Ford straight-six engine

Straight-6
Overview
Manufacturer	Ford Motor Company
Production	1941 - 1996 (US) 1960 - present (AUS) 1961 - 1995 (ARG)
Combustion chamber
Cylinder block alloy	Cast iron
Cylinder head alloy	Cast iron
Valvetrain	OHV
Combustion
Fuel system	Naturally aspirated or turbocharged, carburetted
Fuel type	Gasoline
Cooling system	Water-cooled

In 1906-1907, Ford's first straight-6 engine was introduced in the Model K.

Henry Ford did not like the car because the engine could overpower its transmission. The next Ford six was introduced in the 1941 Ford. The Ford Motor Company of America continued producing straight-six engines until 1996, when they were discontinued in favor of more compact V6 designs. Ford Australia manufactures these engines for their Falcon and Ford Territory vehicles.

First generation

The first-generation Ford six-cylinder engines were all flatheads. They were the G- and H-series engines of 226 cu in (3.7 L) used in cars and trucks and the M-series of 254 cu in (4.2 L) used in larger Ford trucks and for industrial applications.

226

Introduced with the 1941 model year, the first Ford L-6 (designated G-series) displaced 226 cu in (3.7 L) and produced 90 hp (67 kW), the same as the Flathead V-8 that year. Like the V-8, it was also a flathead or L-head engine. In 1948, Ford raised the compression of the flathead six or L-6 (designated H-series or Rouge 226) so that it generated 95 hp (71 kW) and 180 lb·ft (244 N·m) of torque. The G- and H-series engines were used in the full-sized Ford cars and trucks to replace the smaller 136 cu in (2.2 L) Flathead V8 that were used with the 1937 Ford. Ford discontinued production of the H-series engine with the 1951 model year.

254

A 254 cu in (4.2 L) version of the L-6 (designated the M-series or Rouge 254) was used from 1948 to 1953 in F6-series Ford trucks (COE, Dump, semi-, etc.), and small Ford school buses. The M-series engine produced 115 hp (86 kW) and 212 lb·ft (287 N·m). of torque. They were also used in miscellaneous industrial applications. e.g., to power water pumps for irrigation purposes and within wine-producing farms to manage risk by powering giant frost-control propellers on stands in the middle of rows of grapes.

Second generation

The second generation was a newly designed six-cylinder, produced from 1952 through 1964 and shared many parts with Ford Y-blocks such as the entire valve train and the problems associated with the Y-block's lubrication system. These engines have the exhaust and intake on the driver's side and the distributor on the passenger side.

215

A completely new OHV I-6 was offered for the 1952-53 F-series truck. It displaced 215 cu in (3.5 L) and produced 101 hp (75 kW). It was also used in the 1952-53 Ford full-sized cars.

The 223 cu in version in a 1959 Ford Fairlane

223

The 215 grew to 223 cu in (3.7 L) I-6 for the 1954 F-series. Output was now 115 hp (86 kW) (as the "Mileage Maker" in the trucks) and 120 hp (89 kW) in the 1955 Ford cars. Power was up to 137 hp (102 kW) in the 1956 trucks. The 223 cu in (3.7 L) I-6 was also used in 1963-1964 Ford trucks which also used the Autolite 1100 cCarburetor with stamping C4TF-E and produced 145 hp (108 kW) with 206 ft-lbs of torque.

262

A 262 cu in (4.3 L) I-6 version was also produced. The 262 I-6 was built from 1961 to 1964 for use in heavy duty Ford trucks. This engine was also used for industrial applications.

Third generation

Thriftpower Six
Overview
Also called	Falcon Six
Production	1960 - 1984
Output
Power output	88 hp (66 kW) - 155 hp (116 kW)
Dimensions
Dry weight	385 lb (175 kg)

The third generation was produced at the Lima Engine plant in Lima, Ohio, from 1960 through 1984. Officially dubbed the Thriftpower Six, this engine line is sometimes referred to as the Falcon Six. Note: Car companies including Ford, switched from gross ratings to net horsepower and torque ratings in 1972 (mainly because of the emissions laws being enacted nationwide at the time). Changes in engine compression and emissions controls make it difficult to compare engines from various production years (especially pre-1972).

