I know this is a longtime debate, but Im interested in what some people here have to say. I actually have both engines here and drive both. What is your opinion. Criteria:

Building an F150 with 9inch/44 combo. Mostly daily driver. Lotsa mountain use. Tow a 16ft trailer with a car/ truck on it. Do that about once or twice a month. 35 inch MTs. Winch front and rear. Ext cab shortbed. Which motor you think would be best? I have a new 302 with 18oo miles on it from a rolled explorer or a Inline 300 that runs great from a 80s Bronco.

My 302 is horribly underpowered for my 88 fullsize bronco. Our landcruiser has an I6 and it never skips a beat. Torquey thing too.

I have the 4.9 (.30+ and an rv cam..5.02L) in my 84 2wd f350 CREW CAB..and it tows AWSOME!!!..I love it..and yes..its the EFI engine..new motor..5spd manual..runnin 4:10's and 235/85/16's (32in tire)..and I could handle the 35's NO PROBLEM with the motor and gears..

302, parts are cheaper, and way more performance parts

I have a 300 in my F-250 tow rig/DD.
tranny is a ZF 5 speed, with 3.54 gears and 235/85's.
power is great, and mileage is decent, I get 18mpg on the highways.
While the 300 gives up alot of power to the exploder motor, I think for a wheeling/towing motor, it might be a better choice.

My wheeling rig has a built 302 in it(formaly a mild 351W). I would NEVER even dream of towing with it, it's totaly gutless under 2000rpm. Plenty of HP, just no torque.

Yup, want high rpm power, and something you can spin the crap out of, and make lots of power cheaply, go 302. If you want good low end torque(peak is advertized anywhere from 1000-2400 rpm through the years) and don't care that everything is said and done shortly after 3600 rpm(stock HP peak) the 300 works just fine, MUCH better engine for towing, won't get you there at any great speed, but, it'll handle a load without problems, where the 302 will need to run substantially higher RPM to handle the same load without issues.
Basicly, if you're going to use the rig for towing, and you want V8 power, skip the 302 and go with a W.
Personally, I've had all three, stock and otherwise, and I must say that the sheer low end grunt is not something you'll be able to get out of a 302, and is easily on par with a W, that 4" stroke really helps the 300 make up for 2 missing cyls. Just don't plan on making any big hp numbers, the design of it gives it the same characteristics as an old school diesel, tons o' torque, not that much rpm, and not that much hp, but, not that bad on fuel, and bulletproof reliable.

I must say that out of the three, my built 300 was the most fun, but, the truck I had it in had 2.75 gears with 31's, so, even at high speeds, it wasn't exactly spinning fast, which bodes well for performance with that engine, and also made for great fuel mileage. Same engine in baslicly the same truck with 3.50 gears was slower, and harder on fuel, by a great deal.

If you have a horribly underpowered 302 something is wrong. I have two and they scream! The 300 is also a VERY good motor and would be a better tower due to low end grunt. Only you will be able to make the final choice as you will know what you plan to do better than we do.

Adrianspeeder

If you have a horribly underpowered 302 something is wrong. I have two and they scream! The 300 is also a VERY good motor and would be a better tower due to low end grunt. Only you will be able to make the final choice as you will know what you plan to do better than we do.

Adrianspeeder

I don't care what you have, a 302 is NOT a good motor to have in a 5500+ lb truck. Hell, mine screams too, it just doesn't go anywhere :laughing:

I don't care what you have, a 302 is NOT a good motor to have in a 5500+ lb truck. Hell, mine screams too, it just doesn't go anywhere :laughing:

please enlighten us on what kinda gears, and tires you're running.
also, 5500lbs sounds really heavy to me :confused:

please enlighten us on what kinda gears, and tires you're running.
also, 5500lbs sounds really heavy to me :confused:

A bronco. It was very slow with stock gears and tires, and even more slow with 35s.
Theres another member of this board with an FSB that has quite a few mods done to it, with gears. It's much faster than mine, but still very underpowered, 302 just doesn't cut it.

5500 is well within the realm of weight of these beasts. I know for a fact my buddy's 85 F150 2wd reg cab long bed that has zero options, with a 351W(headers and aluminum intake) pared to a M5OD weighs in at 4100 wih a quarter tank of gas. That's a 2wd... Figure at least 4700 for a 4x4 F-150 of the same year(newer = heavier.) Last time I weighed my F250, it was sitting on 265/75R16's, and still had the TTB up front. It tipped the scales at 5875 LBS, with ~3/4 of a tank in the front tank, empty rear. With the D60 in place, and sporting the 39.5's I ran for a while, I'd bet it was hedging on 7K.
There's a reason Ford never offered the 302 in an over 8500 GVWR truck, but did the 300, low end torque. 3" of stroke just doesn't make much of it.

yes a bone stock 302 is poopy. But if you can build a engine you can get one to flat out scream for a reasonable price.

BTW. I had a freind that had a hopped up 300 I6. Clifford intake 4 barrel carb, header ported head. It was a screamer I liked it.

I don't think I'll ever own a V8 again.

There a few cheap things you can go to the 300 to extract more HP while still keeping the low end.

