I have found a 351M that is supposed to have only 55k on it. I was wondering, what I would have if I upgraded the timing set(straight up) and put in a cam. I would also drop on an intake and 4V. Any quess-timates on power and torque with this?

 

Can't really give you any guesstimates number-wise, but I can say that it will wake it up a lot. I'm talking a day and night difference. I did the same thing to my 351M and after the wrenches were put away I was more that pleased with the difference. Might also look at the Crane screw in stud kit and a nice set of roller tip rockers. This way you will have the ability to adjust the valves.

 

So may I ask, was this thing a torque monster? I'm looking for good low end power. If this thing is pulling only small block power, I'd rebuild to a 400 with higher compression.

 

If it has really only 55 K and no issues, I'ld go mild on the cam, straight up timing, Performer intake and 600 Edelbrock carb and FPR .... or keep the stock intake and carb or Holley 2300 2bbl, manifolds. It's got low compression, it's not gonna make gobs of power but I know of one still serving well in a '79 F350 with Holmes 480 split booms. It was well taken care of locally and for last 10 years has set parked in a shed, a friend just bought it and he loves it.

You want lots of power, then a 400 crank and pistons and compression is the way.

 

No....I can't really say the 351M was a torque monster. But it did have excellent throttle response when I'd mash it to the floor. It would wind up to 70mph in 3rd gear real nice!!! As tbear853 said, for torque, do a mild build on a 400. Or go one step further (and a few $$$) and drop in a 460.

 

Thanks guys for the replies. I'm gonna stick with my original plan and build a mild 400. Should have a ton of torque, which is what I'm after. As as the 460 goes, everybody and their brother has one in their Dentside (practically), and I'm looking for something a little different.

 

Ok...on that note if you get the goodies I have listed in my sig except for the cam you should be able to accomplish what you want it to do. As for the cam, I think the Comp Cams 265DEH is the ticket. It favors the exhaust side a little more than the 268. Yeah, the 460 is a popular option, but I think the 400 can be built to get pretty much the same numbers for HP and torque. But do keep in mind the aftermarket following isn't quite as strong for the 400, yet with whats available you can build a stout engine.