144

144 Thriftpower Six
Overview
Production	1960 - 1964
Combustion chamber
Displacement	144 cu in (2,365 cc)
Cylinder bore	3.5 in (89 mm)
Piston stroke	2.5 in (64 mm)
Compression ratio	8.7:1
Output
Power output	84 hp (63 kW) at 4200 rpm
Torque output	134 lb·ft (182 N·m) at 2000 rpm

The 144 cu in (2.4 L) inline-six engine was first introduced in the 1960 Ford Falcon. The 144 was made from 1960 through 1964 and averaged 90 hp (67 kW) during the production run. While not known for being powerful or a stout engine, it proved to be economical and could get fairly good gas mileage for the time (up to 30 mpg). This small six was the basis for all the Ford "Falcon" straight-six engines. The intake manifold on this series was cast integrally with the cylinder head (this design was also used by Chevrolet with their third-generation inline-six); as a result, they could not be easily modified for greater power. This engine had four main bearings and can be identified by the three core plugs on the side of the block.

This engine was used in:

• 1960 - 1964 Ford Falcon
• 1960 - 1964 Ford Ranchero
• 1960 - 1964 Mercury Comet
• 1961 - 1964 Ford E-Series

170

170 Special Six
Overview
Production	1961 - 1972
Combustion chamber
Displacement	170 cu in (2,781 cc)
Cylinder bore	3.5 in (89 mm)
Piston stroke	2.94 in (75 mm)
Compression ratio	9.1:1
Output
Power output	105 hp (78 kW) at 4400 rpm
Torque output	156 lb·ft (212 N·m) at 2400 rpm

In 1961, the 170 cu in (2.8 L) became an option for the Falcon line. The 170 Special Six was a stroked version of the 144, changing the stroke from 2.5" to 2.94". The original 1964 ¹⁄₂ Ford Mustang used a 101 hp (75 kW) version. The Econoline van and Ford Bronco received a heavier-duty version with mechanical valve lifters. This engine had four main bearings and can be identified by the three freeze (core) plugs on the side of the block. The 170 Special was dropped from production in 1972.

200

The 200 cu in I-6 engine model was introduced in the middle of 1963 and shared the four main bearing design used in the 170 engine. Early 200s can be identified by three freeze (core) plugs on the side of the block.

Beginning in 1965, the 200 engines were upgraded to seven main bearings to reduce harmonic vibrations and increase durability. The 1965 and later engine can be identified by five freeze (core) plugs on the side of the block and the casting code C5DE-H. Starting in 1966, a six-bolt bell housing flange block was introduced.

Beginning in 1980, the block was redesigned with a bell housing flange and a low-mount starter that is very similar to the small-block Ford V8. This version is easily identified by its low-mounted starter location down by the oil pan rail and is referred to as the Big Bell 200. The big bell design is uncommon but sought after by I-6 performance enthusiasts because it can be modified to accept a Ford small block V8 six bolt bell housing.

The 1965 Mustang used this engine as standard with 120 hp (89 kW). The Mustang continued to use the 200 as its base engine until it was dropped in 1971.

When Ford launched the third-generation Fox body Mustang in 1979, the original engine lineup included the Cologne V6. The same engine was also offered in the hugely successful Ford of Europe Capri Mk II. The 2.8 L V6 engine was a popular option for the US Mustang and the European Capri MkII and as a result the Cologne engine plant could not meet the demand for engines for both continents.

So, the Cologne 2.8 L V6 was dropped from the engine lineup in the middle of the 1979 production year and replaced with the 200cid Falcon inline six, which was now referred to as the 3.3L engine. The engine and front suspension K-member was transferred from the Fairmont model which helped reduce costs instead of having to redesign the Mustang for a different engine.

The 200 was used in the Ford Maverick and Mercury Comet models, and continued in the Ford Fairmont and Mercury Zephyr until the Fairmont and Zephyr models were retired at the end of the 1983 model year and replaced with the Ford Tempo and Mercury Topaz.

The Ford Granada and Mercury Monarch offered the 200 as part of their engine lineup from 1975 to 1982, when they were replaced in 1983 by the Ford LTD and the Mercury Marquis. These two models used the engine from 1983 to 1984 when it was replaced by the 3.8 L Essex V6.

Ford was also having problems meeting demand for its 2.3 L OHC engine which was used in a multitude of models worldwide.

