into a stout, high compression tourque monster.

Why?
1. Propane is 116 Octane by nature, and will detonate properly at any compression you want.

2. Propane is about 50% cheaper than 87 octane gasoline these days, here in Vancouver, B.C.

3. I get the almost EFI-like benefit of a pressurized fuel system for easy starts.

4. Propane engines run hotter, and more efficient. less combustion by-products get into your crankcase, prolonging oil life and lessening wear and tear.

5. Emissions - lower, helping pass smog tests, where applicable (like where i am.)

Now, I know propane provides slightly less BTU's than gasoline, but with engine mods for high compression, like flat top pistons, and a milled head, along with a tourquer cam-shaft and dual exhaust (the efi exhaust manifold comes to mind) I think I can more than compensate for the lesser BTU's.

Mixer's are available to provide whatever CFM/propane delivery I need.


I'd really love some feedback on this idea, from those who have a lot of experience modding the six, and from those who know propane..

This idea has matured for me over a period of 5 years now, as I've continued to look into it. I'm not too far from the point where i'd like to take a 300 block to a engine rebuilder to have it checked for suitability for this project.

Thanks for taking the time to read!! I have plenty of pics and info in my gallery of the work already done to get my "semi-original" creation on the road; currently scaring small import drivers on the roads of Vancouver.. heheheh

It may not quite be one of those smart cars, but i can carry one in the back!
heheh. I laughed at a guy the other day driving a 79 F250 with a cummins diesel thrown into it. Thats the opposite direction I want to take in a few ways.......

Oh yeah.. why the 300 six? Becausei figure it will run for 40 years when taken care of, and cost next to nothing to maintain. I think i can get numbers like 300 lbs of tourque, and 200 horsepower doing what i mentioned above.. now there's where i'd like to hear from the guys with 300 experience...

 

You will find lots of propane information in the alternative fuels forum. You will also find information on the 300-six in that engine forum. I believe it has been discussed before.