F-100 creates a cloud of smoke and paints a few hundred feet of black stripes on the road.
Ford has offered a few different engines over the year that measured 351 cubic inches, but the 351M from the late 1970s F-100 is likely the least known. However, it holds a distinct place in Ford engine history, serving as the last “push rod engine” designed by the Motor Company until the modern day 7.3-liter V8 was introduced for the Super Duty lineup.
The 351M was based on the 400 of the 335-engine series, but it featured a shorter stroke than the engine with the larger displacement. However, owners found that they could swap the 400-cubic inch crankshaft into the 351M to create a simple stroker motor upgrade. This week’s Tire Smokin’ Tuesday comes to us from the BoldtsGarage YouTube channel and it features a 1979 F-100 with one of those crank-swap strokers in action.
1979 F-100 Stroker Build
The 1979 Ford F-100 in this video is powered by a 351M engine, but it is bored .030 over and it fitted with a 400 crank, resulting in a total engine volume of 408 cubic inches. For those unsure, the 400 actually displaces 402 cubic inches, while the cylinder overbore adds the other 6 cubic inches. That stroked engine block assembly is also equipped with a Comp Cams roller camshaft, an Edelbrock intake manifold, a 600 CFM Edelbrock carburetor and three-inch exhaust.
In stock form, the 351M offered 156 horsepower while the 400 packed a whopping 169 horsepower. We are guessing that this built V8 delivers considerably more power, with a C6 transmission and 3.75 gears putting that power to the ground.
Beyond the drivetrain details, we can see that this truck has the short cab, short bed configuration, aftermarket aluminum wheels and matte black paint, but for the most part, it retains the original form.
Smokin’ the Tires
The video begins with the 1979 F-100 sitting on an empty road. The driver quickly mashes the throttle, the engine roars and the rear tires begin to squeal. Within a few seconds, smoke is streaming from both rear tires and that cloud builds as the driver feathers the throttle. After about 18 seconds, he lets off of the brake and the classic F-Series pickup rolls forward. The tires continue to spin, allowing this old F-100 to lay down a couple hundred feet of black stripes on the pavement.
"Before I was old enough to walk, my dad was taking me to various types of racing events, from local drag racing to the Daytona 500," says Patrick Rall, a lifetime automotive expert, diehard Dodge fan, and respected auto journalist for over 10 years. "He owned a repair shop and had a variety of performance cars when I was young, but by the time I was 16, he was ready to build me my first drag car – a 1983 Dodge Mirada that ran low 12s. I spent 10 years traveling around the country, racing with my dad by my side. While we live in different areas of the country, my dad still drag races at 80 years old in the car that he built when I was 16 while I race other vehicles, including my 2017 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat and my 1972 Dodge Demon 340.
"Although I went to college for accounting, my time in my dad’s shop growing up allowed me the knowledge to spend time working as a mechanic before getting my accounting degree, at which point I worked in the office of a dealership group. While I was working in the accounting world, I continued racing and taking pictures of cars at the track. Over time, I began showing off those pictures online and that led to my writing.
"Ten years ago, I left the accounting world to become a full-time automotive writer and I am living proof that if you love what you do, you will never “work” a day in your life," adds Rall, who has clocked in time as an auto mechanic, longtime drag racer and now automotive journalist who contributes to nearly a dozen popular auto websites dedicated to fellow enthusiasts.
"I love covering the automotive industry and everything involved with the job. I was fortunate to turn my love of the automotive world into a hobby that led to an exciting career, with my past of working as a mechanic and as an accountant in the automotive world provides me with a unique perspective of the industry.
"My experience drag racing for more than 20 years coupled with a newfound interest in road racing over the past decade allows me to push performance cars to their limit, while my role as a horse stable manager gives me vast experience towing and hauling with all of the newest trucks on the market today.
