Hi folks, I'm thinking about getting a late 70's Ford pickup. I was wondering if there are any model years to avoid? I'm leaning towards the 302, but a lot of people suggest the 300 I6. But I want to try it on the highway and I'm not sure if the 300 I6 would handle that @ 65mph.

Thanx

 

A better choice would be the 351W. It will bolt up almost identical to the 302, and give more power. In my opinion, the 302 should remain in lighter cars and Bronco II/Ranger conversions, not a heavy truck. The 300-6 is short on power, especially at higher RPM's, but puts out some impressive low-end with a manual transmission. It would be a better choice over the 302 because it is a much more durable block that will last many miles even if it seems that it is working too hard.

 

My 1978 F-150, came with 302 and Automatic.
uugh. I will not go with the 302 Auto. again.

Since than I have replaced it with the 460 Auto.
uummm.
If you want to have the small block, I believe the 300-I6
will serve you well, lots of bottom end torque, good tow engine.

Have Fun with your Truck,
There is a lot of help on this Forum.





Dre'
1978 F-150, 460ci(750cfm,Edelbrock Performer,Dynomax Ceramic Coated headers,etc.)Auto-C6,3:70.1 - 9" Posi.

 

Why didn't you like your 302 V8? It seems to me like a 302 V8 would be more powerful than a 300 I6.

Thanx

 

In my OPINION the 302 was one of Fords mistakes for their truck. They should have kept in the Mustangs and smaller cars. The 300 I6 is the most durable motor Ford made. But like the earlier post said the 351windsor is a very good small block V8. I'd stay away from the 302.

Brent

1969 F100 2wd

 

I wouldnt call it a mistake but more of giving choices to truck buyers its fine in a 2 wheel drive even a 3/4 ton with the right tranny i had a 83 300 w/ 4 speed od and it had lots of power and got great gas mileage and took a very ggod beating when i sold it had 250 thousand on it, then i got the 86 302 with an aod , i liked it at first cuz i wanted a v-8 and it went good the aod quicly puked and later i puked the motor with only 148k on it, i wouldnt rule out any motor if it runs good whats the difference you cant really buy an underpowered ford truck unless you can find a 82 or 83 with a weak 3.8 v-6 the 300 6 will pull its weight around just fine but better with a 4 or 5 speed, get out there and drive different trucks to find what you be to be "acceptable" power

 

I drove many Ford Vans in the early 80s'w/ 300, they had no problem going 65. The big difference between a 300 and 302 besides the obvious, is the 300 has a 4" stroke and the 302 a 3" stroke. Things can be done to the 300 to make them breath better as they come in the 70's w/ a small onebarrel carb. There are better intake and exhausts manifolds to allow better higher RPM performance. I currently am driving a 302 powered 79 F150 w/ a manual overdrive tranny. When it's tuned right and everythings working right, it's OK for power. Why are you defining 76 as your cutoff? The body style is the same from 73-79. In my state, 76 and older are exempt from emmissions testing, so to my thinking a 73-76 is more desirable since I can do whatever I want to it as far as exhaust and carburation. The 73-74 have points ignition also. I'd say that breathing restricts the high RPM potential of 300's w/ plenty of low end grunt, and nice simplicity factor as well. I'd say weight, and lack of big low end torque limit the 302 from getting into the RPM range that it would excell in. Other choices in 70's Ford trucks are 360/390 in 73-76. I have a 390 in a 69 and it is definitely more torquey than my 302. Later in 77-79 the 351M/400. Also the 460 was always an option... power is no problem there, just economy. I test drove a 79 w/ a 400 and it had lots of go... my dad's 78 Lincoln also had that motor, I liked it.

BBT

 

I guess 73 is my cutoff point then. For some reason, I though they changed radically in 1976. I want a vehicle that will go on the freeway with no problems and little complaints, yet I also don't want to pay $100 in gas every 2 weeks. Ease of maintenance and reliability are also a factor in both the engine and the rest of the truck. So I need a good tranny and a body that won't rust out from underneath me.

Thanks,
MT

 

I don't think putting 302's in trucks was ever a good idea. The 302 has a 3" stroke and stroke produces torque. The 302 has very little at low RPM's. The I6 300 on the other hand has a 4" stroke and gobs of tourque down low. Sure in a 1/4 mi drag race the 302 may edge the I6 out by few tenths but add 2000 more lbs into the equation. Unless I was racing my truck in a 305cu. in. or smaller bracket I would go with the I6. Mine was still running "perfect" when my wife crashed it at 200,000 mi.