Is the 400 a "Cleveland"?
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FTE Legend
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From: Northeast, OK
Is the 400 a "Cleveland"?
If this has been covered then I apologize, but I did do a search on this forum and did not find a definitive answer. The question is: Did Ford call the 400 a Cleveland? And, if so, is there some proof to that as in a piece of literature from them that shows they did?
I ask because one of the links in the stickies says that. And, because a book I recently picked up, George Reid's FORD 351 Cleveland Engines, says that as well. But, I realize that not everything that is in print is correct, so I'm asking the experts.
Why? Because I've had a thought of using valve covers that say "351 Cleveland" on my 400. The theme for the truck is, for the most part, Ford-sourced parts, and I'm going to bill the engine as a stroked 351. Only y'all will really know that a 1/2" stroked 351M is a stock 400.
But, if Ford called the 400 a Cleveland, then......
Thanks in advance!
I ask because one of the links in the stickies says that. And, because a book I recently picked up, George Reid's FORD 351 Cleveland Engines, says that as well. But, I realize that not everything that is in print is correct, so I'm asking the experts.
Why? Because I've had a thought of using valve covers that say "351 Cleveland" on my 400. The theme for the truck is, for the most part, Ford-sourced parts, and I'm going to bill the engine as a stroked 351. Only y'all will really know that a 1/2" stroked 351M is a stock 400.
But, if Ford called the 400 a Cleveland, then......Thanks in advance!
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FTE Legend
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From: Northeast, OK
Let me clarify - I'm not asking about the 351M. The story I read was that Ford called the 400 a Cleveland, probably for marketing purposes, but ran into a bit of a problem when they destroked it and created the 351. Couldn't call it a Cleveland as well, so called it an M.
So, if it is true that Ford called the 400 a Cleveland, and I'm not saying they did, then I'd like to have that literature in my hip pocket.
So, if it is true that Ford called the 400 a Cleveland, and I'm not saying they did, then I'd like to have that literature in my hip pocket.
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Never heard of it.
Pages 5, 7,8, 10,13, 14, 15, 16, no "Cleveland" talk for either 351 or 400. In '71 the 351 had to be a C or a W:
1971 Ford Full Size-05
Your 400 is not a 351C, so why use those VC anyway.
Pages 5, 7,8, 10,13, 14, 15, 16, no "Cleveland" talk for either 351 or 400. In '71 the 351 had to be a C or a W:
1971 Ford Full Size-05
Your 400 is not a 351C, so why use those VC anyway.
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I'm not asking this question because I think they are Clevelands, but because of some things I've read that say that Ford called them Clevelands. For instance, here's what is said in one of the links in the stickies to this forum: High Performance Options for the 351M/400 Engine .: Articles:
Interestingly, the 351 Cleveland built such a strong performance reputation and market appeal that Ford referred to the 351M as a "351 Cleveland" in their own marketing literature for at least the first couple years after the 351M was introduced. Ultimately, this led to a lot of confusion, and even a mistaken belief among some pickup truck owners that their trucks had 351 Cleveland engines. In fact, the only trucks ever equipped with a 351 Cleveland engine by the factory were '70-'74 Rancheros, which shared the Torino's platform and powertrain options.
So I'm asking if anyone knows of advertising that called them Clevelands. 85e150six4mtod has shown that the '71 full-sized Ford adverts didn't call the 400 a Cleveland. But according to the above the advertising was in 75 and 76, if not further. Anyone know if that is true?
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Just because Ford--in, what imo was a deceptive campaign to imply that the dog^&* 351M was somehow the "same" motor as the once-performing 351C--doesn't mean you should make the same mistake.
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FTE Legend
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Valid point. But I'm still curious, so if someone has a copy of the deceptive advertising, I'd still like to see it.
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From: south louisiana
I was around at that time and they did refer to the 351M as a Cleveland. So much so that I convinced my old man to buy a 77 Highboy that was equiped with one. I got a quick lesson in that mistake once I drove it. 8mpg going downhill on it's best day. And no power to speak of. The 400 was never refered to as a Cleveland. Had a friend in highschool that had a 71 2 dr Ford Custom, now that one did run. Also got to see one of the elusive 400 4 bbl motors too. If I'd known then what I know now, I'd have bought it.
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From: Tanilba bay NSW Australia
Whilst it is in the same family "335", I do not believe 400's were ever called a cleveland for marketing. I do recall reading that they did market the 351m as a clevo, but in memory only-wouldnt want to be asked on "who wants to be a millionaire". Interested to know myself also.
I wouldnt use a 351 clevo rocker cover decal on a 400 as it just isnt.
I also wouldnt use the same rocker cover on a 351M, because it isnt for moral reasons.
Find covers without 351 on them (heaps, Edelbrock, Ford Racing etc.), you have to make your mind up if you are going factory or perfomance looks wise.
OR use "Powered by Ford" factory rocker covers and if extra clearance is needed for adjustable rockers, get some spacers made up. I do beleve they are available also.
I wouldnt use a 351 clevo rocker cover decal on a 400 as it just isnt.
I also wouldnt use the same rocker cover on a 351M, because it isnt for moral reasons.
Find covers without 351 on them (heaps, Edelbrock, Ford Racing etc.), you have to make your mind up if you are going factory or perfomance looks wise.
OR use "Powered by Ford" factory rocker covers and if extra clearance is needed for adjustable rockers, get some spacers made up. I do beleve they are available also.
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baddad - Surely it wasn't that bad. 
Dad's '81 4x4 F150 M with a C6 got 10.25 no matter how you drove it. But, a 460 got that and would pass anything but a gas station. So, I'm upgrading it a bit.
crs - Here are the valve covers I'll probably go with:
But, I'm still curious what the advertising was. And, by the way, I was around back then as well, driving my '72 F250 390 topped by a Q-Jet.
Dad's '81 4x4 F150 M with a C6 got 10.25 no matter how you drove it. But, a 460 got that and would pass anything but a gas station. So, I'm upgrading it a bit.crs - Here are the valve covers I'll probably go with:
But, I'm still curious what the advertising was. And, by the way, I was around back then as well, driving my '72 F250 390 topped by a Q-Jet.
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From: Tanilba bay NSW Australia
Dont see many 351M's here in OZ, but I dont think you will find anyone that will say a nice thing about them.
Those covers do look good. I'd stay away from shiny, prefer balck, one less thing I have to keep clean LOL.
Those covers do look good. I'd stay away from shiny, prefer balck, one less thing I have to keep clean LOL.
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I'm actually looking for ribbed ones that say Power By Ford. Would prefer black with the ribs aluminum, but if they are all aluminum I can powder coat them. I think that will go well with the air cleaner - a 351W HO unit that will have another snorkel grafted on, something like this one, with an aluminum top and black bottom and snorkels. I've already cut out the radiator support for dual cold air inlets.
And valve covers that look like these but say Power By Ford:
And valve covers that look like these but say Power By Ford:
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FTE Legend
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From: Northeast, OK