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#3183 08/10/01 09:04 AM
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 466
Likes: 1
J
Jim M Offline OP
Member
I don't want to start a Ford/Chevy debate, I am just trying to get a new van that has the right capacity and engine size.

If you have purchased a van recently, What type was it? Please include the engine size and weight capacity. Are you happy with the vehicle or would you do something different?

Thanks,

#3184 08/10/01 10:57 AM
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 2,236
Likes: 1
Member
I'm not much help here, but the longevity of the Ford 300 cu.in. I-six (4.9L) has me sold. I had a Ford Econoline a few years ago, this engine is tough! And within a few percent of the 302 in power as well.

If you want reliability, go with the 300 six.


-Virgil
Residential/Commercial Inspector
5 Star Inspections
Member IAEI
#3185 08/10/01 03:38 PM
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 127
G
Member
I've got an 85 Dodge van with a 270 cu in "slant 6". I think a "slant 6" will normally outlast a Ford 300 but does not have quite the power. Anyone interested in purchasing it give me an e-mail. I've recently put a new exhaust manifold and a rebuilt carburetor on it. I wanted to put a 2 barrel intake and a two barrel carb on it because the 2 barrel carb is more plentiful and cheaper, but the intake is scarce. They were used on some fleet trucks and luxury cars befor the V-6 engines became popular.

#3186 08/10/01 03:40 PM
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 5,392
S
Member
I'll 2nd that. I've had many 300's, the bad news is they leak oil, the good news is you can run 'em down til you hear chunks rattling in the pan. Once i even put a gallon of chain saw oil in a beater i had.....do i sound like a redneck yet?
hmmm, where's my chew?
[Linked Image]

#3187 08/10/01 03:42 PM
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 5,392
S
Member
Hey,
doesn't chevy have a deal on an interior?

p.s.
Gerald, U sure that's not a 225 CI ?

#3188 08/10/01 07:12 PM
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 466
Likes: 1
J
Jim M Offline OP
Member
I was hoping to get info on more current choices. I have a 93 E150 with the 300/6. It seems to be underpowered.

Are the newer 4.2/4.3/4.6 engines any good or should I go for the 5.?.
As far as weight capacity 250 or 350?

#3189 08/10/01 07:28 PM
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 5,392
S
Member
Jim;
I have a 4.3 fuel injected V6 chevy ,fully frieghted van, i mean room to sit full, no complaints...a good motor.
But for those long UG services in the mud & snow I have a 460 V8 F-250 HD 4x4 .
400' of 3" pvc and a reel of 350kcmil URD makes the van fishtail
i don't think there's a one-truck-fits-all.

#3190 08/10/01 07:44 PM
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 2,056
R
Member
'95 F-150 pick-up. 300 c.i. 5-speed. 4 wd Std. cab. 8' bed. Matching (black)ARE cap with tool boxes. Not as convenient as a van, but, I like 4wd. With the boxes set up with stackable bins for small materials,it works pretty good. 95,000 miles, going strong.

#3191 08/10/01 08:20 PM
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,044
Tom Offline
Member
I'm driving a '91 Ford f250 van, 300 cid engine. Virgil's right, they're tougher than woodpecker lips. Unfortunately, I've heard rumors that this engine is no longer made, just when I'm about to buy another vehicle.

Tom


Few things are harder to put up with than the annoyance of a good example.
#3192 08/10/01 08:39 PM
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 2,236
Likes: 1
Member
gpowellpec...

Oh Yeah! The Dodge Slant 6 225...

Had one in a Dart when I was young and dumb...

Had a guy bet me $50 against a hopped up 318 V8 that I couldn't blow the motor... (I pay him $50 if I don't blow it, I get a 318 to replace it if I do...) After a minute at 92 mph in second gear, I had to pay up.

Once it kept dying around right (or was it left?) hand turns... the culprit? The bolts for the carb had vacated, and the carb would flop over going around the turn and the motor would die. Once it stopped, it would plop back in place and run fine until you took another turn... Very few other engines will run with a mere carb gasket leak!

A local threw a rod complete with holes in the block in a slant six, drove it home 35 miles, shut it off, and started it back up just to see if it would still run, and it did!

I'm reasonably impressed with the Nissan 2.4L 4 banger... 140K miles, only have to put oil in it when it gets changed.


-Virgil
Residential/Commercial Inspector
5 Star Inspections
Member IAEI
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