‘’81 F-100 straight 6 build

[Chopperdriver]

I recently purchased an ‘81 F-100 300 straight 6, 3 on the tree. Drove it for about a month and the head gasket retired. While it was all apart I thought it would be a good time to do the 4 barrel intake, carb, headers and all the other 39 year old parts that were original.  I purchased the Jegs kit with the Offenhauser intake, 390 Holley and Headman headers, thinking a kit would limit the amount of fabrication I would have to do as I don’t have a shop to work in, yet.

Hasn’t been very smooth so far.  Headers don’t clear the starter, carb doesn’t clear the intake, and having a heck of a time adjusting the valves.  All that being said it’s not a daily driver, all though I would like to drive it again one day.  I’ll be scouring the links here, hopefully someone has installed this kit and has posted some detailed information on how to complete the task at hand.  Best wishes to all and thanks for the add.

[Gary Lewis]

Welcome!  

Sounds like the kinds of issues I had with my D60 reverse shackle kit.  But, with lots of perseverance it looks like the corner has been turned on it, so hopefully you'll find that corner soon.

Where's home?  We have a map (Bullnose Forum/Member's Map in the menu) and I'd be happy to add you.

And, you'll want to start a thread in the main section to work through/chronicle the issues on your truck.  Along with lots of pics.

Also, you should create a signature that includes details about your truck.  Details on how to do that are on the Signatures tab here: Bullnose Forum/FAQ's.

[grumpin]

Welcome!

[Rembrant]

Chopperdriver wrote

I recently purchased an ‘81 F-100 300 straight 6, 3 on the tree. 

Welcome aboard Chopperdriver.

I am no help for the 300 inline 6 issues, but I wanted to mention that 3 on the tree. Are you planning on keeping it? If yes, make sure you look after that column. Most of the shifter parts for it are long obsolete and there are no replacements available. There are a couple 'work arounds', but as a rule of thumb, the shift collar is a known weak point and it is common for them to crack/break. Keep an eye out for spare parts for it;). I had one myself but swapped it out for a 5spd.

In any case, good luck with the 300/6. There are some experts on here that will help you get it sorted.

[Chopperdriver]

Thanks for the welcome Gary, I’m excited about tapping in to the combined knowledge of the group.  

[ArdWrknTrk]

Welcome to the group!  

I don't have much to offer WRT your 300, but there are plenty here who do.

Have you considered a PMGR mini starter?
The mid '90's factory ones retrofit, but there are even smaller ones available aftermarket.
If the header is that close I'd suggest a heat shield protecting both cables as well as the starter itself.

[swampedout]

Those 300s are sweet!
You can bench press the head while you got it off and get ripped in a month.
Welcome