i have looked all over the net for factory horsepower ratings for a 1979 351M. im going to buy a truck soon and it has this motor in it. It has a few addons, edelbrock rv cam no clue duration, edelbrock intake and 4V edelbrock carb. just wondering what kind of ponies this thing is kicking out. motor is fresh rebuild. no emissions equipment. Thanks. Dan

 

boone6978,

Factory advertised power for the 1979 truck 351M was SAE net 156hp @ 4000 rpm, 262 ft-lb @ 2000 rpm.

Based on the info you provided (cam and 4V carb), and assuming stock 8.0:1 CR and a good tuning, I'd guess that engine is putting out 200hp or so. If it's also got decent headers and a low-restriction exhaust, maybe 220-225hp.

 

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 23-Mar-02 AT 08:22 PM (EST)]OK, this might give you an idea of what to expect; the 351C sold here in Australia in 1979 was rated at 200hp from the factory, with a 4bbl 2v intake (australian only part) 2v heads (and 9:1 compression) and a carter thermoquad spreadbore carb, and some emmisions equipment. From the sounds of it, your motor would be of similar spec (but heavier, cos it's an M), but without pollution gear and with slightly better intake and lower compression, so a bit over 200hp would be expected