I'm using BBC 1.7 roller rockers for more lift along with a comp 268H cam. This setup has a nice low end and midrange and will make power over 4K rpm.

You can fit the 1.7 rocker arms using BBC rockers or use other makes of 1.7-1.75 rockers also.

This is a bolt on and no machining is necessary but you may need longer pushrods.

I'd highly recommend an RV cam and changing the phonelic timing gears if you are pulling the engine.

WWW.Fordsix.com is a great site and you can get most of your questions answered there about the venerable 300.

My junk:

http://home.woh.rr.com/picturesandstuff/IM0009466.jpg

I don't think I'll ever own a V8 again.

words i thought i would never hear from anyone :eek:

i have 2 f150's with 302's and both are very strong. i weighed in at the scales at the local transfer station in my '96 at 5600 lbs with an empty bed and both tanks full. that truck has a jet chip in it and exhaust, but other than that its stock and it'll jerk your head. the 300 is also a very nice motor though. you just need to decide if you want low end raw torque or a little less torque and more overall power.

by the way i can tow a car on a trailer with 3.55 gears and crappy mazda tranny with no problems

I've owned them all and this is a no-brainer. 300 all the way as much as I hate to say it. If you can get your hands on a 351 HO I would do that over both of them.

Yet another vote for the straight 6.

I'm going with 300 puller. my nephew is building a 300 right now and looks just like his. Custom Ross pistons for 9.5:1, the Comp 268, Offy C series, Edelbrock 500cfm 4 barrel, header, and all that stuff. This way it should have a power band from idle to 4-4500, and it'll hit around 400 pounds of torque. Some say it's a truck engine & shouldn't be hot rodded. Diesels are truck & tractor engines too and they seem to be the new age of muscle cars. It's the best of both worlds.

id sell both and buy a 351ho

A bronco. It was very slow with stock gears and tires, and even more slow with 35s.
Theres another member of this board with an FSB that has quite a few mods done to it, with gears. It's much faster than mine, but still very underpowered, 302 just doesn't cut it.
Really?? spins my 35's just fine :smokin:

What does the 300 weigh?

IIRC it was like 575 dry weight.


If you're going to haul and tow or basically use your truck like a truck then the 300 is your best bet

With a bit of time and money you can make a very strong engine that is virtually indestructible. I've seen dyno numbers on FordSix with 300HP and 400FT-Lbs out of a very stout 300 build.


The only complaint I have is that at time I've heard it said that it sounds ricey.

http://home.woh.rr.com/picturesandstuff/RobTruckSound.wav

That ain't no damn rice.

I'm going with 300 puller. my nephew is building a 300 right now and looks just like his. Custom Ross pistons for 9.5:1, the Comp 268, Offy C series, Edelbrock 500cfm 4 barrel, header, and all that stuff. This way it should have a power band from idle to 4-4500, and it'll hit around 400 pounds of torque. Some say it's a truck engine & shouldn't be hot rodded. Diesels are truck & tractor engines too and they seem to be the new age of muscle cars. It's the best of both worlds.


Make sure you fire it up with just the headers installed.

It's a treat every gearhead should have.

Really?? spins my 35's just fine :smokin:

I would imagine it does, your f150 is very light in the rear, and weighs alot less than my bronco. Plus you have steeper gears.

so what are the weight and dimension differences? I see the 575 dry weight above, but what about the 302? How much longer is a 300?

so what are the weight and dimension differences? I see the 575 dry weight above, but what about the 302? How much longer is a 300?

i see numbers from 411 to 500lbs for the 302. Most seem to say 450 or 460lbs. Year differences, and the lighter aftermarket parts of the 302 (intake, heads, etc) account for some of this gray area. The 351W seems to be 510 or 525lbs.

The carbed 300 is 475 LBS dry with manifolds and alternator according to Ford power products(industrial engine devision) a 302 with iron heads is probably around the same. EFI of both is, of course, lighter due to the aluminum intake.

As for whoever's 300 that sound clip is of... that sounds like CRAP...
http://www.bigblocksix.com//f100swb/idle.mp3
http://www.bigblocksix.com//f100swb/cammedrev.mp3

And with mufflers:
http://www.bigblocksix.com/f100swb/300turbos1.wav
http://www.bigblocksix.com/f100swb/300turbos2.wav

Clips are a bit ancient, not exactly sure why the volume is so low on the second one anymore... LOL

I too have had both engines, 302, 300 and hands down I would choose the 300 over the 302. I have towed as heavy as 16,000 with my built 300 and it managed well. I would use a EFI 300 over the carburetor version for a daily driver, much better MPG. There are several guys drag racing I-6's from Ford and Dodge and I have personally seen them spank SSB chevys while running 11's in the 1/4 mile. The 300 is the only gas engine I would consider for towing, if I need more power then its time for a diesel. I agree the 302 will rev real high and make some respectful high rpm h/p numbers but that doesn't cut it for towing or city traffic.

no 460 fans gunna chime in?? :confused: I vote for the 6, or a FI'd '94 and up 351W(roller cam :d)

As for whoever's 300 that sound clip is of... that sounds like CRAP...



