6 cyl performance

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Jul 31, 2006 | 04:25 PM

jmooremtb

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From: Nashville

6 cyl performance

Hello,

I am considering purchasing a 1961 F100 with a 6 cyl and a 3 spd. I would like to get some highway performance out of the truck. Is it ill advised to put a highway gear in the rearend? The owner has told me that 55 winds it up pretty good. So I am assuming that it has a 4.11 or something like that back there. Is the little six not enough motor to pull the heavy truck around with a 3.00 or something more highway suitable?

I have a 3 spd overdrive out of a 54 f100 in my garage. Are there major fitment problems other than drive shaft length if I were to consider swapping it in?

Also, I have a 272 yblock and a 302 in my garage. Which of these would swap out most easily for the 6 cyl if I decide to go that route?

I aould like to use the truck as a daily driver. Any suggestions are highly welcome.

Thank you,

Jeff Moore

Jul 31, 2006 | 04:50 PM

brider

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From: Orange, CT

Most likely, the engine is a 223, and it's got a 4.10 rear end. I had a '56 with a 223 in it, and I'm SURE it was a 4.10 rear, and that little sucker would PURR at 70 mph. It doesn't have as long a stroke as the later 240 or 300 sixes, and you'd be going 70 mph waaay before redline with stock tires.

The owner just might not have liked the sound at 55, but I bet it wasn't bad (unless the exhaust is bad), and it surely would go faster. If the motor's in good shape, I'd run it until it quit, which might not be for a long time. It would give you time to decide what to swap in it's place.

Jul 31, 2006 | 07:08 PM

Enzo500

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My '66 F100 as a 240 ci 6 cylinder motor with a 3.70 rear. It is a little slow off the line but purrs right along at 65 mph. on the freeway.

Jul 31, 2006 | 08:49 PM

jmooremtb

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From: Nashville

Hello,
Thank you for the information. Assuming the running gear is in good shape, and using a reasonably light foot, what sort of gas mileage should I expect from this rig?
Jeff

Aug 1, 2006 | 05:33 AM

ddavidv

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From: Elizabethtown, PA

On our recent trip to the SuperNats and back (PA to TN), my pal Wayne got in the low 20s with his '66 with the I-6 and a 3 speed. We V-8 guys were in awe, let me tell you. 15 mpg is the norm for us. Ford's sixes are good engines, and will provide good power with economy. Saddens me to see so many guys pull them out and put in a small block that isn't really any better (in stock form, mind you).
Of course, I say this while owning a 352 cast iron monster, so what do I know?

Aug 1, 2006 | 06:52 AM

garbz2

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From: Glendale Arizona

Yea a cast iron fully stock monster that has been proven to get over 20 to the gallon...LOL

The 223 can be hopped up but will not like the taller gear like the 3.0 or 2.75s needed to get mileage up into the high teens.

I get great mileage with my 460...I used 22 gallons to go 3/10s of a mile...Of course I now have a locking gas cap to prevent overnight evaporation.

Garbz

Aug 1, 2006 | 12:25 PM

Pickupmanx2

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Joined: Jun 2006

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From: Near Yosemite CA

Stay with the 6!!! I have a 66 F-250, I TOOK out the old tired 352, and replaced it with a fresh 300 punched .030 4 bbl Offy intake and Edelbrock 600, she tows like a champ, it has 4.10s in the rear, and I still get 15-17mpg. The split headers sound great with duals out each side. Won't go back to a V-8!! Check with Clifford Performance, they have all kinds of goodies!