Question about the 4.9
 

Newbie here. Looking to pick up and used 150 in the next few months. I did have the chance to drive a '89 4.9L for some time about 8-9 years ago and it seemed like a good motor. I've heard plenty of people describe the 4.9 as bulletproof. Just want to get you guys' opinions on durability, experience, etc. I'm leaning on trying to find a 4.9 over the 5.0, but not sure.

I know the 5.0 is pushrod, is the 4.9 OHC or OHV? I'm trying to picture it either way and it's making my head spin.

Thanks-

Full day and 20+ views and nothing yet? Come on guys

The 4.9L I-6 OHV is about a stout a motor as you will find.
There are 6 cavemen in it that require nothing more than regular oil and filter changes to keep them happily banging away.
It's only drawback(s) include a whimpy cam that pretty much stops the motor from breathing right around 3700-4200 RPM, and thin casting between the intake and exhaust ports on the head leave little room for playing with airflow rates.
Modification is NOT simple on these motors, but longevity is usually the norm with reg preventative maintenance.

So a mid range breathing problem huh?

yea...my neighbor has a 91 XLT Lariat with the 300 I6...150K miles and runs like a top...just dont expect to go fast in one lol

If it's an OHV, where the heck/how's the layout for the pushrods? I know how the layout is on a V engine, just trying to visualize it. Anybody got a cutaway pic or can help me visualize it?

the cam is offset to one side

Thanks, helps a bit. Google should have a schematic to look at.

Check over at the Ford Six Performance Site. They have lots of info for the 300 and other inlines.
The 300 was an industrial engine, only used in trucks, has a lot of low end torque and has the reputation as a very reliable engine with many getting to 300k miles and beyond. I have had two go over 200k and they are still running strong. One is retired to a BSA camp as a site truck and my current 95 is at 242K and running strong. With 3.08 gears it will go well over 85 mph (eventually) and while its not real fast accelerating it holds hills much better than my 302s. I also recommend a manual shift vs the automatic if you plan to pass anyone on a two lane. I had a work truck with a 300 and automatic and it was much slower but it was also more beat than my personal 300s both of which had the 5 speeds.
I had several 302s with over 130k miles and one that went 218k miles but its best in a car. Although I prefer the 300 in a F150 I would have no qualms about getting one with a 302 if the gears were 3.55 or lower as a DD. If you are looking at modifications that are tons more parts for the 302. than a 300.
Regards
rikard

4.9L is the LONGEST LASTING ford built engine PERIOD (7.3L powerstroke isn't ford build)
My 83' Bronco had 330,000 on it before I built it up, 121hp -> 232hp / 248tq - > 323tq. My 89' 4.9L EFI had 270,000 on it when I sold it to a buddy 5 years ago and he still drives it. Neither engine used more than 1 qt of oil between 3000 mile oil changes. The ONE pushrod 5.0L I owned was burning a qt every 1500 at the 150k mark and that seems pretty common from talking to others.
I recently sold out and bought a 5.0L, though this new 5.0L is one hell of a motor!