I want to apoligize first off. I was on here a few months back, with big plans on building a big bad mud truck. The I realized that mud trucks are a hella lot more expensive than I knew.lol Well new plan, more realistic goals. I wanna build my 1978 Ford f-150 custom into a hard core mudder. Evetual plans are one tons, 44 boggers, 5.13 gears, lockers in both ends, 9 inch or more suspension and 3 inch body lift. Now my question for right now. I have a guy wanting to trade a good running .60 390 for a chevy parts truck ive got. Would it be better to keep my current 400, c6, 205 combo and just build the 400, or swap to the 390, with its c6 and 205 behind it? Which will be a better mud drivetrain? And is there anyone who builds trucks for a living, that would do a payment plan while they built the truck. I'm in Japan and would like the truck done before I get back. Heres a pic of what I want when all is said and done, just in the orginal white of my truck instead of red. And no flip forward front end.

 

Keep the 400. You will get more torque. The 390 and 400 have essentially the same bore. The 390 has a 3.78" stroke and a 2.749" main bearing journal. The 400 has a 4.00" stroke and 3.00" mains. Doesn't sound like much, but it will give you an edge.
The C-6 and 205 will do well behind it. Consider making the 205 a twin stick. The're fun.

Thanks for defending our freedom.
Keep 'em flying.

 

X2 keep the 400.

Sup man,

 

Keep the 400. Ford stopped putting the FEs in pickups in '76, so I'm not sure if the 390 would be an easy bolt in for '78. Also if that 390 is bored .060, its at the end of its lifespan. Even at .060, some FEs dont live long. Besides, there are TONS of parts to make a 400 scream. Start talking to the guys in the 400 forum. Those boys have a lot of knowledge. Its been a long while since I've been in there and even longer since I've messed with a 400, but you will be happier in the long run.

 

just give me like 8 grand and ill sell you my engine and every 351c part i have.

 

definately not going to be a bolt in swap to get that fe in there. im building a 390 for my truck, but its cuz its bolt in. if money wasnt an issue i woulda thrown a built 460 in there, but the kit for a swap was like 2000. i figure 2k into the 390 will get it going pretty good, but i have a guy near me running a 400 in his 79 and its bad ****.

 

Alright gonna do the 400. Seems to be the hot ticket. It'll get swapped to a stroked 460 someday when budget allows but that aint right now for sure. I already did the intake and carb swap, Its an edelbrock performer(I think I'll tell you when i got home on leave) and a holley 650 cfm. Next is pulling it down, new main and rod bearings, new zero deck pistons, have the heads done, ported out and shaved, good cam, and un retarded timing chain set up. Then rebuild the c6 with a stage 2 shift kit, twin stock the 205, then a 14 bolt in the rear, dana 60 up front, 9 to 12 inch lift, and 44 boggers, with 5.38 gears and lockers front and rear. Decided against the 54's, Dont wanna run rocks, and 54' is proabably to much tire for what I need anyways.

 

You will probably want to look into chromo axles... May not need them now, but it wont be a bad idea to figure what they are gunna run you if you do break.

 

If I was looking to build a mud truck inexpensive, I would trade or buy a 460/C-6 combo and forget the 400. I would not bother with any engine that has been raped to .060.

jmho, The 460 is a way better HP and TQ engine to sink money into then the emissions choked 400 and there is a far larger after market support for it.

You can buy a Galaxie 500 with a 390 that made 350 HP from the factory, the 400 was never offered offered in anything close 250 HP, though I could be wrong :-)

If you are starting with a long running project, I would start with the right engine, especially since you can get them dirt cheap. There are a lot of vans running around with them under the hood for well <$1000.

 

Can't disagree, but if you love the 400 the way I love the 400, and you know how to build them, the're a hell of a motor.

 

The 390 wouldn't bolt up to the 400's C6 anyways. You would have to come up with a FE bolt patern C6 case.

 

i say go with a 460 it will be cheaper in the long run, and you will be happier with it also...

 

im just asking, so dont hate me. How would it be cheaper if he already has the 400?

 

cause he is saying he can build the 400 for now, then swap in the 460 stroker later...

Why build the 400 if your just gunna swap it out?

If it were me i would build the truck, leave the 400 in it, maybe minor head work, headers exhaust and get rid of the emissions crap, then build the 460....
That way when the 460 is done, he wont be out that much on the 400...
Plus he will have his 460 sooner.

 

I'm in the process of gathering up the parts I need to put my 460 together for the Bronco. This is the way to do it, don't throw money at the turd 400 its just going to loose oil pressure after a few thousand miles anyway..