What type(s) of problems should I encounter by putting a 351M in a 48 F1 pickup?

 

I guess you have one of the 351M motors already?
I sure would waste my time with on of those heavy, slug, gas eating motors.

The trans bolt pattern is the same as a Big Block. [429/460]

 

I just put a 400 in my 51 f1. I have a volare front end so I off set the engine 1.5" to clear steering other wise easy fit.

 

did you mean to say "wouldnt" ??

have you ever built one??...I am currently in the process, and i belive that this engine is greatly misrepresented...

Nick

 

Correct. I would NOT use it. [I miss typed before] Why spend the money to build a heavier smogger motor when there are better lighter choices out there?

The only thing we used off of them was the cylinder heads for our Cleveleads on our dirt race cars. [The same as 2V Cleveland heads] The valve retainers need to be changed to the 4V Cleveland's. [The 2V Cleveland, M's and 400's would get cracks in them.[ unless your going aftermarket stuff?

The M's wider, heavier intake is a 2V and aftermarket 4V stuff is more expensive.

There is just a lot better stuff out there to invest your money into. Say a 351W, but a 302 would be even cheaper.

If it was me? It would get a FI 302 put in it. Turn the key and it fires right up. Already has serpentine belt system, brackets and compressor for A/C in a nice lightweight package.
Transmission options go way up too.

 

well i coulda done the same thing with my 72, but instead some people like me and apparently a few others are hard headed and want to be different, sure it may cost a couple hunerd bucks more to build a 351m or 400 but its the dare to be different deal, besides everybody puts 302's in everything and i'm not biased i have a good runnin small block ford in a 84 mustang, runs low 11's in the quarter naturally aspirated, but for the same amount of money you could build a stout ******* motor that'd do the same thing and you'd only have to turn it around 5500, where i turn the 302 8700 burning out and shift at 7600,

 

A lot depends on if you want to cruise the truck or race it.

Brakes are a mandatory upgrade on those old trucks either way you go.


Heck if you want to gp super radical? You cut the firewall some and set a Big Block in it with the motor set back for better weight distrabution.

 

Visit the '48-'60 forum. There are a few of us over there that have put 335 series Ford engines into our effies. I have a '53 with a warmed over 400. The only thing I would suggest would be to convert your 351m into a 400. I believe all you need is a crank and pistons.