In anticipation of another engine shortage, Ford's Lima, Ohio, engine plant, which was already producing the 2.3 L OHC engine, decided they could modify the Falcon inline six block casting molds to remove cylinders 4 and 5 to create a four-cylinder engine. A cast iron high-swirl cylinder head was developed, and the motor was designated the 2.3 L HSC to help differentiate it from the same displacement 2.3 L OHC design. This motor shared many common parts with the 200, and it is common for persons rebuilding their 200 engines to use the 2.3 L HSC pistons as a cheap replacement.

250

The 250 cu. in. I-6 engine option was offered in 1969 in the Mustang, and 1970 in compact Ford cars (Maverick). The 250 was a stroked 200, made by changing the stroke from 3.126" to 3.91". Output was 155 hp (115 kW) in the Mustang, and became the base engine in 1971. Power was re-evaluated at 98 hp (73 kW) for 1972 (due to power rating changes) and 88 hp (66 kW) the next year. The last year of production for the 250 was 1980. This engine had seven main bearings, and can be identified by the five freeze (core) plugs on the side of the block. The block uses a low-mount starter and six bellhousing bolts, sharing its bellhousing with the Windsor V-8s 302-351W, late (1965–68) 289,early 4.6, and the 240-300 CID Ford Six.

Ford Australia

Starting in 1960, Ford of Australia used the same I-6 engines as North America, featuring the 144 and 170 c.i. pursuit models. The 144 was discontinued in late 1966. Also as in North America, a 200 c.i. Super Pursuit motor was added in February 1964. In 1968, Ford of Australia increased the deck height of the design to make room for increased crankshaft stroke, resulting in displacements of 188 and 221 c.i. (badged 3.1 and 3.6 litres). They superseded the 170 and 200 motors in the lineup.

In 1970, Ford of Australia enlarged the motors to 200 and 250 c.i. The head was of the same design as previous models, with an integral intake catering for a single-barrel Bendix-Stromberg carburettor. In the configuration, the Falcon 250 c.i. I-6 was rated at 155 hp (116 kW). Around this time, Ford of Australia also developed the '2V' cylinder head, which in all respects was similar to the previous integral "log head" intake, with the exception of a removable aluminum intake which mounted a Bendix-Stromberg WW two-barrel carburetor. To take advantage of the much improved breathing ability that the removable intake brought to the new head, the 250-2V also featured a much better breathing exhaust manifold. The result was the engine being rated at 170 hp (127 kW).

For years, the 250-2V cylinder head was very popular for racing and many have been imported to North America, where owners of cars with the Falcon inline six have upgraded their engines with the better cylinder head.

In 1976, Ford of Australia updated the engines with a new cast-iron crossflow head design. Engine displacements remained 200 and 250 c.i., but were now badged 3.3 and 4.1 litres, respectively. These engines were offered in the Ford Falcon XC in Australia. Whereas the previous integral "log head" I-6 motor borrowed from the Ford FE engine family design, the new crossflow motor borrowed from the Ford 351 Cleveland engine family. A common upgrade for a crossflow head engine is to use 351 Cleveland roller tip rocker arms.

Ford of Australia updated the crossflow design in mid-1980 with a new aluminum head casting. The alloy head was used to improve warmup time and reduce fuel consumption and emissions. Until 1982, the engines were fitted with a single-barrel Bendix-Stromberg carburetor, but from March 1982 were fitted with a Weber two-barrel carburetor, which had improved fuel consumption over the single-barrel carb. The Weber carburettored engines were badged Alloy-Head II

Later, a Bosch Jetronic fuel-injected version with direct-port fuel injection was offered in the XE Falcon, and was only available as an aluminium 4.1 L. The XF Falcon's 4.1 then received Ford's EEC-IV engine management system with Multi Point Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI). The carburetor engine was still fitted standard, and EFI was optional. Changes to the carburetor-based engine were made to accommodate the EFI system. The compression ratio on the 4.1 L was 8.89:1. The cylinder head intake ports had been modified to provide clearance for the injectors, and a new intake manifold was designed and many other changes were made in the engine bay to accommodate the new fuel system.

