Engine, mileage, etc
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From: Montana
Engine, mileage, etc
On the lookout for a F250, 4WD, 4spd. Been a long time since I had a truck this new. What would I prefer engine-wise for the better gas mileage/power/performance? No big tires, no headers, no wasting money on this thing. It will be a ranch truck going to town now and again and such.
Think I had a 351M one time...if I recall, it was a gutless wonder too. Thought the 390 was pretty nice, from what I recall. 460 is great, except for the fule consumption.
Talked to a guy this week that took a carb off a 78', 302 I think it was. Fiddle around with jets and such and got it to 22mpg. Will have to find out more details on that one though.
Think I had a 351M one time...if I recall, it was a gutless wonder too. Thought the 390 was pretty nice, from what I recall. 460 is great, except for the fule consumption.
Talked to a guy this week that took a carb off a 78', 302 I think it was. Fiddle around with jets and such and got it to 22mpg. Will have to find out more details on that one though.
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From: Virginia Beach
You thought the 351m was a gutless wonder, try driving a fuel starved 302. . . or any stock 302. Try and find a truck with a 300 inline six. Lots of low end grunt, better than what you would expect for gas mileage, but not alot of performance (well, if you mean horsepower/acceleration) stock. Has diesel like engine life. You can pull stumps all day long, but don't expect to pass to many people on the highway 
The only thing better than the 300, would be a 351W (has the performance the 300 lacks), but I don't think they came stock in the 70's, at least in trucks.
The only thing better than the 300, would be a 351W (has the performance the 300 lacks), but I don't think they came stock in the 70's, at least in trucks.
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From: Montana
Yeah, a 300 would be great but with the mountains here and 75 mph speeds....wouldnt be a good choice. 302 is kinda small I think.
Big block would be best in my mind. Dont want a PS, been there, done that. Too much money for what it is going to be used for. So, now that I answered my own questions, which of the big blocks would be best?
But....going back to the 300, I bet you surely could get performance out of them. That would probably really suck down the gas though. Nothing beats the torque of a straight 6....unless you have a straight 8.
Acceleration...at my age, who cares!
Big block would be best in my mind. Dont want a PS, been there, done that. Too much money for what it is going to be used for. So, now that I answered my own questions, which of the big blocks would be best?
But....going back to the 300, I bet you surely could get performance out of them. That would probably really suck down the gas though. Nothing beats the torque of a straight 6....unless you have a straight 8.
Acceleration...at my age, who cares!
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From: Visalia, California
In my experience...
In my experience the best motor I've ever had (outside my current 460) was the 289 out of my "just after high school" truck -- a '67 Bronco. I rebuilt the motor top to bottom (punched to 302) and popped a Carter 4-bbl on it. Never had so much as a hickup! I managed to stretch the mileage out to +- 20 once by messing with the valve adjustment. But honestly I don't think a 289/302 is a very wise choice for an F-250. 351 (Cleveland is my preference) is probably your best choice for all-around use. Or like the gentleman above suggested, 300 cid 6.
Just my opinion.
Just my opinion.
Last edited by Mil1ion; Jun 2, 2005 at 08:54 PM.
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From: Montana
Yeah, wonder how the 300 would do at 70mph or so? Dont see too many 300's in a 250 though, do you? Could get a 150 but couldnt really haul much of a trailer/load with it.
I love my 292 I have now...but I think I have to sell it with the truck.
I love my 292 I have now...but I think I have to sell it with the truck.
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From: Las Vegas
a 302 that is mildly built up (Basic rebuild+pistons+cam+carb) should do what you want it to
I worked at a landscape Co. and drove a 1978 with a 300 and it would pull a 3000lbs tralier at 70mph all day long. Now I have a 78 with a 460 that will pull a house at 70mph all day long
Yeah, wonder how the 300 would do at 70mph or so?
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From: Montana
I kinda like the 6 cylinder idea, the more I think of it. I actually think I know where there is an engine....but to find something to stick it in.
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From: Virginia Beach
Originally Posted by opus
But....going back to the 300, I bet you surely could get performance out of them. That would probably really suck down the gas though. Nothing beats the torque of a straight 6....unless you have a straight 8. Acceleration...at my age, who cares!
Acceleration...at my age, who cares! Your original post makes it sound like your going all stock, bare bones work truck. If this is the case, I still say the 300 for the best mileage/torque ratio. If you start modding, then it gets down too what you do to what motor. If you only hit the road once a week, I wouldn't wory about trying to hit 75. Rarity, well, I have only seen 3-4 in the couple years I was looking for Highboys. There out there though. Lastly, you won't find a 460 in any 4x4 of this vintage unless it was swapped in, so hope they did it right if you go that route.EDIT:I really gotta stop taking 20 minutes to post
Last edited by Franken-Truck; Jun 2, 2005 at 06:26 PM. Reason: I really gotta stop taking 20 minutes to post, lol
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From: Montana
When I was younger I did the bigger tire thing, as I learned then, absolutely hopeless in snow. Tall and narrow has been it since then.
Yes, all stock, but I am not THAT old where I can ad a few bolt-ons to the engine.
NW Montana, might be hard to find one, but I will try.
I guess I can only go up to '79 and still have a solid front axle though. Not sure I would want one of those 'floppy front ends' after the 80's.
I might be able to beef up a 150 somewhat...extra spring here and there, or airbags.
Yes, all stock, but I am not THAT old where I can ad a few bolt-ons to the engine.
NW Montana, might be hard to find one, but I will try.
I guess I can only go up to '79 and still have a solid front axle though. Not sure I would want one of those 'floppy front ends' after the 80's.
I might be able to beef up a 150 somewhat...extra spring here and there, or airbags.
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Okay, Listen Up
Top end is no problem for a 300.
Put a 300 in it
It's the transmission/rear axle that makes or breaks it.
300 !
Best torque for engine size
Best mileage for engine size
Best & easiest maintenance wise
Best engine pick by housewives all over America
If not, put a 289/302 from the 60's (67-289 is best) in it.
Top end is no problem for a 300.
Put a 300 in it
It's the transmission/rear axle that makes or breaks it.
300 !
Best torque for engine size
Best mileage for engine size
Best & easiest maintenance wise
Best engine pick by housewives all over America
If not, put a 289/302 from the 60's (67-289 is best) in it.
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From: waco
I have a good friend with a 67 F100 with a built up 300. He added electronic ignition, a cam, ofenhauser aluminum intake with a 4 barrel holley, it also has a header on it. I'm not sure what other internal modifications if any were made. That old truck will flat sit you back in the seat and gets 18 MPG all day long. He has a c6 for a tranny, and 3.25 gears in the rear. It's twice the motor of a 302. I think it's the stroke that makes the difference. If your looking to have a truck for strictly utilitarian purposes, I would think that 300 would be definately worth looking in to. As mentioned above, don't expect a whole lot of top end. My buddy's truck probably only runs about 80 to 85 on the top end.....but it gets there right now.