What upgrades enhance a 1980-1986 Ford inline 6 from 117 to 350 horsepower?

This Q&A session is powered by Bullnose Bill, Bullnose Garage’s advanced AI mechanic.
Have your own question? Ask Bill!

What are the costs for an intake manifold, camshaft, headers, dual straight exhaust, 650cfm carb tuning, and an upgraded fuel pump?

Sure thing! Pricing for performance parts can vary greatly based on brand, quality, and where you purchase them. Here’s a rough estimate for each component you’re considering for your 300 inline-six build:
1. Intake Manifold:
- Cost: $200 – $400
- Look for options from brands like Edelbrock or Offenhauser for quality performance.
2. Camshaft:
- Cost: $150 – $500
- Prices can vary significantly depending on the lift and duration of the cam. Check out options from Comp Cams or Crane Cams.
3. Headers:
- Cost: $200 – $400
- Headers from companies like Doug’s or Patriot Exhaust are popular choices.
4. Dual Straight Exhaust:
- Cost: $300 – $800
- This includes the cost of piping, mufflers, and installation if you’re not doing it yourself. You can find kits that fit the Bullnose style.
5. 650 CFM Carburetor:
- Cost: $300 – $600
- Holley and Edelbrock are great options. Just remember to factor in the cost of a mounting adapter if needed.
6. Upgraded Fuel Pump:
- Cost: $50 – $150
- Look for an electric fuel pump with enough flow for your new setup.
Estimated Total:
Adding it all up, you’re looking at approximately $1,500 to $2,900 depending on your choices and whether you do the work yourself or hire a mechanic.
Keep in mind that these are rough estimates, and prices can fluctuate based on sales, location, and specific part brands. Always do a bit of shopping around, and consider checking out forums like the Bullnose Ford subreddit or other dedicated communities for recommendations on parts and where to buy them.
Happy building, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have more questions or need further guidance!

What additional horsepower can be expected from these upgrades?

Estimating the horsepower gain from your proposed modifications for the 300 inline-six can be a bit of a guessing game, as it depends on several factors including the specific parts used, tuning, and overall engine condition. However, I can give you some ballpark figures based on similar upgrades.
Potential Horsepower Gains:
-
Intake Manifold:
- Estimated Gain: 10-20 hp
- A better intake improves airflow and efficiency.
-
Camshaft:
- Estimated Gain: 20-40 hp
- A performance cam can significantly increase power, especially if it’s designed for higher RPMs.
-
Headers:
- Estimated Gain: 10-20 hp
- Headers reduce back pressure and improve exhaust flow, which helps the engine breathe better.
-
Dual Straight Exhaust:
- Estimated Gain: 10-20 hp
- A less restrictive exhaust system allows for better flow and can enhance performance.
-
650 CFM Carburetor:
- Estimated Gain: 10-30 hp
- A larger carburetor can improve the air/fuel mixture, leading to more power.
-
Upgraded Fuel Pump:
- Estimated Gain: Minimal to 5 hp
- While a good fuel pump isn’t a power producer itself, it ensures your engine gets the fuel it needs to perform at its best, especially after modifications.
Total Estimated Gain:
When you add it all up, you’re looking at a potential increase of 70 to 135 horsepower.
Of course, these figures can vary widely, and achieving those gains relies heavily on proper tuning and ensuring all modifications work well together. If you can get your engine on a dynamometer after the upgrades, you’ll get a precise measurement of the horsepower increase.
Remember that while it’s exciting to aim for high horsepower figures, the torque and drivability of the engine are just as important, especially for street use. And as always, consult with experienced builders or tuners to help you maximize your setup!
Let me know if you have more questions or need help with something else!

What is the 0-60 mph time after these modifications?

Getting a good 0-60 time for your modified 300 inline-six Bullnose truck will depend on several factors, including the weight of the truck, tire grip, gearing, and the specific modifications you make. However, I can provide a rough estimate based on typical performance gains from those modifications.
Stock Performance:
- A stock 300 inline-six typically has 0-60 times in the range of 10 to 12 seconds.
Estimated Performance After Modifications:
With the upgrades you’re considering (intake manifold, camshaft, headers, dual exhaust, 650 CFM carburetor, and upgraded fuel pump), you could potentially lower that time significantly.
- Expected 0-60 Time: Approximately 8 to 10 seconds.
This is a general estimate, and as you might expect, the actual performance can vary based on tuning and other factors. If you manage to push your horsepower closer to that 350 hp mark, you might even see lower times, especially if everything is dialed in correctly.
Important Factors to Consider:
-
Weight of the Truck: The weight of your Bullnose will play a significant role in acceleration. A lighter truck will naturally have better acceleration.
-
Tires and Traction: Upgrading to performance tires can significantly improve grip, which is crucial for launching effectively.
-
Gearing: Rear-end gearing can also have a big impact on how quickly you can accelerate. A lower gear ratio can help improve your 0-60 time.
-
Tuning: Proper tuning after all modifications is key to achieving the best performance. A good dyno tune can help you maximize your setup.
-
Driver Skill: Don’t forget that driver skill plays a big role in achieving the best 0-60 times. Practice launching and shifting can make a noticeable difference.
If you’re excited to see how your Bullnose performs, consider timing it on a stretch of road or at a track after modifications. It’s a great way to enjoy the fruits of your labor! Let me know if you have any more questions or need further guidance!

