Count again, but this time look in the upper corners. I can see 6 in 1 photo, 4 along the bottom, and the center 2 along the top, and I know there's 2 more in each corner.
Definately a 351M or 400. A 302/351W has much narrower valve covers, and the spark plugs aren't nearly as shrouded.

 

Wow that motor isnatll looks horrible lol wires everywhere, but ill definitely be following this build. An the valve covers have 8 bolts 4 along the bottom, 1 on the top corners an then two in the middle.

 

2nd 351M/400
I think that style bed has 6 bolts holding it down. I'd go look at my 87 but it's dark out....86 has 8 hold down bolts.

 

Oh I see what you're saying now. Yeah I see in the corners. It does have a total of 8 bolts.

Is a 351M not as good as a 351C or 351W? Will I not be able to get as much money for it if I were to sell it?

What about the tranny? Is it a C6?

Thanks for the help too!

 

If i remember right i think you can get more power out of the 351m then the 351c or 351w i think its the rarest out of the 3

 

The OP first needs to determine if this is a 351M or a 400. A stock 351M offers not real impressive performance (although it's adequate for a lot of truck duties).

351C was never installed in US trucks (but was in Australia).

 

A '97 F-350 would have had a Dana 60 front axle, so that's probably right. But it probably would have had a Sterling 10.25" rear axle rather than a Dana 70. That's a good axle too, but you might want to make sure you know what you actually have before you buy any parts for it.

 

The 351M is kind of a slouch in stock form, but responds well to upgrades. Cam, intake, headers will all benefit the engine. I advise you to pull the oil pan and check the crank. If there is a 400 crank, you will have a nice torque filled engine. Ultimately, the M/400 excells in torque, not horsepower.

As to the C6, mileage will be your main complaint. These are truly tough transmissions, and can take damn near anything you throw at them as long as you keep them cool.

 

Well that's good news for me!

 

Anyway we can tell from the tranny pan if it is a C6?

 

C6 is the only auto trans that was used behind the 351M/400 in trucks. But yeah, the cutout on the rear pass side of the pan, right below the modulator valve, is a dead giveaway that it's a C6.
Side note, the 351M/400 uses the same bellhousing bolt pattern as the 460.

 

Ok well good...now I know what i'll be selling on CL.

Probably in about 2 weeks or so, i'll be removing the dash and then give everyone a How-to on removing the entire dash. What to look for, what not to do, etc.

I'm surprised with all of the guys out here doing restorations that no one has thought to do a walk-through with removing dashes? At least not that i've seen.

 

Came across your Craigslist ad
1982 F250 400 Ford engine, complete with C6 110k miles.

 

Yeah, are you in the area? Are you interested? I'd like to get it sold ASAP.

 

How did you find out it's a 400 and not a 351M?