Wait a minute, the 351M/400 has the same bellhousing bolt pattern as the 429/460. The <a href="http://motorhaven.autoanything.com/">351c </a>shares the same bolt pattern as the small-blocks. There were a few oddball '73 400's that came with the small-block bolt pattern but you won't find one for sure. That would be a Pantera owners dream.

Barry

P.S. Sorry again Jason, sometimes it's hard to read what's really being said without hearing how it's said.

 

I stand corrected and looking foolish. Thanks for the correction Barry.

 

385 Series.. hmmm

I'm trying to make the easiest, most economical decision I can. I intend to have a large displacement engine, to run on Propane.

At this point, It looks like I may rebuild the 400, but if I could come across a 460, or god forbid a <a href="http://motorhaven.autoanything.com/">429 </a>easily, I may go that route.

Fact of the matter is my 400 is tired, and I am likely going to swap in my 300 I6 / AOD combo, (i know, more big work involving mounts and brackets) while I take my time either saving for a different engine, or in going through a meticulous rebuild of the 400 I have.

If I do rebuild the 400 for propane, I'm looking at at least $700 canadian dollars for parts, never mind any necessary machining. (Flat top pistons, RV Cam, and all...)

So I'll remain open to buying another engine that would be a good candidate as well.

 

You could easily stick a <a href="http://www.motorhaven.com/">429 </a>or a <a href="http://www.motorhaven.com/">460 </a>in place of your 400 while you rebuild it, that would make more sense that trying to make stuff fit and then ripping it out a few weeks or months or years ( as my projects seem to be) later. You aren't going to get any better mileage but there will be a noticeable difference in power in a <a href="http://www.motorhaven.com/">429 </a>or 460. Hopefully you don't get hooked on the 460, I hate them. The <a href="http://www.motorhaven.com/">429 </a>is a pretty good motor and you can find them in Lincolns from the era. I'm not sure what year but there should be a big <a href="http://www.motorhaven.com/">sticker</a> on the air filter housing that says its a 429. They will sit right in place of your 400 and even look happy there. Good Luck!

 

Well I have built a few 429,s for performance use in a 79 150 2wd. Lots of torque but the rods are a little weak if your going for lots of rpm. Have built a 400 with a good aftermarket cam and intake also(tuff bottom end too) I think I would keep things simple and stay with what you have.The <a href="http://www.motorhaven.com/">390 </a>and <a href="http://www.motorhaven.com/">429 </a>are all good,but what you have can be alot of fun and be dpendable for a lot less hassle and money..been there done that!

 

I was going on the premise of the 400 ( that you already have in your truck) having the same bolt pattern as a <a href="http://www.motorhaven.com/">429 </a>( which would fit in there directly using the same mounts and it will fit quite nicely). Even if you want to keep it. You can do whatever you want but I think that staying with another 400 or upgrading to a <a href="http://www.motorhaven.com/">429 </a>can't hurt but if you want a FE or a downgrade to a Wheezer you are going to have to change a lot more stuff.

 

Next weekend, I'll be going back out to the homestead, where my truck is waiting out the remnants of the winter it's sat through.

I need to take off the hydraulic steering thingy, (i like to call it a ram??) as my friend who works at a local hydraulic shop is going to rebuild it for me at the cost of a bottle of dark rum!

I need to get my hands on an oil pressure gauge, to see exactly how the 400 is doing. the truck's oil pressure gauge shows a drop to about the "N" in "Normal" once operating temp is reached.

The 300 / AOD combo is something that I want to do, I think it would be an interesting combination. It will happen if the 400's oil pressure is no good.

The 400 rebuild process likely would take me over a year, as to be able to afford it will require some patience as I get my hands on micrometers and calipers, and do the job right with quality parts.

I'll be keeping my eyes open for a 429 over the summer. This summer I'll simply concern myself with dismantling the 400, and measuring all components, to get a good idea of what it will need. Quite curious to see the condition of the cylinder walls, etc.

The actually machining and purchase of new pistons, etc. wouldnt take place until this fall.. If I can find a 429 this summer, I'll buy it and go from there. I have ruled out FE's, due to the added problems of a swap.

 

There's a lot more performance goodies for a 400 than there was a few years ago. Do some looking around the 335 series forum and see what they do with their 400's.