Car Culture & Entertainment / News & Car Culture / Top 10 Engines
Top 10 Engines of All Time (#4): Ford 300 I6
Posted by on January 22, 2014 at 11:45 am
Editor's Note: This series counts down the Top 10 engines of all time—see how the voting was done by reading our initial post.
Image courtesy of Jalopy Journal
Some are undoubtedly puzzled that this inline 6-cylinder engine landed fairly high on the list.
Others might be surprised it made the list at all.
The rest of you—the ones that have actually owned the Ford 300 inline six—helped place this engine at #4 because of its legendary durability and impressive torque output. Just ask these guys…
Quotes
"Ford inline 6: 300 cubic inches of raw, low-end torque." –Coty M.
"OK, I'm not a Ford guy, but I have to be honest: the Ford 300 I6. Can't kill those." –Lyle G.
"Ford's inline six–the 4.9L, I think. They may not be for racing, but they never die, and they'll pull down a house with ease." –Jaide Z.
"Ford 300 straight 6. The rest of the truck will rot away before you ruin one of them." –Bobby G.
"Ford 300 inline six. Those motors will never die. Knew a guy who ran one with no oil for 6 months. He put oil in it and drove it for another three years." –Scott E.
History
Part of the fourth generation of Ford six-cylinder engines, the Ford 300 I6 came on to the scene in 1965 and had a 31-year production run. Although this engine powered Ford F-series pickup trucks until 1996, the 300 I6 also supplied power for everything from woodchippers and generators to tractors and dump trucks.
The reasons for the popularity were simple: big-time low-end torque, extreme durability, and ease of maintenance.
Ford 300 I6 engines have been known to last up to 300,000 miles with no major issues. They produce gobs of low-end torque, including an impressive 265 ft.-lbs. of torque in some instances. That has made the Ford 300 I6, particularly the versions with a forged crank and high-flow exhaust manifold, a popular choice for heavy-duty commercial trucks.
Fun Fact
If you've ever received an on-time delivery from UPS, you likely have the reliable Ford 300 I6 to thank. The Ford 300 has been used on those brown UPS delivery trucks for years.
Popular Modifications
The Ford 300 I6's durability is well documented. To make the engine last even longer, manufacturers offer a wide selection of replacement part and performance upgrades for the 300. According to Summit Racing, here are some of the more popular items:
- Oil Filters
- Camshafts
- Accessory Belts
- Idler Pulleys
- Oil Pumps
- Air Intake Kits
- Fuel Pumps
- Intake Manifolds
- Exhaust Manifolds
- Engine Gaskets and Seals
Editor's Note: This series counts down the Top 10 engines of all time—see how the voting was done by reading our initial post.
Tags: Ford, Ford 300 I6, Summit Racing, Top 10 Engines
Author: David Fuller David Fuller is OnAllCylinders' managing editor. During his 20-year career in the auto industry, he has covered a variety of races, shows, and industry events and has authored articles for multiple magazines. He has also partnered with mainstream and trade publications on a wide range of editorial projects. In 2012, he helped establish OnAllCylinders, where he enjoys covering all facets of hot rodding and racing.
Posted by: hortenciahortenciaabdelrahmane0269127.blogspot.com
Source: https://www.onallcylinders.com/2014/01/22/top-10-engines-time-4-ford-300-i6/
