engine choice for my 52 f6
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Junior User
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 55
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From: north Georgia
engine choice for my 52 f6
Well the time has come to make a decision on which engine for my f6. I was leaning strongly toward a 300 inline six ,spoke to Chuck and he has the knowledge on these big trucks and seems to think the 300 six with 5.83 rear gear and 8.25-9.00 x20 tires won't have the rpm for 50-60 mph .That's with the t98 trans ,he likes the v8 idea better. So I'm giving the 351w a real hard look at,my biggest concern is clearance of drivers side exhaust and the bigger steering gearbox . I can't offset the engine because I'm hooking to the t98 with a Bendtsens adapter bellhousing kit. I remember some time ago reading a post on here about this same setup and I think there are shorty headers that will clear. Any help would be appreciated.
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 2,594
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From: North Central Arkansas
I can't imagine that a 300 six wouldn't run easily at 55-60 with 5.83 gears and 8.25 or 9.00-20 tires. My '47 COE would easily keep up with traffic at 55-60mph, except on hills, with 5.83 gears, 8.25-20 tires and an 8BA flathead V8.
Mark
Mark
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Junior User
Joined: Nov 2017
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From: north Georgia
Thanks for the input Mark, From what i've been reading the 300 six is really restricted and capable of more power ,my plan was to go from a one barrel to two barrel carb ''2100 autolite'' and EFI exhaust ,I bet those changes would really let her breath . Either engine will work with the adapter bellhousing but the 351 I hear is really tight at the steering box but doable I think. I just hate to buy an engine and find out it's not doable.
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 2,075
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From: Marana, Arizona
How about some basic performance upgrades for the 300? I know there used to be performance parts available. Intake and carb, camshaft, header. Increase compression, clean up ports. It's a torquey engine. Would such mods put you where you need to be?
Super Moderator
Joined: Apr 2004
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Using 39" for the 8.25s and 41" for the 9.00s"
60 mph with 8.25s and 5.83s = 3014. The 300 will be noisy and sound unhappy but will probably survive.
60 mph with 9.00s and 5.83s = 2867. Not quite as noisy and not quite as unhappy.
60 mph with 8.25s and 5.83s = 3014. The 300 will be noisy and sound unhappy but will probably survive.
60 mph with 9.00s and 5.83s = 2867. Not quite as noisy and not quite as unhappy.
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 703
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From: NJ
Ford will put the 300 in their tow package because it has better torque than the 302. I still have the stock rear in Henry and I have been told that it is anywhere from the high 4s to the low 5s ratio. In high gear, the 351W is revving pretty high. Looked at the T98 and it has a 1:1 fourth gear. You might want to see what kind of OD transmission you can source to help that engine. The new cars with all of the gears (6, 7 and 8 speed) have multiple overdrive gears with high rears to improve performance. Good luck with your project.
Later!
Mr. Ed
Later!
Mr. Ed
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Joined: Apr 2004
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A 300 and a ZF would work, but would be a bit of work to fit to the truck. Juice clutch, mounting, driveshaft. IIRC the parking brake on the tail will work on a 4x4 model trans but that needs to be researched.
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Junior User
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From: north Georgia
I not planning to hotrod it too much a higher cfm carb I hear really brings the 300 to life
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Junior User
Joined: Nov 2017
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From: north Georgia
I agree , inline sixes have a short power band whereas the 351 probably would achieve 60mph and not be running out of breath
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Junior User
Joined: Nov 2017
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From: north Georgia
I love the idea of a zf5 the overdrive would make for a sweet ride even with the 300 six ,parking brake is doable with custom brackets and cable,my biggest hurdle would be setting up the hydraulic clutch.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 1,879
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From: Central Michigan
I put a stock 300 6 in my 56 F100. I love it but it is not a high winding engine at all, it is very torquey though. But I doubt it would be good with a 5 something rear end. It is easy to put in though you can check my thread if you like about 3rd page I think.
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Junior User
Joined: Nov 2017
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From: north Georgia
Thanks for the response,I read your thread the other night you are progressing well. That front motor mount drops right in a 53-56 but I keep hearing that it can be cut to fit a 48-52 . The 52 is so much narrower that it looks like you would have to cut it all the way into the pads ,I wish I could see a picture of that same mount modified to fit my truck.
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Junior User
Joined: Nov 2017
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From: north Georgia
You got to keep in mind that the f6 has big 8.25-20 tires to go with that 5.83 gear .Ford put 300 sixes in f600 trucks in the mid 60's probably with governor /carb setup to keep from over revving .
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 1,291
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From: Lancaster county, PA
I kinda agree with the 300 six as well......it's a big truck so it's not like your hot Rodin with it.......and do you really work it that hard?....... or is it kind of a cool cruiser/ coffee getter.......I think I would do the 300 six.....
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Junior User
Joined: Nov 2017
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From: north Georgia
It will be a parade toy ,something to have fun with and if I wanted to I could go to Home Depot and get a load of lumber. The truck hauled corn in Nebraska most of its life,the mammoth grain bed I removed must of held 10-15000 lbs. She'll never have to work like that again .A 100 hp flathead 6 to a warmed over 300 six with double the hp is bound to be noticeable.