400 reliability?
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Elder User
Joined: Apr 2002
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400 reliability?
I'm looking at buying a 78 f-250 to turn into a wheeling rig, and i'm not sure how many miles are on it. But I don't want to have to throw in a new engine as soon I buy the thing when it craps out.
What kind of average miles are you guys getting out of your 400's?
What kind of average miles are you guys getting out of your 400's?
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 887
Likes: 1
From: Jax FL
400 reliability?
hmmm, i read once that some guy got over 500k in his, he ran a hunting camp in montana. i'd be willing to bet that the only 3 things to survive a nuke blast will be roaches, tupperware, and the trusty old 400 ford.
Posting Legend
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 30,255
Likes: 37
400 reliability?
Check the oil pressure when it is hot and idling. If it is at least 1/3 of the way up the gage you have a winner! If it is below 1/4 then pass unless you are in need. The old 400 will run a long time with low oil pressure until they get like mine and the lifters start rattling when it gets hot...
A 300-6 might survive that blast too!
A 300-6 might survive that blast too!
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,810
Likes: 15
From: Central Ohio
400 reliability?
The 400 is a good ol' motor I say. But the problem is that they are all 20+ years old now! And if you didnt buy it new over 20 years ago then you have no idea what the motor has been through. On a 70's 400 I would defenately do a rebuild - make that a QUALITY rebuild. And you will have a great motor. Just do lots of research to find out the factory weaknesses and adress em in the rebuild. Plus, unless your trying to keep it all factory stock for some reason you are going to want to beef it up a little anyhow. Contrary to popular beleif these motors can be built to screem if you do it right!
but you gotta remember to, its torque that breaks stuff... and even dead stock in the 70's, the under powered smog riddled 400 had plenty of torque down low!
Hot rod did an article on the 400 a few years ago. When they got the motor it read seventy-some rear wheel horespower. When they were done with it it turned almost 400 HP and 460 lb-ft of torque, and with exhaust manifolds, cats, single exhaust, and all emisions in place:-staun
but you gotta remember to, its torque that breaks stuff... and even dead stock in the 70's, the under powered smog riddled 400 had plenty of torque down low!Hot rod did an article on the 400 a few years ago. When they got the motor it read seventy-some rear wheel horespower. When they were done with it it turned almost 400 HP and 460 lb-ft of torque, and with exhaust manifolds, cats, single exhaust, and all emisions in place:-staun
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