The truck, in 1988 was originally equipped with a 460 /c6 auto. I ran it 200k with that (wish i had the gas dollars today that i have spent)
my opinion that this rig , one of the last before ford gussied up the model for the more city type buyers, is the last generation of the really unstoppable fords. not too fancy and simple construction with really tough running gear. So i repowered with a new to me 300 six.; forged crank, factory rods new pistons .60 overbore etc... a zf 5 speed 1356 transfer case, and soon a dana 80 currently a ford 10.25 rear.
Steel flatbed.
i used the 460 oil cooler, and radiator, with an electric fan from a taurus 3.8.
i have coolers on every component including the trans which has an on demand oil pump and cooler of its own. I am just now researching where to place the return nozzle on the transmission for greatest effect.
if i turbo i will use an intercooler or a heat exchanger , BUT, the propane shot has a cooling effect also and will i need the intercooler?
I don't know.
the weight of the rig makes the question : will it cause a little engine too work hard and to overheat especially with a turbo raising the temperature anyway?
my answer is i dont know but i do know we have used those 6 cylinders in the past in really heavy rigs with good result but we never blew hot air down their throats either.
i expect from the mods about 300 HP : 50 per hole and torque i just dont know. we will break the engine in on gas then switch to propane.
factory 460 was 165 HP so we cannot do worse. 8 MPG
propane costs here about 190 a gallon
thanks fellas