• Power at specified rpm (DIN) before '86 running on leaded fuel
  • 3.3 L 90 kW (121 hp) @ 4100 rpm
  • 4.1 L carburetor 98 kW (131 hp) @ 3750 rpm
  • 4.1 L E.F.I engine 120 kW (161 hp) @ 4000 rpm
• Torque at specified rpm (DIN) Pre '86 running on leaded fuel
  • 3.3 L 240 N·m (180 lb·ft) @ 2500 rpm
  • 4.1 L carburetor 305 N·m (225 lb·ft) @ 2400 rpm
  • 4.1 L E.F.I engine 333 N·m (246 lb·ft) @ 3000 rpm
• Power at specified rpm (DIN) ADR 37 compliant engine running on unleaded fuel
  • 3.3 L 89 kW (119 hp) @ 4000 rpm
  • 4.1 L Carburetor 98 kW (131 hp) @ 3600 rpm
  • 4.1 L E.F.I engine 123 kW (165 hp) @ 4000 rpm
• Torque at specified rpm (DIN) ADR 37 compliant engine running on unleaded fuel
  • 3.3 L 238 N·m (176 lb·ft) @ 2200 rpm
  • 4.1 L carburetor 297 N·m (219 lb·ft) @ 2000 rpm
  • 4.1 L E.F.I engine 325 N·m (240 lb·ft) @ 3000 rpm

In 1988, the inline six engines underwent a major redesign for the EA Falcon and now featured a new single overhead cam (SOHC) crossflow aluminum head. The camshaft and auxiliary shaft are driven by a 'duplex' chain. The duplex chain drives the distributor and the oil pump shafts. The camshaft is supported on the cylinder head by using 'topless' bearings. Bearing liners are not used. The camshaft is held in position using valve spring pressure. Hydraulic lash adjusters mounted on the rocker arms are used to provide zero valve lash. As with all previous and current models, the block is cast iron, but with a reduction in the cylinder bore to try to reduce emissions.

The SOHC engines were offered as the 3.2 L (with throttle body injection) and the 3.9 L (with throttle body or multipoint fuel injection). In 1989, the 3.2 L TBI version was discontinued, and in 1991, the 3.9 L's displacement was enlarged to 4.0 L (now only with MPI) and was rated at 148 kW (198 hp). In 1995, the dual resonance intake manifold for the EF series was introduced. Also for the EF series Falcon, the standard engine employed a high-energy coil-pack ignition system. However, the EL Falcon used a distributor/coil ignition setup, as in Falcon models prior to EF.

Ford of Australia redesigned the I-6 again in 1998, and increased the main bearing size and added a ladder style main stud girdle integral with the oil pan to increase low end rigidity. The engine also received variable cam timing technology in some of the XR models, which can advance or retard cam timing depending on engine speed, which gives a much broader power band. The 2002 Falcon Forte engine had a power rating of 157 kW, the XR model variants had either 164 kW (HO - High Output) or 172 kW (VCT) and the Fairmont had 168 kW (VCT). All were I-6 engines at 4.0 litres.

In 2002, the engine received dual overhead cams (DOHC) with variable cam timing as the Barra inline six motors and, depending on the version of engine, were offered in the 2002 BA Falcon, Fairlane, and the SX Territory. Currently, the BA 195 powers the Falcon and Falcon "Utes" (since 2008) along with the SZ Territory (since 2011). The BA195 is rated at 261 hp (195 kW) @ 6000 rpm and 391 N·m (288 lb·ft) @ 3250 rpm or 198 kW and 409 Nm on 95 octane premium fuels with higher values achieved on 98 octane exceeding 420 Nm of torque versus 391 Nm while on regular 91 octane, whilst the BA 190 is rated at 255 hp (190 kW) @ 5250 rpm and 383 N·m (282 lb·ft) @ 2500 rpm. All DOHC engines feature the coil on plug direct ignition system.

Some noteworthy performance versions of the DOHC Barra inline sixes have been made.

The Barra 240T, which was a turbocharged, fuel-injected, intercooled DOHC inline six producing 240 kW (322 hp) and 450 N·m (330 lb·ft) of torque, was offered between 2002 and 2005 in the BA Falcon XR6 and XR6 Turbo, as well as the Territory Turbo. This was followed in the BF and BF Mk II (between 2005 and 2008) by the Barra 245T producing 329 hp (245 kW) of power and 480 N·m (350 lb·ft) of torque, which in turn was followed in the FG (since 2008) by the Barra 270T producing 362 hp (270 kW) of power and 533 N·m (393 lb·ft) of torque.