What would be the costs for Turbocharging with an intake manifold, camshaft, headers, dual straight exhaust, and 650cfm carb tuning?

Alright, let’s dive into the costs for a turbocharged setup along with the performance upgrades you’re considering for your 300 inline-six. Adding a turbocharger can dramatically increase your horsepower potential, but it also comes with its own set of costs and considerations.
Estimated Costs:
-
Intake Manifold:
- Cost: $200 – $400
-
Camshaft:
- Cost: $150 – $500
-
Headers:
- Cost: $200 – $400
-
Dual Straight Exhaust:
- Cost: $300 – $800
-
650 CFM Carburetor:
- Cost: $300 – $600
-
Upgraded Fuel Pump:
- Cost: $50 – $150
-
Turbocharger Kit:
- Cost: $1,500 – $3,000
- This can vary widely based on the brand and whether you’re getting a complete kit with all necessary components (e.g., intercooler, piping, wastegate, etc.). Look for kits specifically designed for the 300 inline-six to ensure compatibility.
-
Additional Components:
- Intercooler: $300 – $600
- Boost Controller: $50 – $200
- Tuning: $200 – $500 (for a proper dyno tune)
- Miscellaneous (piping, fittings, gaskets, etc.): $200 – $500
Estimated Total:
When you add it all up, you’re looking at approximately $3,200 to $7,600 for the entire setup. This is a broad range, as the final cost will depend on the specific components you choose and whether you do the work yourself or hire professionals.
Performance Expectations:
With all these modifications, including turbocharging, you could see horsepower figures exceeding 400 hp depending on boost levels and tuning. That would have a substantial impact on your 0-60 times as well, potentially getting you into the sub-6 second range if everything is optimized correctly!
Important Considerations:
- Engine Internals: Before going for high boost, consider that the stock internals of the 300 may not handle excessive pressure reliably. You might want to upgrade pistons and rods for added strength.
- Fuel Quality: Turbocharging typically requires higher octane fuel to avoid knock, so be prepared to use premium gas.
- Tuning: Proper tuning is crucial for reliability and performance, so don’t skimp on this step.
Always consult with experienced builders or tuners who have worked with turbocharged setups on these engines to ensure everything fits and works well together. If you have more questions or need further guidance, just let me know! Happy building!

What would be the costs for an intake manifold, camshaft, headers, dual straight exhaust, and 750cfm carb tuning with an upgraded fuel pump?

Sure thing! Let’s break down the estimated costs for each component you’re considering for your 300 inline-six build with a 750 CFM carburetor. Here’s how much each part might set you back:
Estimated Costs:
-
Intake Manifold:
- Cost: $200 – $400
- Look for performance options from brands like Edelbrock or Offenhauser.
-
Camshaft:
- Cost: $150 – $500
- Performance camshafts from Comp Cams or similar brands are a good choice.
-
Headers:
- Cost: $200 – $400
- Companies like Doug’s or Patriot Exhaust offer good options.
-
Dual Straight Exhaust:
- Cost: $300 – $800
- This includes piping, mufflers, and potentially installation costs if you’re not doing it yourself.
-
750 CFM Carburetor:
- Cost: $350 – $700
- Holley and Edelbrock have great carb options that would fit your needs.
-
Upgraded Fuel Pump:
- Cost: $50 – $150
- An electric fuel pump rated for your horsepower goals would ensure proper fuel delivery.
Estimated Total:
Adding these together, you’re looking at a total cost of approximately $1,300 to $2,900.
Performance Expectations:
With these modifications, you could see a significant horsepower increase. While exact figures can vary, you might expect to gain around 70 to 135 horsepower, depending on how well everything is tuned and matched.
Final Thoughts:
As always, ensure that you have a proper tune after installation to maximize performance and reliability. This is where you can really dial in the power and efficiency of your engine.
If you have any more questions or need help with anything else, feel free to ask! Happy wrenching!

Disclaimer: The preceding text was generated by Bullnose Bill, an AI. It is possible that the information provided is not accurate. Always double-check advice and consult multiple sources before undertaking any maintenance or repair tasks. For real hands-on information, you can always visit Bullnose Garage on YouTube or check in with the BullnoseFord SubReddit.
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