I am soon to be rebuilding a 400 for my 1979 F150. The block is being bored .030" right now, heads worked over, crank turned, etc. I have purchased an Edelbrock Performer 4V intake, new 1406 Carb, new double roller timing chain and gears and will retain the stock exhaust manifolds and am also using standard pistons (about 8.4:1 compression according to machine shop). My biggest question is my cam selection. I have ordered a Crane Cam in the energizer series. It is a 266H, and according to the write-up is good from 1200-5000 RPM, and has a gross lift of .508". The machine shop raised an eyebrow when I mentioned this because I told them I wanted good streetability from this engine, as it was my daily driver, and expected to retain good starts in cold or warm weather. They thought it may be too radical for a daily driver. So, anyone used a similiar combination and have some insight? Any educated guesses towards possible fuel mileage and how this set-up is going to act on a daily basis? I currently have the original 150,000 mile 351M in this truck and it still cruises okay and never fails to turn over for me. I just figured it's days were limited due to the high miles and started aquiring parts for it a year ago in preparation. Now the parts are bought, and the engine is being machined. I guess I could order another cam if this will be too radical for the street as a daily commuter. Your thoughts are appreciated, sorry for the long post in advance.

 

The cam seems about right to me, but more cam specs would be nice, or a part #. It also depends on how you drive, and wiether it's a auto or stick trany. Good luck.

 

Well, the part number in Jeg's is 270-133032, and the advertised duration is 266*. As mentioned, this is listed as having a gross lift of .508", and is described as : "Strong low and mid range torque, for daily driving. Smooth idle. RPM range 1200-5000. 8.0 - 9.5:1 compression ratio". From reading this, I thought I would step up the performance and torque just a little, without compromising fuel mileage (I have a 150,000 mile engine in place now, so anything would have to be better, right???) I have an automatic transmission, and both front and rear gears are their original 3.50:1 lockers. I am running 31" tires, and plan to use the truck as a daily driver, as mentioned with no off-road use. The only time I use 4wd, is when there is snow on the road.

 

i would try to get the compression up a little if it's not too late. around 8.8.

 

You want to run a dual pattern cam in a Ford. 266 is a little on the radical side for a daily driver with your compression but you aren't far off, just maybe pushing it a little. Maybe a 255, or 250/260, or 255/265 would be a better choice.

There is a thread on here about a Jasper engine with a stocker cam surprising the "big cam people".

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...hreadid=103195

You can also call the tech line at several cam companies and be absolutely honest answering your application questions. You may find it hard to find someone who knows enough about your Ford engines to give out good info. Most of the guys at the cam companies only know Cheby.

Good luck!

 

Well, if I am just on the edge of too radical, what can I expect from this combination? Hard starts, finicky idle with every 20-30 degree temp. change, gas hog, loading up the carb at stop lights? It is not too late to change cams if needed..........better to do it now. I thought I was staying in the safe range with this step up, now really wondering. I would really start loathing this truck if it starts to be a high maintenance ride. By the way, my commute is only about 15 minutes to work one way, and both the routes I take are 2 lane roads with 55 mph speed limits, so most of the driving will be at highway speeds with the occasional jaunt into town for lumber and errands. Does this help this combination, or hurt it knowing that?

 

If memory is correct that is the cam I had. It worked great! I have a heavy foot. 8-10 MPG.

 

Mitch found out... Your mileage will suffer because you loose low end grunt so you have to pedal harder Your off-idle power will be reduced.

Once you get up to 1500 rpm you will be sitting pretty. It will work great on the highway but a little less than optimal for around town.

 

Actually power went up everywhere. I only got 8to 10 mpg with a stock 351M auto/full time 4x4, same with part time kit. Same with built 400 auto or 4 speed. I used a 625cfm Carter carb w/mechanical secondaries. The primaries are smaller than a 2 barrel carb.

 

I would say to go with the edelbrock performer cam... as it seems you went with alot of edelbrock parts anyways. It is always good to have matched setup, and eldebrock has millions of dollars to test tyhis stuff to determine whats the best matching parts. I have heard good things about it too, one fellow in these forums using the edelbrock parts (except for holley tbi unit) got 14-15mpg out of a 400 with 39" tires, highway and city, loaded or empty. Thats sounds cool to me and I am thinking about doing the same myself. Heck thats better than my '99 f-150 with a v6! I get 13.5-15 usually.
The other big thing is compression. The 2 biggest design defficiencies with the stock M-blocks were cam and low compression. You will get better gas milleage with higher compression ratio. In theory, a higher CR means more volumetric efficiency. Well, thats my $0.02