Ford Australia's high-performance division FPV created even more powerful Turbocharged model variants which were upgraded largely co-inciding with the upgrades of the regular Falcon. The first Turbocharged Straight-6-engined car from FPV was the BA Mk II F6 (2004–2005) which produced 362 hp (270 kW) of power and 550 N·m (410 lb·ft) of torque. The BF (2005–2006) and BF Mk II (2006–2008) F6's had the same power and torque figures. The first power and torque upgrade came with the current FG model which has 416 hp (310 kW) of power @ 5500 rpm and 565 N·m (417 lb·ft) of torque. The Barra 310T is the first Australian-built motor to achieve over 100 hp per litre, and until the release of the new Ford supercharged "Miami" V8, produced more torque than any Australian-built engine to date.

Nizpro Turbocharging, based in Victoria, Australia, with their roots in Nissan engines, turned their attention to the Barra engine and were the first to extract 1,000 hp (746 kW) reliably from a Barra 240T engine in 2004, with carefully designed cams, manifolds, and turbocharger. With Motec engine management, the engine rev limit was increased to 7200 rpm and it produced 1,000 N·m (740 lb·ft) of torque at only 3500 rpm. A custom crank, conrods, and pistons were used, but the cylinder head was left unmodified apart from the camshafts and valve springs. The engine was available for order to be built by the public, but at a price tag over A$38,000

Ford of Australia had intended to discontinue production of the I-6 engines at their Geelong engine plant in 2010, and replace them with imported Duratec V6s from North America. Due to the drastic increase of oil prices in 2008 and the following economic turmoil, the decision was reversed. Instead, Ford of Australia announced on 20 November 2008 that AU$21 million would be invested in the Geelong engine plant to bring the I-6 engines up to date with the current Euro IV emissions standards.

Falcon model	Capacity	Induction	Valvetrain	Fuel	Power	Torque	Notes
XY, XA, XB	3.3 L	Carburettor	OHV	Leaded	96 kW (129 hp)	257 N·m (190 lb·ft)
XY, XA, XB	4.1 L	Carburettor	OHV	Leaded	116 kW (156 hp)	325 N·m (240 lb·ft)
XC, XD	3.3 L	Carburettor	OHV	Leaded	82 kW (110 hp)	228 N·m (168 lb·ft)	Crossflow cylinder head (alloy head on XD series July 1980 onwards)
XC	4.1 L	Carburettor	OHV	Leaded	92 kW (123 hp)	289 N·m (213 lb·ft)	Crossflow cylinder head
XD	4.1 L	Carburettor	OHV	Leaded	94 kW (126 hp)	305 N·m (225 lb·ft)	Alloy cylinder head - July 1980 onwards
XE, XF pre-1/1986	3.3 L	Carburettor	OHV	Leaded	90 kW (121 hp)	240 N·m (177 lb·ft)	Alloy head II
XE, XF pre-1/1986	4.1 L	Carburettor	OHV	Leaded	98 kW (131 hp)	305 N·m (225 lb·ft)	Alloy head II
XE	4.1 L	EFI	OHV	Leaded	111 kW (149 hp)	325 N·m (240 lb·ft)	Bosch LE II Jetronic fuel injection
XF 1/1986 onwards	4.1 L	Carburettor	OHV	Unleaded	98 kW (131 hp)	297 N·m (219 lb·ft)
XF pre-1/1986	4.1 L	EFI	OHV	Leaded	120 kW (161 hp)	333 N·m (246 lb·ft)	Ford EEC-IV Multi-point EFI
XF 1/1986 onwards	4.1 L	EFI	OHV	Unleaded	123 kW (165 hp)	325 N·m (240 lb·ft)	Ford EEC-IV Multi-point EFI
EA	3.2 L	EFI	SOHC	Unleaded	90 kW (121 hp)	235 N·m (173 lb·ft)
EA, EB	3.9 L	EFI	SOHC	Unleaded	120 kW (161 hp)	311 N·m (229 lb·ft)
EA, EB	3.9 L	EFI	SOHC	Unleaded	139 kW (186 hp)	338 N·m (249 lb·ft)	EEC-IV Multi-point injection
EB series II, ED	4.0 L	EFI	SOHC	Unleaded	148 kW (198 hp)	348 N·m (257 lb·ft)
XR6 EBII, ED	4.0 L	EFI	SOHC	Unleaded	161 kW (216 hp)	361 N·m (266 lb·ft)	Tickford enhanced
EF, EL, AU series I, II & III	4.0 L	EFI	SOHC	Unleaded	157 kW (211 hp)	357 N·m (263 lb·ft)	Two-stage broadband intake manifold, coil-pack ignition system (EF and AU Only)
XR6 EF, EL, AU series I, II & III	4.0 L	EFI	SOHC	Unleaded	164 kW (220 hp)	366 N·m (270 lb·ft)	Tickford enhanced, also standard fitment on EF and EL Fairmont Ghia
AU series II and III	4.0 L	EFI	SOHC	LPG	143 kW (192 hp)	362 N·m (267 lb·ft)	Dedicated LPG
Fairmont Ghia AU series I, II & III	4.0 L	EFI	SOHC	Unleaded	168 kW (225 hp)	370 N·m (273 lb·ft)	VCT Variable valve timing
XR6 AU series I, II & III	4.0 L	EFI	SOHC	Unleaded	172 kW (231 hp)	374 N·m (276 lb·ft)	VCT Variable valve timing, performance exhaust
BA	4.0 L	EFI	DOHC	Unleaded	182 kW (244 hp)	380 N·m (280 lb·ft)
BA XR6 Turbo	4.0 L	EFI	DOHC	Unleaded	240 kW (322 hp)	450 N·m (332 lb·ft)	Garrett GT3540 turbocharger
BF	4.0 L	EFI	DOHC	Unleaded	190 kW (255 hp)	383 N·m (282 lb·ft)
BF XR6 Turbo	4.0 L	EFI	DOHC	Unleaded	245 kW (329 hp)	480 N·m (354 lb·ft)	Garrett GT3540 turbocharger
FG	4.0 L	EFI	DOHC	Unleaded	195 kW (261 hp)	391 N·m (288 lb·ft)
FG ECO-LPI	4.0 L	EFI	DOHC	Unleaded	198 kW (266 hp)	409 N·m (302 lb·ft)	Dedicated LPG
FG XR6 Turbo	4.0 L	EFI	DOHC	Unleaded	270 kW (362 hp)	533 N·m (393 lb·ft)

