300 I-6 Mileage

sgg93 · #1 (**permalink**) 11-11-2011, 09:14 PM

I'm knocking around the idea of a little short wheelbase truck to get some mileage out of. The psd can get about 19 when it's warm, but with the cold weather now I'm down to about 16. I was wondering if anybody's ever messed with a 300 I-6 in a 92-96 F150. I've found a couple shortbed trucks with 5 speed's in them (2wd) for around a thousand bucks, in decent shape. I'm keeping the psd (partly because I've got way too much money in it and partly because I need a 4x4), but it seems like a truck like I described would be pretty easy to get 20-22 mpg out of. They're 1500 pounds lighter, and the I-6 should be able to produce decent mileage, especially without the drag of big tires and a front axle. Any thoughts?

Bend6.0 · #2 (**permalink**) 11-11-2011, 09:21 PM

I've done this same research for a runner/work truck around town. That is the truck I would buy. Best mileage I found to expect was 18-20 if you drive easy and up to 22 hwy. With the 5spd a 4bt swap goes right in too for a nice 30+ mpgs!

sgg93 · #3 (**permalink**) 11-12-2011, 05:12 AM

See, in the psd my best mileage is city/highway mixed. on the interstate at 75, I'm down to about 16 mpg, where at 60, I'm getting 19. Hopefully the characteristics of a gas motor combined with a little more gear can bump my mileage up. That and gas is MUCH less expensive than diesel right now. I'm mainly just looking for something to go to school with, since it'll be about 90 miles and I'm wanting to come home every other weekend or so.

**Galaxie** · #4 (**permalink**) 11-17-2011, 06:47 PM

Yes! Those motors like timing and some 89 octane! We had one at an old job. Throw a timing light on her and take it right till it pings and then back off a bit. I forget the exact timing.

BennyLumpkin · #5 (**permalink**) 11-23-2011, 06:24 PM

Last couple I6's I had got around 15mpg....

D3VST8R96GT · #6 (**permalink**) 11-23-2011, 06:38 PM

those motors have been nothing but good to me ....i would only have it manual...

BennyLumpkin · #7 (**permalink**) 11-23-2011, 06:48 PM

Oh undoubtedly they are probably the best gas engine Ford built.....nearly bulletproof.....

D3VST8R96GT · #8 (**permalink**) 11-23-2011, 10:04 PM

just as fun as the 302 ..... idk how ford got a bad wrap with 302 ane the i6 like that ......just a consiracy if you ask me

sgg93 · #9 (**permalink**) 11-24-2011, 08:40 AM

The 302's were great car motors. And they're great sounding truck motors. The fact that the powerband was so high and required so many RPM's to use contributed to bad mileage. I've got an '87 F150 SWB 4x4 with a 302 and a granny 4 speed. The lack of overdrive doesn't help, but it gets about 12 mpg. City, highway, racing, driving Ms. Daisy. 12 mpg.