Im looking for the easiest years of the ford 300 inline 6 , {that were also dependable} to work on and maintain the engine . Im not neccessarily talking about a total engine teardown / rebuild , but something that is easy to do total tuneups , change timing chain/gears , etc. I dont need air conditioning or power windows, etc....just something dependable and as simple as possible to maintain . Would electronic ignition be better for my needs then points/condenser ...would mechanical fuel pump be better then electronic fuel pump...etc. ? The 2 key traits im looking for in this engine are :

dependable

easiest to maintain when things break

Looks are not important to me.

Thanks.

 

Ford's straight six in any year was one of the most dependable engines ever made. practically bullet proof. I had a '92 F-150 short bed 2wd, and it was a great engine, I know the guy who bought it and he still has it, even converted it to 4wd. As far as I know, you can't go wrong with it.

 

The carbureted versions (pre-1988) are obviously easier to work on than the EFI ones but because of age they're going to need more work.

 

yes, I figure carberetor is the best way for me to go , but how about things like electronic ignition vs points/condenser , electrical fuel pump vs mechanical fuel pump , etc. What specific year would you say is the easiest to work on overall as far as easy accesability to engine components that are likely to break down or need repair ? I dont want air conditioning or automatic door locks, / windows, etc....because thats just adding extra things I dont need.

 

You have upsides and downsides to both points and electronic. Points are cheaper to work on but you have to keep them changed, electronic seldom needs maintenance but when modules do go, they ain't cheap. Electronics also give you a lot stronger spark. I prefer mechanical fuel pumps to electric ones that are in the tank, but I like external electrics.

 

what years have mechanical fuel pumps, with electronic ignition ?

 

OK - 86 was the last year for the carbed 4.9, and it had a mechanical block-mounted fuel pump. The last year for points was 77. So - look for a 78-86.