Crazy idea......or not?
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 900
Likes: 3
Crazy idea......or not?
I've been toying with an idea for a 79 F100 2wd shortbed project. Original plans were for a healthy 460 and toploader 4 speed. That was a few months ago before gas went through the roof.
Now, I'm contemplating an efi 4 cyl and five speed, from a rear wheel drive like ranger or whatever. Now, I know this would be a slug, but if I lightened things up safely and reasonably, and since I'm only 7 miles from work, and not intending to pull any loads, I'm wondering if it would be worthwhile as a cool daily commuter? I know they don't have the torque of a v8, but some modern 4 bangers have more hp then the 79 302 which was rated at 140hp. Just an idea, what are your thoughts?
Now, I'm contemplating an efi 4 cyl and five speed, from a rear wheel drive like ranger or whatever. Now, I know this would be a slug, but if I lightened things up safely and reasonably, and since I'm only 7 miles from work, and not intending to pull any loads, I'm wondering if it would be worthwhile as a cool daily commuter? I know they don't have the torque of a v8, but some modern 4 bangers have more hp then the 79 302 which was rated at 140hp. Just an idea, what are your thoughts?
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2007
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i posted a thing just like that.i sold my truck(79 f350 camper special) to a buddy and he put a 2004 4.0v6 from his rolled explorer.fired it up and took it for a drive.i was suprised how much it gets up and goes for weighing 4600 lbs.
he just ordered a 1 peice front clip,2 doors, and a complete bed,also considering a cab from u.s. body .but after the install of that he should be getting prety good mileage and git up and go. go that way not the 4 banger or 300 six
he just ordered a 1 peice front clip,2 doors, and a complete bed,also considering a cab from u.s. body .but after the install of that he should be getting prety good mileage and git up and go. go that way not the 4 banger or 300 six
Senior User
Joined: May 2007
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4 bangers may have hp but they have no useable torque at the rpm range you will be driving at. If you want to drive around at 5000rpm all day then it will work. Try the 300 inline six with the ZF tranny. They make good useable torque and can get pretty good mileage. Another thought is a supercharger. You can run a small cubic inch motor (300 inline six or 302 v-8) getting good fuel mileage and only make high amounts of horse power when you are under boost. I have a stock 2003 mustang that is set up like this. It gets 25mpg no problem and makes a little over 400hp under boost.
Junior User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 92
Likes: 1
From: Rock Island, Illinois
I say go for it. You'll have a cool looking '79, and only you will know you have a 2.3L under the hood. I have an EFI 88 ranger with the 2.3L and I pull my 14' landscapeing trailer with it every day. My 79 F150 4x4 with the 351M has gobs more power, but uses gobs more gas. If you are willing to spend a little money on a fully ported and slightly milled head, along with a header, you should be ok. You have a lot of work ahead of you. Good luck. (Keep me posted if you do this.)
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2007
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The 4 will have serious lack of torque and will wearout far to prematurley. The 300 or the v6 will be your best bet. Or a very well machined and balanced SB tuned perfectly will be a great bulletproof fuel efficient engine.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2008
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From: Goliad, Texas
I wouldn't do it. my 79 F100 shortbed stepside 2wd weighs about 4200 lbs. yours shouldn't weigh much different. anyways that's a lot of weight for a 4cyl to lug around.
last week I read a thread. the person posting the thread was asking how much more MPGs they would get if they were to put an EFI kit on an engine (I forgot which one). everyone on the thread told him that he would only jump up his MPGs about 1-1.5, so he would have to drive the truck so long to actually see a slight difference. so if you want to have a 4cyl, IMO, just go out and buy a Ranger. it will pay for itself in the long run.
plus you don't want your F100 sounding like a weed-eater do you? LOL
last week I read a thread. the person posting the thread was asking how much more MPGs they would get if they were to put an EFI kit on an engine (I forgot which one). everyone on the thread told him that he would only jump up his MPGs about 1-1.5, so he would have to drive the truck so long to actually see a slight difference. so if you want to have a 4cyl, IMO, just go out and buy a Ranger. it will pay for itself in the long run.
plus you don't want your F100 sounding like a weed-eater do you? LOL
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 8,786
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From: Northern California
I wouldn't put the four cylinder in it.
You will actually get worse gas mileage with it, because it will have to work so hard to keep the truck running.
A 240 I-6 is just a de-stroked, 300 anyway.
Go with the 300 if you want mileage.
You will also have to change the ratios in the axles to a higher ratio, to see a huge difference as well.
You will actually get worse gas mileage with it, because it will have to work so hard to keep the truck running.
A 240 I-6 is just a de-stroked, 300 anyway.
Go with the 300 if you want mileage.
You will also have to change the ratios in the axles to a higher ratio, to see a huge difference as well.
Thread Starter
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 900
Likes: 3
Thanks for the replys everyone. I knew it would be a pretty wacky idea, I figured I would give it some consideration anyway.
The straight six would be a cool idea, I already have a hot rod straight six I'm working on in my 63 Chevy, but I also like the idea of the 4.0 V6. I'll do some more searching on here to dig up some mpg figures and transmisson compatibility etc. Thanks everyone!
The straight six would be a cool idea, I already have a hot rod straight six I'm working on in my 63 Chevy, but I also like the idea of the 4.0 V6. I'll do some more searching on here to dig up some mpg figures and transmisson compatibility etc. Thanks everyone!
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 1,192
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From: lino lakes, mn
in 78 ford started putting an overdrive 4spd behind 300/6 I had a 78 f150 2wd with this powertrain in it. This truck got 23mpg highway and 16 in town. I know the trannies are a little weak but if you don't hammer it it does ok and its cheaper than a zf.As a matter of fact i have on in my parts room that for sale .... cheap