I have a 1980 F150 300 cid 4WD that I use primarily for deer & elk hunting in the Colorado Rockies. The truck has been very well-mantained all the years I,ve owned it, with only 124,000 original miles. But, about a year ago, I discovered a rod/lifter? about to go, so; haven't tried to start it since. Without tearing down the motor yet, I am convinced the premature rod/lifter? failure was caused by excessive carbon buildup due to the poor design of the early emission controls required by our Federal Government. I've already had to replace the muffler & cat. converter twice, because they were completely plugged! I finally just punched out the screens in the converter and welded the tailpipe back in place, then disconnected the smog pump. I was instantly rewarded with about 15% more HP. I really hate to get rid of the truck, because I think the 300 in-line is a good, strong design, if not for the EPA anti-smog experiment that was installed at that time.
What I would like to do, is custom-build the 300 six with a new carb, and get rid of the junk that merely deposits carbon back into the engine. I know this would make me real unpopular with Al Gore and his minions, but; I live in a rural location and don't worry about my "carbon footprint" all that much. Has anyone had any success with such a modified older six-cylinder?
I'm familiar with the high-performance products from Clifford Performance, but; don't necessarily want to spend the money to build a race engine.

 

exactly what does Al Gore have to do with a 27 year old engine? I am convinced its not the federal govt that made your motor fail, its the fact that its frickin old and has a lot of miles on it. It wasnt built as well as engines are now. So, with all due respect, stop finding reasons to blame the govt and fix your truck.

 

Like building any engine you have to get more fuel and air for more power. I would take the engine you are building and have it bored 2 or 30 over. Thats not alot. Get a decent bump stick and a 4 bbl intake for it with a 500 cfm carb. Take EVERY vacuum line off and run only what is needed for the heater to work and the brakes and vacuum advance. We took a stock 300 shaved the head put a nice cam in it and a 600 carb. 100 shot of nitrous and in a 69 F100 4wd we were about the fastest full body "street" truck at the 200 deep mud pit.

 

I agree with NGM fuel and air, just don't forget the exhaust. Though it sounds strange look at a header that has a y spliter coming off of it, it will help, I've also had some good luck with the inline 6 especially the older ones and yes you can maker some power and you will be amazed at the torque can get from one. The last one I redid was out of a 66 Ford Fairlane 500. I was truly amazed at the results.