351M OR 400, any visual difference?
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
351M OR 400, any visual difference?
I just purchased a '78 Ford F-150. The previous owner said it has the 351M motor. However, it was rebuilt by someone and the distributor has "400" painted on it. I'm guessing a salvage yard painted that on there. The valve covers were painted so there is no sticker to refer to. Is there any way to tell the differenve between the 351M and the 400?
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 10,323
Likes: 2
From: Montana Territory
351M OR 400, any visual difference?
351M = 3.5'' stroke
400 = 4.0'' stroke
you could pull the pan and check casting numbers then post them here, somebody will decode them. good luck. Since they are the same parts and such it won't matter if you need to buy replacements they are the same.
400 = 4.0'' stroke
you could pull the pan and check casting numbers then post them here, somebody will decode them. good luck. Since they are the same parts and such it won't matter if you need to buy replacements they are the same.
More Turbo
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 713
Likes: 1
From: Augusta.GA
351M OR 400, any visual difference?
I'm looking for a 400 to get crank and rods for my 351M rebuild.
The following is a description posted in the classifieds here:
"This motor/trans came out of a parts truck I bought. Ran it for a while before I pulled it. Ran strong, C-6 is suppose to be a rebuild, shifted great. In the way in my shop, needs to go. Email if interested. I think the motor came out of a 74-76 Lincoln "
I understand some lincolns had 400s, my '74 lincoln had a 460 4 barrel though. If some Lincolns had a 400, wouldn't one indication might be that it has a two barrel? Otherwise, without making him pull the oil pan to look at casting numbers is there another way to tell? Dowell in plug hole as suggested to distinguish a 351 from a 400 work also for 460 or does it have a 4" displacement too?
Thanks, I need the help.
The following is a description posted in the classifieds here:
"This motor/trans came out of a parts truck I bought. Ran it for a while before I pulled it. Ran strong, C-6 is suppose to be a rebuild, shifted great. In the way in my shop, needs to go. Email if interested. I think the motor came out of a 74-76 Lincoln "
I understand some lincolns had 400s, my '74 lincoln had a 460 4 barrel though. If some Lincolns had a 400, wouldn't one indication might be that it has a two barrel? Otherwise, without making him pull the oil pan to look at casting numbers is there another way to tell? Dowell in plug hole as suggested to distinguish a 351 from a 400 work also for 460 or does it have a 4" displacement too?
Thanks, I need the help.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 10,323
Likes: 2
From: Montana Territory
351M OR 400, any visual difference?
The 460 and 429 which share the same block are considerably larger than the 400/351M. its quite a bit wider than any other ford motor as well. not all 460's were 4 barrels either but all 400's were 2 barrels.
More Turbo
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 713
Likes: 1
From: Augusta.GA
351M OR 400, any visual difference?
Thanks for the information! I've heard so much debate over whether a 400 is really a big block vs. the 351 I wasn't sure ... thanks for the reply ...
I'll see if he can tell me if its a two barrel, without a 460 sittting next to it I don't know if he'll be able to tell me...
I'll see if he can tell me if its a two barrel, without a 460 sittting next to it I don't know if he'll be able to tell me...
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 10,323
Likes: 2
From: Montana Territory
351M OR 400, any visual difference?
Have him measure from the right or left valve cover to the opposite and post it here somebody will tell you what the measurement should be, 460's are considerably wider.
Trending Topics
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,099
Likes: 0
351M OR 400, any visual difference?
Bubba's site has a lot of good info for engine ID
http://home.earthlink.net/~bubbaf250/
351C-351M/400 do not have a thermostat housing on the intake manifold.
The block deck height on a 351M/400 is 10.3, same as a 460. Since the 460 bore is 4.36 vs 4.00, the block is about .250" wider, but the 460 exhaust ports don't go all the way to the edge of the block and the flange surface is not at 90 degrees to the top, it's angled back slightly. The motors are very close to the same width.
http://home.earthlink.net/~bubbaf250/
351C-351M/400 do not have a thermostat housing on the intake manifold.
The block deck height on a 351M/400 is 10.3, same as a 460. Since the 460 bore is 4.36 vs 4.00, the block is about .250" wider, but the 460 exhaust ports don't go all the way to the edge of the block and the flange surface is not at 90 degrees to the top, it's angled back slightly. The motors are very close to the same width.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
351M OR 400, any visual difference?
Originally posted by mattsbox99
The 460 and 429 which share the same block are considerably larger than the 400/351M.
The 460 and 429 which share the same block are considerably larger than the 400/351M.
Some easy ways to tell the difference between 335s and 385s:
335: Eight valve cover bolts per head
Dry intake manifold (the thermostat is in the block)
385: Seven valve cover bolts per head
Wet intake manifold (the thermostat in in the intake)
If you happen opon other Ford engines:
Windsors have six valve cover bolts, and FEs have five.
Last edited by 58custom; May 19, 2003 at 11:03 PM.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,099
Likes: 0
351M OR 400, any visual difference?
"The 460 and 429 which share the same block are considerably larger than the 400/351M."
I didn't think he meant the 460 shared the same block as the 351M/400. He knows better.
He meant the 460 shares the same block as the 429.
I didn't think he meant the 460 shared the same block as the 351M/400. He knows better.
He meant the 460 shares the same block as the 429.
More Turbo
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 713
Likes: 1
From: Augusta.GA
351M OR 400, any visual difference?
Got enough detail from these posts to do the trick! Hopefully I can take this info with me to the yard 'cause the owner says its definetely a 460.
This is useful info and will help me (and others) on similar quest.
Thanks!
This is useful info and will help me (and others) on similar quest.
Thanks!
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 10,323
Likes: 2
From: Montana Territory
351M OR 400, any visual difference?
Originally posted by mattsbox99
The 460 and 429 which share the same block are considerably larger than the 400/351M.
The 460 and 429 which share the same block are considerably larger than the 400/351M.
The 460 and 429, which share the same block, are considerably larger than the 351M/400.
I know they are different blocks.
New User
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
From: kentucky
351M OR 400, any visual difference?
you probably already know but the 351 has cast #'s 1K or 1KA & 400's have 5M**. I think the fuel pumps might be different too.
Last edited by aaron351; Jun 4, 2003 at 01:01 PM.