engine preference??

[LM14]

I get 17MPG with a 352/2bbl/T-5/3.25 gear '66 short bed. That's at 70 MPH! I don't drive it easy.

SPark

[F100forever]

I say given those choices, the 390. So easy to go up to a 416 CID or even a 445 CID later.

Sure i kept the 240 in my truck because i decided to keep this one original, but my last ride had a 416, and i loved it. With the Holley it went faster, but with an edelbrock carb i was able to eek out 15.5 - 16 MPG average constantly for trips (including some slow town driving). Cam was a 262* (218* at 050.) 9 to 13 in town (depending on carb and lead foot.)

PS, that is the same i got with my 352, BTW. with a manual transmission. I had a 3.5 rear gear with 235 LT tires.

BUT, I love the 240 in my truck now. I plan to keep this one stock. Consider a stock refreshed 6 with a three speed trans (manual is better mileage.) and the truck will move along smoothly. I just put the Duraspart II on my 240 six, rebuilt the stock C-4 auto, and its running great, 15 + mpg on trips and 12 in town. I know its not stellar, but the Holley 1940 carb is part of it, i will switch to a carter CY to improve MPG 1 or 2. The auto hurts mileage, and i prefer a manual trans, but this truck is original, so i think it will stay that way. Sure the torque is not what a big block is, but its smooth and reliable.

[Oregoon]

I've owned sixes from Ford, Chevy, Toyota, and Jeep, and I've loved every single one of them. Driven a ton of others, and have some experience with many more--Dodge, Volvo, Continental, International, Nissan, White, Chrysler-Crown, Waukesha, etc, etc.

Inherently balanced by design and a joy to drive and work on. I love 'em!

But, those damn V8s make a lot of power. And that's a joy too!

My take is obviously the 223, but it's only an opinion.

[chris401]

Marks mileage = 3 gallons per ride , had to be at last slick stock to know what we mean

as far as my preference is a 390,, my Mercury with its set up is anywhere from 17-18 with points, stock Ford 4 barrel 3:08 gear automatic

You get 17-18 mpg with a 390?

His gearing is similar to a 3.70 Dana with OD. I got 13.5 in my 390 4 sp 4.10 @65mph when it was close to stock GT specifications.

[chris401]

Marks mileage = 3 gallons per ride , had to be at last slick stock to know what we mean

as far as my preference is a 390,, my Mercury with its set up is anywhere from 17-18 with points, stock Ford 4 barrel 3:08 gear automatic

You get 17-18 mpg with a 390?

His final drive is in similar to a 3.70 Dana with OD. I got 13.5 in my F250 390 4.10 4sp when it was close to GT specifications.

[6166 Junkyard Dog]

I have actually in trucks with 390's as high as 23 mpg,,,, 390's don't like nothing but a stock cam, gear ratio in rear end is the key, also dual exhaust with crossover pipe helps < H-Pipe > set up, straight gears do help a lot better than a automatic, below is about how we cruise

gallery/image.php?album_id=450&image_id=10089

[chris401]

I have actually in trucks with 390's as high as 23 mpg,,,, 390's don't like nothing but a stock cam, gear ratio in rear end is the key, also dual exhaust with crossover pipe helps < H-Pipe > set up, straight gears do help a lot better than a automatic, below is about how we cruise

http://www.slick60s.com/gallery/image.p ... e_id=10089

What intake and cam?

[ThinLizzy13]

The best I've ever gotten in my truck with a 390 was 12.5 at 55-60 all highway. I average 10. But it is a 74 4x4 with a c6. I think the rear is 3.70 something. It has dual exhaust. The engine is out of a 71 f-100. All stock except for the carb which is an edelbrock 4 barrel.

My great uncle had a 390 in a mid 60's galaxy. He said the best he ever got out of it was 18-19 on a trip from CNY to the middle of Florida. That isn't too shabby for a big car filled with five grown men

[olliesshop]

Well it looks like my 1st choice of the 223 is running last in the votes. I like that it's bulletproof, very smooth and always started. Although, when my truck was running with the 223 (and 4.88 rear end) I always got around 10 mpg. With the gearing, especially in the stump-puller 1st gear (4 spd), it seemed like it could haul just about anything. It also didn't like to go much over 60 mph, though.

I obviously have a soft spot for 223's. Here's a picture of mine, which hopefully will be going back into the truck in a few months.



In the end, though, I think they all would be great choices.

All the best

[Oregoon]

Beautiful!

Keep those pictures coming!