FPV F6 model	Capacity	Induction	Valvetrain	Fuel	Power	Torque	Notes
BA MkII, BF	4.0 L	EFI	DOHC	Unleaded	270 kW (362 hp)	550 N·m (406 lb·ft)
FG	4.0 L	EFI	DOHC	Unleaded	310 kW (416 hp)	565 N·m (417 lb·ft)

Fourth generation

Truck Six
Overview
Production	1964 - 1996
Combustion chamber
Displacement	240 cu in (3.9 L) 300 cu in (4.9 L)
Cylinder bore	4"
Piston stroke	3.18" (240) 3.98" (300)
Combustion
Fuel system	Normally aspirated Fuel injection
Output
Power output	120 hp (89 kW) - 170 hp (127 kW)
Torque output	260 lb·ft (353 N·m)

Produced at the Cleveland Engine plant in Brook Park, Ohio from 1964 through 1996, the 240 and 300 Sixes are well known for their durability. Simple design and rugged construction continue to endear these engines to a number of Ford enthusiasts to this day. Many have run 300,000 to 600,000 miles (480,000 to 970,000 km) without any more service than standard oil changes. The engine has earned the monikers "bulletproof" and "indestructible" by many. There are numerous claims of those who have purposely sought out to destroy one through abusive use, and were unsuccessful in doing so.

One example of the engine's sturdy design is the fact that no timing chain or timing belt (both of which can break, causing unwanted downtime or even engine damage) is used. This generation of Ford Six was designed with long-wearing gears for that purpose instead. Very few modern engines use timing gears; belts and chains are by far more common.

Both the 240 and the 300, no matter the application, used a single barrel Autolite 1100/1101 (or Carter YF/A) carburetor until the introduction of Electronic Fuel Injection in 1987. With proper gearing, many F-trucks and Broncos achieve 20+mpg. This fact was heavily used by Ford's advertising campaign (some television advertisements and written literature even claimed 30 mpg), since the V8 engines in these trucks rarely achieved over 14 mpg.