Don't be coy. :flipoff2:

I get a lot of feedback on how it sounds.

Some people love it, quite a few hate it.

I'm still pissing with the exhaust trying to get a better sound. A single stack is next.

i still say 351. best of both worlds, and will bolt in place of either motor

I am going to be one of the few contrarians here and say Exploder 5.0.

If you stick to the two engines Colorado Ron actually HAS not some mythical build in your imagination the already EFI, roller cam, GT/GTP 40 heads, more HP and TQ across the entire rpm range is clearly the better choice.

Don’t get me wrong, I like the six and it would be a hard decision which direction to go if you were doing a ground up build but in this case it sounds like Ron already has one of the best variations of the 5.0 with low mileage ready to go.

IIRC it was like 575 dry weight.


If you're going to haul and tow or basically use your truck like a truck then the 300 is your best bet

With a bit of time and money you can make a very strong engine that is virtually indestructible. I've seen dyno numbers on FordSix with 300HP and 400FT-Lbs out of a very stout 300 build.


The only complaint I have is that at time I've heard it said that it sounds ricey.

http://home.woh.rr.com/picturesandstuff/RobTruckSound.wav

That ain't no damn rice.

sounds like a farmall tractor... I like... :)

Thanks for all the feedback. I have decided to go with the Inline 300. Ill save the 302 for a Factory Five project. Ill be starting this project as soon as I sell my 02 Power Stroke! Thanks for all the input.

The setup plans so far:

84 Ext cab. Inline 300(possibly turbo charged on propane) with an AOD tranny. Mated to a T19/208 combo. 44 up front with 9 inch in the rear. 3.50 gears on 35inch tires. Onboard computer system with Touch screen. Possibly Airbags on all 4 corners(still up in the air on this one). Thats the plans so far. We shall see how it goes. Thanks again everyone.

...Ill save the 302 for a Factory Five project...
Best idea I've heard yet. Seems to me like most of the votes for the 302 may be from folks with less experience with the 300 or other powertrain options. I love the 302 in my car, but the 302 in my Bronco is gutless down low. Spinning it faster and improving breathing makes for great high end power ... but you certainly don't gain low end going that route.

I'll take a 300, thanks. Or a 351W, which is what will be going in the Bronco once the current sieve of a 302 is done. :D

Or a 351W, which is what will be going in the Bronco once the current sieve of a 302 is done. :D
thats whats happening to mine :smokin:

My vote goes to the 302....you can build them to the sky unlike the 300 which cant get you past 5500rpms without chattering the thrust bearing. We have a welder here with a early bronco that has a 302, trick flow heads and a nice intake and carb which hits well over 6500 and works great offroad....here he is hitting his rev limiter..little bastard hits the camera guy!

http://bulltear.imgbay.com/A%20715.mpg

OK, here's one for the 460, I've had both the 302 and the 300 six and didn't have a towing engine untill I got 400 hp 460, I don't get anybodys way anymore!

John

The 300 is a wonderful, torque filled beast, I loved mine to death. Just make sure if you go that route to go full EFI or the old Duraspark II ignition system. I believe the years were Before 1982 and after 1986 (so in otherwords avoid the TFI-IV ignition system inherent to '83 through '86). But I would definately go with the 300.

I was contemplating mentioning a bb ford but. He said he already has these engines and was wondering what one he should use. Not which engine in general he should go get. :)

my 300 cant even be heard when its runnin...crew cab and new exaust will do that to a 20 year old truck...


I've had people come up and talk to me while Im in it...then I just pull away..they cant hear it run...sleeper..just like I want it...dont wanna listen to the exaust for hours while towin...

I was contemplating mentioning a bb ford but. He said he already has these engines and was wondering what one he should use. Not which engine in general he should go get. :)
not only that but i was disputing putting a bb in my 150(429) vs a 351W. bottom line is a 351 will bolt in, as where a bb ill need new engine mounts, computer, tranny, etc etc etc. :(

If you have a horribly underpowered 302 something is wrong.

Had a 2-barrel 302 in an '80 F150 & it was just dreadful. OTOH, a modern injected 302 shares only one characteristic with such an engine - very little torque. But, the power output is WAY better.


TEX

Had a 2-barrel 302 in an '80 F150 & it was just dreadful. OTOH, a modern injected 302 shares only one characteristic with such an engine - very little torque. But, the power output is WAY better.


TEX

almost any V8 made from 80 to 84 had no power, not just your 302 :)

almost any V8 made from 80 to 84 had no power, not just your 302 :)

Good 1......All manufactuers for that matter too , bastids :smokin:

almost any V8 made from 80 to 84 had no power, not just your 302 :)

Next truck was an '80 GMC with a 350 - WAY more power and better fuel mileage to boot :p But yeah, still not up to today's standards.

TEX

almost any V8 made from 80 to 84 had no power, not just your 302 :)

My 84 351HO moves pretty good... :D

Adrianspeeder

My 84 351HO moves pretty good... :D

Adrianspeeder

my '85 351HO does too, but not like a '05 5.4L :)