Well turns out that Mr. Hockey Puck lied about it being a 86 and turns out it's an 82. 82 was the last year for 400's, and after doing some research on the Vin, it originally came with a 400. With what the other members have said about it having the valve cover bolts and thermostat, it's a dead giveaway

 

I live in Hugo, I have no use for it, just thought I'd share if case anyone else was

 

C6: 17 trans pan bolts, pan resembles state of UTAH .. has a notch in it.

F100/350 & Bronco 351M/400 came with C6's, as did 351M in cars. Some cars with 400's also came with FMX's, has 14 trans pan bolt holes.

You said you decoded the VIN, originally came w/a 400 (1981/82 17 digit VIN, engine code is 8th digit: Z =400). But how do you know it's the original engine? It could have a swapped in 351M

Block casting number worthless for ID'ing engine size since 351M/400 use the same block. Measure the stroke: 351M = 3.50" 400 = 4.00"

 

[QUOTE=NumberDummy;14341263]C6: 17 trans pan bolts, pan resembles state of UTAH .. has a notch in it.

F100/350 & Bronco 351M/400 came with C6's, as did 351M in cars. Some cars with 400's also came with FMX's, has 14 trans pan bolt holes.

You said you decoded the VIN, originally came w/a 400 (1981/82 17 digit VIN, engine code is 8th digit: Z =400). But how do you know it's the original engine? It could have a swapped in 351M

Block casting number worthless for ID'ing engine size since 351M/400 use the same block. Measure the stroke: 351M = 3.50" 400 = 4.00"[/

 

Boy you sure do know your stuff!!!

 

Yes, he does. From what I have gathered on here, the only way to confirm it is a 400 is by pulling the oil pan and getting the crank's casting number.

 

But the 351s didn't have the vertical thermostats, and the valve cover bolts are kind of dead giveaway don't ya think? Aren't there any numbers on the front of the block like what gm does?

 

The 351M and 400 are both exactly alike in appearance on the outside, there is no way to tell by just looking at it if it's one or the other.

351C, 351M, or 400 Ford Engine - What is the difference? - FordMuscle

No, there are no GM-style IDs on these things.

 

Where in the hell did you read this wild mule ****?

Measuring the stroke to determine engine size, all ya gotta do is remove one sparkplug.

Stroke: 351M = 3.50" / 400 = 4.00"

 

After doing research, the Vin tells me it was a 400 that originally came in the truck. Whether or not Mr. Hockey Puck kept the original still has to be decided, but I'm willing to bet he did, because he would have been that lazy.

 

1981 thru today 17 digit VIN: What is the 8th digit of the VIN? Or, post the entire VIN

 

I'm sorry. I know the stroke difference. What I meant was by visual inspection, the most reliable way to tell the difference is by checking the casting number on the crank.

On this subject, is there an easy way to measure the stroke without pulling the head? The only thing coming to my mind is to find a 6" depth ruler narrow enough to go through the spark plug opening. I say 6" to account for the combustion chamber and head thickness. I'm still not 100% sure that would be sufficient.

Also, about 15 or so posts ago SVT said that the vin code for the engine was, in fact, Z.

SVTdriver: you should confirm with maximum certainty that this engine is a 400. They are more desirable for use than the 351M.

 

You can use a dipstick to go through the spark plug hole and a magic marker to mark the position of the piston. Measuring the stroke is also done this way to determine if an engine is a 390 or a 360.

 

8th digit is a Z. Which according to LMC's vin guide, it began it's life as a 400 F250. It was also built at the Twin Cities plant, so at least it hasn't ventured too far from its home

 

When I pull the motor and tranny in the coming week, i'll be sure to pull the oil pan while i'm at it, inspect the casting number. Anyone know where to look for it? Will it be on one of the main bearing caps, or on the block?