The fuel economy of the 300 makes the engine a popular choice amongst truck enthusiasts that want both power and economy. The addition of performance parts (such as intake and exhaust manifolds with a four-barrel carburetor) place the engine power output near the same levels as the stock HO (high output) version of the optional 351 V8, with little or no change in economy.

240

The 240 cu in (3.9 L) six for 1965–1972 full sized cars (continued to 74 in fleet models) and 63-77 trucks or vans produced 150 hp (112 kW). In stationary service (generators and pumps) fueled by LPG or natural gas, this is known as the CSG-639. The 240 had a bore of 4" and a stroke of 3.18".

300

The 300 cu in (4.9 L) six was added for the F-series in 1965. It was essentially a 240 cu in (3.9 L) with a longer stroke. The two engines are nearly identical; the differences are in the rotating assembly and combustion chamber sizes in the head (The heads are interchangeable). It produced 170 hp (127 kW) (gross). The 300 became the base F-series engine in 1978 at 114 hp (85 kW) (hp number changes due to Ford switching to net power ratings in 1971). Power outputs were increased to roughly 122 hp (91 kW) during the early 1980s, before fuel injection was introduced. This became the primary engine of the line, eclipsing the 240. Unlike the Falcon engine, it featured separate intake and exhaust manifolds, which could be easily replaced with aftermarket manifolds offering the promise of even more power, through the installation of larger carburetors and a higher flowing exhaust system.

Also during the late sixties and early seventies, the 300 was used in larger vehicles such as dump trucks, many weighing into the 15,000–20,000 pound (7,000–9,000 kg) range. These 300s were equipped with a higher flow HD (Heavy Duty) exhaust manifold, since the engines were going to be constantly working in the 3000–4000 rpm range. These rare, yet effective manifolds had a much higher exhaust flow rate due to the fact that many of these engines would spend hours at 3000 RPMs or more. Due to their straightforward and high flowing design, enthusiasts often seek these manifolds out due to the ease in which they allow turbochargers to be retrofitted to the engine.

Engine sizes were converted to metric for 1983, causing the 300 to become the "4.9". Fuel injection and other changes in 1987 pushed output up to 145 hp (108 kW) with 8.8:1 compression. This engine was gradually phased out, ending production in 1996, and was replaced by the Essex V6 in the F-series trucks with their 1997 redesign. However, it was renowned for its durability, low end torque, and ease of service. The 300 4.9 came with the Ford C6, E4OD, AOD, ZF S5-42 and S5-47 transmissions, as well as the Mazda built M5OD 5-speed manual transmission, and the Borg-Warner T18, Tremec RTS, and New Process NP435 4-speed manual transmissions. The 4.9-liter 6-cylinder was built in the Cleveland, Ohio engine plant.

This engine is also used by Stewart and Stevenson in the MA Baggage Tow Tractor (pdf), and Harlan in their standard tow tractors , as well as a multitude of other pieces of equipment, such as ski lifts, power generators, wood chippers, tractors, and, until they converted to diesel engines, most UPS trucks. Many UPS trucks still use the 300 to this day.

In stationary service (generators and pumps) fueled with LPG or natural gas, this engine is known as the CSG-649.

The Ford Inline six in racing

The Ford Inline six has had a small though colorful career in racing, which has increased in recent years due to the rising popularity of the motor and the availability of performance parts. The big 240's and 300's offered stronger torque at lower engine speed than most V8's of comparable displacement, while sacrificing peak power because of their square bore/stroke. The long stroke combined with the longer crankshaft creates problems at higher engine speed, and most stock cast-iron pieces are not recommended for service above 5000 rpm. The engine also weighs more than a V8 of similar displacement due to the longer length. The most desirable engines are those from mid-1960s dump trucks, as they have forged steel crankshafts and high-flow exhaust manifolds.

A recent yet giant step in Ford Inline six racing has been performed by McLearran Motorsports in Tucson AZ. The McLearrans, Wil and Kelly, have achieved enough notice that their 1963 Ford Falcon has been seen in several magazines and was scheduled to make an appearance on the show Pinks.

The 1963 Falcon driven by McLearran Motorsports' Kelly McLearran has been dyno tested at 323 rwhp @ 4500 rpm and 502 rwtq @ 2650 rpm. The car has run a best time of 10.89 seconds at 1/4 mile, with Kelly driving.

References

External links

• Ford Falcon SIX Cylinder Performance Handbook