I'm wondering where I can go (be nice) to find out this question. Seems like I read somewhere it was only installed in Rancheros back then. But maybe not in Ca. Rancheros?

 

I do believe the first F-250 to be equipped with a 400 was a 1977.

 

Looks to me that you don't need to go any further than rite here.

Dittos on the reply

John

 

Thanks, thinking of going the 400M route in my 71. Didn't know if it was legal in Ca. Smog ya know.........jim

 

lived there for a long time and did some engine swaps and it seems to me that the smog was relevent to the year of vehicle and not the year of the engine. so a newer engine could go in an older car or truck with out the law stepping in.

 

4cammer is correct and on the + side a 1971 is exempt from smog

 

Yah, I know about the bianual exemption. We have the new smog law that puts a spy at freeway off rampts watching for smokers. You get a letter to bring it in for testing and inspection when caught on camera. I believe that it's ok to put a newer engine in an older truck, but I think it has to be smogged to the newer engine requrement. Older engine in newer truck isn't allowed, I believe. I currently have a 78 351M, headers, Edel. ect. Runs great, no smog on it. Ran lousy in the 78 with all the smog hooked up. I guess I could rebuild the 390, but I'd have to get all new stuff. I really like the 335 series engine.

 

you do not have to have it smog checked because you put a newer smog era motor in an older truck. once the truck reaches i think 25 years old it's no longer required to get the check. you could get a 2005 engine and put it in and not have to get it checked. if you already have a newer motor and want to use it do it. older engine in newer truck is allowed but it must conform to the standards set for the year vehicle when it comes to smog.