Hey Guys...just doing some "window shopping" for a new motor for my 67. It has the stock 240 in it. Do you guys think that it would be better to rebuild this one or go with a 302??? The wifey has said that its cool either way, but I am not sure yet. I like the 6, always have. It gives you a ton of room to work on the engine and stuff. The 302 can be modified rather easliy thanks to the Mustangs of the late 80's. What do you think is the better way to go? I am not looking to build a race car...just something to go do down the road a little.

Ken

 

Between the TWO choices you present, I'd definitely go with the V8...the reasons why are fairly obvious and I just like eight cylinder engines.

My 2¢

 

If you like the I6 engine, why not drop in a 300? It's as simple a swap as can be, and you'll get a big boost in power and torque over that 240. If you're going to go to the trouble of changing to a V8, I wouldn't put in a 302 -- I'd put in a FE series (360, 390, 410, 428, etc.). It's a fairly simple swap if you find a 67-72 with a factory FE to use as a donor, and you'll get a whole lot more torque out of it that you will out of a 302. While there are more aftermarket hop-up parts available for the 302 than the FE, a stock 390 will still outpull an expensively built-up 302.

 

How much different are the 240 and 300??? I have heard and read that the only real diff is the stroke. I mean...that can't make that much difference. I guess maybe I should have been a little more clear. I am not wanting a hot rod here. I get into enuff trouble as it is. I am just curious into some of the "benefits" of a V8. I kinda wanna keep the truck half-way original.

Ken

 

I'd have to say go with an FE also. You'll still have plenty of room to move inside the engine compartment, and the towing capabilities are incredible.

I do have to say that compartment space is relative though, my point of reference comes from the highly wedged 5.0 in my explorer vs the ample space in the F100.

 

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 07-Mar-02 AT 12:00 PM (EST)]The main difference between the 240 and 300 I6 is the stroke. The 300 has a 3.98" stroke, which happens to be the same stroke as the 410 and 428 FE V8s. It is a long stroke motor, and a long stroke means lots of low end torque, but limited capacity for high revving. In other words, it is exactly what you want in a truck. The 240's stroke is something like 3.2". I'm no expert on the I6 engines, but there is a forum for them that you should check out. You may be able to rebuild your 240 and in the process convert it to a 300, just like lots of guys rebuild their 360 V8s and in the process convert them to 390s or 410s. You may even be able to drop a later model EFI 300 I6 in, though you need to ask some of the guys who actually know something about those motors.

The FE series V8 was a stock offering from Ford in 1967, so your truck would still look "stock" if you replaced that 240 I6 with a FE. While the only FE offered in 1967 was the 352 cid variant, it is externally identical to the 360, 390, 410 and 428. Thus, you could easily put in one of those and your truck would just look like a stock 352 V8. I think the engine perches are the same, so the swap is pretty easy. And trust me, there is plenty of room for that big block FE V8 in there.

By the way, Mr. 69Ranger, I have to ask about your "69 F100 Ranger 390cc, Holley 4bbl, Edelbrock Intake,Pertronix Ignitor, K&N Filters, Hooker Headers"

How's that 390cc engine working out for ya? I think I've got one about that size in my chainsaw.

 

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 07-Mar-02 AT 12:47 PM (EST)]OK karlsd, ya got me on a typo.. I hadn't noticed it, but as you can see.. I've changed it.

 

I figured as much -- just a little friendly ribbing.

 

The six has a good reputation for durability. The post above mentions about low reving, the six has greater torque at lower rpms than the 8's. It's now speedy racer, but it's a good hauler. If you want an engine that you don't have to worry about for another 25+ years go stick with the six. I'd stroke the 240 to a 300. The blocks are the same, the heads are different - but a 240 head on a 300 design gives plenty of compression. The main draw back with the six design (in the earlier days) was the lack of breathing room - meaning the stock manifolds (also same for the 240 and 300) restrict the air flow further compounded by the wheeny 220 CFM single barrel carb. There's equipment to really trick these engines out, but it costs. Scarcity of performance parts for 240's/300's is great. The biggest question is what do you want out of the truck?

 

Out of idle curiousity, why not a later fuel injected 300 with a 5spd? Clifford sells a lot of performance parts for the inline six engines. I also saw a 1966 truck with a 5.0 EFI and an AOD. Nice set up.

Food for thought

Reggie