The Ford 300 inline-six is the stuff of legend. Introduced in 1965 and in production until 1996, this long-stroke brute became the backbone of Ford’s truck lineup for over three decades. Known for its indestructible build, low-end torque, and dead-simple maintenance, the 300 wasn’t about flash—it was about getting the job done, day after day, year after year.
History and Applications
Launch Year: 1965
Base Design: Stroked-up version of the 240 inline-six
Core Platforms: F-100 through F-350 pickups, E-series vans, Broncos, medium-duty trucks
Beyond the Road: Used in tractors, generators, pumps, and industrial gear well into the 2000s
Fuel Evolution:
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Carbureted (1965–1986)
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Throttle-Body EFI (1987–1991)
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Batch-Fired Port Injection (1992–1995)
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Sequential Port Injection (1996 only)
- End of the Line: 1996, replaced by Ford's modular V8 and V10 engines
Factory Specs
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 300 cu in (4.9L) |
| Bore x Stroke | 4.00" x 3.98" |
| Rod Length | 6.209" |
| Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 (typical EFI setup) |
| Horsepower (Net) | 115–150 hp |
| Torque (Net) | 223–265 lb-ft @ ~2,000 rpm |
| Firing Order | 1-5-3-6-2-4 |
| Engine Weight | ~495–510 lbs (long block) |
Note: Early carb versions with fewer emissions restrictions reached up to 170 hp gross.
Design Highlights
- Seven Main Bearings: The bottom end is built to take abuse.
- Tall Deck Geometry: 10.00" deck height means better rod angles and serious torque.
- Old-School OHV: One cam, twelve pushrods, no drama.
- Aftermarket Love: Performance parts from Clifford, Offenhauser, AussieSpeed, and more.
Why the Ford 300 Rules
| Category | What Makes It Great |
|---|---|
| Torque Curve | Peak torque comes in early—perfect for towing, crawling, and hauling. |
| Durability | Lifespans of 200,000–400,000 miles are common. |
| Serviceability | No timing chain to fuss with—gear-driven and easy to rebuild. |
| Modding Potential | Takes well to headers, 4-barrels, ignition upgrades, even boost. |
Even mild performance builds can deliver 200–250 hp and massive torque. Turbocharged setups have pushed the 300 well past 400 hp with the right internals.
Common Mods
- Performance cam swaps—Straub Tech now offers hydraulic and solid roller options
- EFI conversions using donor setups from 1987–96 trucks
- Header + 4-barrel intake upgrades for improved breathing
- Turbo builds with forged slugs and aftermarket rods for serious power
Legacy
The Ford 300 inline-six isn’t just an engine—it’s an institution. Known for reliability, torque, and outlasting everything around it, this powerplant earned respect across farms, job sites, racetracks, and backroads alike. It’s simple, it’s tough, and it just works.
Verdict: The Ford 300 I6 is a mechanical workhorse that proves torque beats horsepower in the real world. Whether you're building a trail rig, retro tow pig, or just keeping an old truck alive, this engine delivers.