How much horsepower does a Ford 300 6-cylinder have?
The Ford 300, also known as the 4.9-liter inline-6, does not have a single fixed horsepower figure; it ranged roughly from 150 to 200 horsepower over its production, with later fuel-injected versions closer to 190–200 hp. This reflects the engine’s long service life and multiple generations of fuel systems and emissions controls.
To understand the question in context, it helps to track how the 300 I6 evolved from carbureted designs to modern electronic fuel injection. horsepower shifted upward gradually as Ford updated intake, ignition, and emissions equipment while preserving the engine’s renowned torque. Different model years, trucks, and configurations produced different numbers, so precise figures must be verified against a specific vehicle’s documentation.
Era-based horsepower ranges
Below are representative ranges by era and fuel system; exact figures vary by application and year. Use vehicle VIN and official specifications for precise numbers.
- Carbureted era (roughly 1965–1980s): typically about 150–180 hp, influenced by compression, cam timing, and carb tuning.
- Early electronic fuel injection (mid-1980s to early 1990s): around 180–190 hp as fuel delivery and ignition controls improved.
- Late injection/modernized EFI (1991–1996, and in some applications): about 190–200 hp in many trucks and full-size cars, with regional emissions equipment affecting exact ratings.
These ranges illustrate how horsepower evolved as Ford modernized the engine, while the 4.9L inline-6 remained celebrated for its torque and reliability rather than peak horsepower alone.
Variants and applications to consider
Applications across the Ford lineup—including F-Series pickups, Crown Victoria/Police Interceptor editions, and various body styles—differed in horsepower due to exhaust restrictions, intake design, compression ratios, and emissions packages. The precise number for a given vehicle should be confirmed on its original window sticker or official factory specifications.
When evaluating a specific Ford 300, consult the official documentation for that model year, or a trusted database that catalogs engine specs by VIN to confirm the exact horsepower figure.
Summary
The Ford 300 (4.9L) inline-6 delivers a broad horsepower spectrum rather than a single fixed rating, typically ranging from about 150 to 200 horsepower across its production life. For restoration or purchase decisions, verify the exact figure from year-specific Ford documentation or a reliable archival source to reflect the precise configuration of the engine in question.
