1981 ford van

[souldoubt88]

anyone know what engine is in an '81 Ford van? it's a v6 but i dont know which one or how reliable.
Its blue got 120,000 miles, no body damage and was formerly owned by a telephone company
2wd
the reason im asking is cuz i can get it for $200, and it starts up and runs fine, however there is some kind of tranny issue that i have to look into.
Any knowledge would be much appriciated.

 

[stegomon]

probly a 3.8...must be a good enine if ford still used that block all the way up to a few years ago

 

[Explorin94]

They didn't have a V6 for that year. If it is a 6 it is a 300 inline should be a C6 behind it.

 

[souldoubt88]

my bad, inline 6.
this is what wikipedia had to say (not always the most reliable source):

FORD 300 Inline 6, 4.9 li 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 150 hp (112 kW) which was around 8.8:1 compression. The carbureted 300’s horsepower varied from 101 hp (75 kW) – 120 hp at 3000-3400 rpm. This engine was gradually phased out, ending production in 1996 and 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. Though the engines did not have much top end speed they were great pulling motors and (have been said) to be “tough as nails”. Some of the common problems if not maintained well consisted of, vacuum leaks,(causing rough idle), Carburetors that require rebuilding, and there known to throw a rod if over revved. Also early valve train failure. Often going for more than 300,000 mi (480,000 km) before rebuilds, many continue in service. The 300 4.9 came with the Ford C6 transmission and the Ford E4OD transmission as well as the Mazda built M5OD 5 speed manual transmission through the mid-1990s. This combination is a durable truck powertrain. The 4.9 liter 6 cylinder was built in Cleveland, Ohio. Distributor firing order of 1-5-3-6-2-4

sound accurate to you guys?

 

[rusty ol ranger]

Yes.

The 300 is an awesome engine. Id get it.

later,
Dustin

 

[mentalbreakdown00]

yeah it should have an 300, if its an auto i doubt it has a c-6 but maybe prolly a c-4 but a lot of those older vans around here for fleets and 3 on the tree

 

[Ozwynn]

it would not be a C-4 behind a 300 six........ if it is then somebody wasn't paying attention or just threw in a transmission......... the 300 six would break a C-4 with out trying........

 

[mentalbreakdown00]

my old f150's the 302 had a c-6 while the 300 had a c4... both were bought by my dad and were all original.....a 300 doesn't have that much to absolutely need a c-6

 

[souldoubt88]

it is an auto...
thank you guys for the info, i think i might never forgive myself if i dont buy it.
If the tranny does need rebuilt/replaced any idea how much that would cost?
i have dreams of a sweet shaggin-wagon/roadtripper in my head.......
or i could just paint "free candy" on the side.....

 

[mentalbreakdown00]

gotta do free ice cream or chocolate instead of candy.....it's too vauge..... course these days it'd need to be free video games and government checks...

 

[rusty ol ranger]

What year F150's did your dad have?

The 302 came with the C4. Every 300 ive ever seen had the C6. Either way after 82 or so they all had the C6 (for 300's and 302's) and the AOD (302's only) I dont think the 300 got an O/D option (besides with a 5sp) untill the E4OD came out in like 90.

The 3sp E150s went out in like 79 i think.

later,
Dustin

 

[wrecking-crew]

it is an auto...
thank you guys for the info, i think i might never forgive myself if i dont buy it.
If the tranny does need rebuilt/replaced any idea how much that would cost?
i have dreams of a sweet shaggin-wagon/roadtripper in my head.......
or i could just paint "free candy" on the side.....

why can i see you driving that?

 

[mentalbreakdown00]

I wanna say my moms 2 vans were both 80 or 81 w 3 on the tree, the 302 150 was an 82 i think it had a towing package and a c-6, the 300 was a 82 also I think, he bought them both off the lot here at tallahassee ford the year i was born in 83.....

 

[Ozwynn]

I had 2 F-100...... one got turned into a race truck and one was used to bash things in the woods. both where 2wd. the 76 (turned into a race truck) was 302 and a C4...... the 77 was 300 and C6...... I have not seen a 300 6 hanging infront of a C4



its not the amount of torque the 300 makes that makes it a transmission killer ..... (Will explains this better) its the amount of power it makes when each cylinder fires....... it has less cylinders so it has more torque per cylinder (power frequency).