400m mild build

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Jan 31, 2014 | 04:19 PM

#31

BuzzLOL

Laughing Gas

Joined: Dec 2012

Posts: 801

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From: Toledo, Ohio

. My current 351M pulls my 3.50 rear OK with 29" tires... but I want more HP, so going to a 400... MPG may actually improve when I do because of higher compression ratio, better engine quench effects, smaller primaries in 4bbl. carb., and staying with a fairly mild cam installed upright that will allow revving easier...

Jan 31, 2014 | 05:20 PM

#32

Gary Lewis

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Joined: Jul 2010

Posts: 32,875

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From: Northeast, OK

That's a good theory and one I'm subscribed to. However, there's a minor problem in my case - scope creep. I started with a simple 400 build and I'm up to Trick Flow heads, full roller cam and lifters, headers, etc. So I'm not sure what will happen with the MPG. But the M I'm replacing had a straight-up RV cam and pulled strong. With the ZF and 3.50 gears it gave 14 on the highway on cruise at 65 to 70, and would do 15 if you dropped down to ~62.

Jan 31, 2014 | 06:12 PM

#33

Cole Neese

Senior User

Joined: Jul 2012

Posts: 295

Likes: 1

From: Centerpoint, IN

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gary Lewis

However, there's a minor problem in my case - scope creep. I started with a simple 400 build and I'm up to Trick Flow heads, full roller cam and lifters, headers, etc. So I'm not sure what will happen with the MPG.

I'm really hoping this doesn't happen to me haha

Jan 31, 2014 | 11:33 PM

#34

SDDL-UP

Laughing Gas

Joined: Sep 2013

Posts: 1,114

Likes: 103

From: North Idaho

I have read a few places that you should be able to run 35's without a lift. A couple extra inches of tire may make enough of a difference - you can calculate all that.

Feb 1, 2014 | 01:30 AM

#35

79 explorer

Thread Starter

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Joined: Jan 2014

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I had to put a 2 inch lift on the front to clear 33's and so i don't think there would be anyway that I could clear 35's with out lifting the
Whole pickup and on my 73 high boy I went from 33's to 37's and that didn't make much difference at all in my rpm to speed about 8 mph faster at the same rpm was all. I'm looking for a little more than that

Feb 2, 2014 | 01:01 PM

#36

SDDL-UP

Laughing Gas

Joined: Sep 2013

Posts: 1,114

Likes: 103

From: North Idaho

Gary - scope creep, LOL! I hear you!

Nice choice on the TFS heads for a serious build. That thing will be a monster!

Feb 2, 2014 | 01:59 PM

#37

Gary Lewis

FTE Legend

Joined: Jul 2010

Posts: 32,875

Likes: 48

From: Northeast, OK

Quote:

Originally Posted by SDDL-UP

Gary - scope creep, LOL! I hear you!

Nice choice on the TFS heads for a serious build. That thing will be a monster!

Ask the guys on the 80-86 forum, but scope-creep never happens to me. I always have a very clear understanding of how far to go in my builds and exactly what I want to spend.

Thanks. I agonized over that choice a long time.

Feb 2, 2014 | 09:49 PM

#38

SDDL-UP

Laughing Gas

Joined: Sep 2013

Posts: 1,114

Likes: 103

From: North Idaho

Gary,

That's right! You recognize that, ultimately a Pro-Comp isn't the right choice. For my build (78 Bronco) stock heads are okay for a build in the 350 HP range, but for 450+, I would be looking for a different head.

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Feb 3, 2014 | 01:50 PM

#39

BuzzLOL

Laughing Gas

Joined: Dec 2012

Posts: 801

Likes: 7

From: Toledo, Ohio

. Went through 4 sets of heads and 3 intake manifolds while gathering up parts for my SBC 400 build... hope that doesn't happen with the 351M to Ford 400 build... ... restraint... restraint... restraint... restraint...

. It's just for a truck... it's just for a truck... it's just for a truck...

. Stock 351M/400 heads have bigger valves than hyper SBC 400 heads... stock 351M/400 heads have bigger valves than hyper SBC 400 heads... stock 351M/400 heads have bigger valves than hyper SBC 400 heads...

.. LOL!