Can anyone tell me the hp and torque specs for the early 90's 4.9L engine?? (i'm looking at a 93 right now)
Anyone have any comments on how it compares to the 302 V8?

 

This is out of a Chilton Ford Pickup Truck manual:

for 1988 through 1993 (and probably also through 1996 but this manual only went through 93):

4.9 I6 rated 150 hp @ 3400 and 265 torque @ 2000
5.0 V8 rated 170 hp @ 3800 and 275 torque @ 2800

I prefer the 4.9 (have had 4.9s since '77) over the 5.0 for trucks and Moses Ludel who wrote the Ford F Series Pickup Owner's Bible says the 4.9 is a better hauler under load and he would only have the 5.0 in a pickup if it was a commuter truck with no significant hauling. (The 5.0 actually is a 4.9 V8 if you round the cc's off correctly).

 

 

For a pickup I'd recommend the 300ci(4.9l) inline 6. It is very reliable, and you get you power at lower rpm, which is best for hauling. The straight 300 six is tough and will last longer than the 5 liter in a pickup if taken care of. It even has comparable fuel mileage when compared to the 5.0l in a same sized vehicle with same transmission.

 

agreed, the 300 is tough as nails, the only thing you dont get with it is that nice v8 sound....but then who wants to sound like everybody else :P

 

We really need a "worlds oldest thread" smiley. I would use it here-

 

holy crap i didnt even realize i replied to somebody bringing the dead to life lol

 

I've had both engines in F150s and agree that the 300 is a better hauler and requires less attention than the 302. If you feel the need for speed or want to modify the engine the 302 would be a better choice.
My EFI 300 has been an excellent engine but i miss the sound of a carbed 302 as it passes 3500 rpm.
A lot of people knock the 302, but the ones I've had were pretty dependable with one making it to 220k. All of them had plenty of power especially when compared to engines of similar displacement.
My current 300 has 193k on it and it does not burn or leak oil. I use it every day and it hauls my 4100lb fiver with little complaint. Most old farts like me like their V8s but the EFI 300 and the AMC EFI 4.0 proved that a six in a row can go.
YMMV
regards
rikard

 

This is great...it shows someone is at least reading past postings...and that's a good thing.

 

Wow almost 23 year's old! The 300 vs 302 debate might just be the most dividing topic I've seen in the ford truck world. These guys could have gone to a dealership and picked one up almost brand new back in 2000 and were still taking about it today.

 

Got my first one in a van today, had a few in trucks. Working on this thing in a van should be interesting. I had both, 5.0 is for cars... The debate continues!