what to do with my engine.....
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Senior User
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 212
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what to do with my engine.....
I've got a 77 F150 4x4 with an all stock 351M with 58,000 original miles on it and it is a 3-legged dog; a gutless wonder.
So, it's going into the garage for a few items like water pump and radiator hoses, etc. So, I figured while I'm in there, I'd like to swap the cam, timing set and the necessary valve train upgrades which will run about $400 in parts.
Should I invest this money or wait for a better engine (400, 460) to come along and simply do a swap? I can't afford to have one built or convert mine to a 400cid. I have about $500 to spend.
Just not sure if the gains are worth the cost.
So, it's going into the garage for a few items like water pump and radiator hoses, etc. So, I figured while I'm in there, I'd like to swap the cam, timing set and the necessary valve train upgrades which will run about $400 in parts.
Should I invest this money or wait for a better engine (400, 460) to come along and simply do a swap? I can't afford to have one built or convert mine to a 400cid. I have about $500 to spend.
Just not sure if the gains are worth the cost.
Elder User
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 685
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The timing on stock engines is retarded quite a bit so that should wake the engine up. A cam will give a nice rumble and a small power gain. You could pull the heads and port them yourself for pretty low buck. A 4bb around 600cfm and an intake will help flow. You could pick up a set of long tube headers for cheap used as well.
I think a mildly built up 351 will produce more power than a stock 400. A 460 swap will cost a bit in conversion kits.
I think a mildly built up 351 will produce more power than a stock 400. A 460 swap will cost a bit in conversion kits.
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 225
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From: Central Florida
^^^^
Agreed, spend few hours doing serious research on how your engine is doing. 60K miles is a bunch for these old engines. You might be spending a bunch on a loose engine.
id slap a cheap cam and a pre 71 timing chain and run it till she pops. in the mean time find the engine you want 400m,460,351w and build it up in your spare time. When it's done make a weekend job to swap them out.
Trust me building an engine and still having a running truck is the hot ticket!
Agreed, spend few hours doing serious research on how your engine is doing. 60K miles is a bunch for these old engines. You might be spending a bunch on a loose engine.
id slap a cheap cam and a pre 71 timing chain and run it till she pops. in the mean time find the engine you want 400m,460,351w and build it up in your spare time. When it's done make a weekend job to swap them out.
Trust me building an engine and still having a running truck is the hot ticket!
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 2,553
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The cam, timing chain (and valve springs) should help it. If you can get that done for $400-500 that's pretty good. Valve springs are pretty much mandatory as 351m/400 springs have zero capacity for a bigger cam. Timing to 12 degrees at idle should help it also if its not already there.
Moderator & parts slinger
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 50,189
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From: S/W Missouri, Polk county
Compression ck 1st yes... then straight up timing set, intake and carb, cheap and easy and will help it some. Intake and carb only, is real easy.
But since you are already doing a water pump, might as well put in a new a new timing set, its just behind the blocking plate.
Do not strip out the 2 bolts that only go in the plate and not the block when re nstalling the water pump.
But since you are already doing a water pump, might as well put in a new a new timing set, its just behind the blocking plate.
Do not strip out the 2 bolts that only go in the plate and not the block when re nstalling the water pump.
Moderator & parts slinger
Joined: Feb 2007
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From: S/W Missouri, Polk county
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Lead Driver
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What is up with this dude ? I saw him in another thread also ...
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Tuned
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 427
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From: Kennett Square Pa
Wow not to go off topic but really! 77&79 has helped me numerous times. And if someone post the same info it's a conformation of an earlier post. So in my mind if rather have 2 or 3 people say the same thing then go off the advice of just one. If you have a personal issue with someone take it up privately leave the drama for your mama
And to op I agree with 77&79
And to op I agree with 77&79
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 13,136
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From: THIS IS SPARTA!, ...Mo.
Just please, don't convert your engine to a 400. The 400 stroke is far too long in my opinion. They are prone to bearing failure. The shorter stroke of the 351 is much more reliable. (I'm sure other people will disagree, but this is just my experience)
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Nov 2008
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Ignition timing brings up another question. Mine is right at factory....one of the first things I checked...if I remember that's 8 BTDC. I was going to play with it but didn't have wrench to loosen that lousy bolt nestled against the manifold. Can anyone share what they use?
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,735
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From: Wingo, Ky
Both the 351M and 400 have premature bearing wear. Tmeyer has a way to correct this and get more oil down to those bearings.
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 3,512
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From: Panama City
Ignition timing brings up another question. Mine is right at factory....one of the first things I checked...if I remember that's 8 BTDC. I was going to play with it but didn't have wrench to loosen that lousy bolt nestled against the manifold. Can anyone share what they use?
Cargo Master
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 2,587
Likes: 47
From: Eagle River, AK
I belong to a lot of other forums and I see your type all the time, we call you a "carpet bomber", your sole goal is to build up post count. You post a ton of replies, but very few of them are meaningful, most are just filler, or completely ridiculous altogether. I've watched this forum long enough to see most people just ignore you, you'd be better served if you just posted the good stuff and left the crap at home.
.Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums - Search Results
I think I see a reccuring theme...
Look in the mirror my friend, YOU are the ultimate "Carpet Bomber" on this forum.
You state that you belong to a lot of different forums, I suggest you contact your owners and have them put you back in the dog kennel you escaped from....
Sorry for the
.No back to your regularly scheduled engine thread.
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 5,338
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From: Grants Pass, Oregon
I belong to a lot of other forums and I see your type all the time, we call you a "carpet bomber", your sole goal is to build up post count. You post a ton of replies, but very few of them are meaningful, most are just filler, or completely ridiculous altogether. I've watched this forum long enough to see most people just ignore you, you'd be better served if you just posted the good stuff and left the crap at home.
That makes you a spectator, in an interactive forum a spectator serves the same purpose as teeeeeeitttts on a Nun.