What are some simple engine modifications that you guys think I should do? It's a 351M and all I've done with it so far is put a 4-barrel Holley carburetor.

 

That's about it.

Define "simple".

The major problem with a 351m is low compression and a weak cam.

A cam change will make a big difference.

You can't easily up the 351m's compression, as there are no higher compression pistons made for it. Folks usually turn them into 400s with easily available aftermarket pistons.

 

Simple as in, cheap. haha

It's a good engine, with some pretty good torque but not much hp. I have high compression heads that I could put on it, but I'm pretty sure that you will need to do other things to it, rather than just puts different heads on. We were wanting to stroke it and maybe bore it later, was just wondering if there were other options for some extra power. How big of a difference do you think a cam change will do? I've been trying to search for a 400M.

 

They talk about heads in the first link below. Maybe....

BTW it's 400, no M. The M came with the 351.

Lots of info here, and a place to get parts and look at examples also:

351M/400 Performance Build Up

Bubba's M-Block Ford V8 Workshop

M-Block 351M/400 Parts Reference

Parts, engine builds etc. You'll have to scout around for the catalog.

http://www.tmeyerinc.com/

 

Oh, my bad.. Thanks, man!

 

Where did you get those headlights?

 

I got them off of Ebay.

 

Simple is a relative term.. an aluminum intake, headers, open exhaust, and a cam will wake up the engine quite a bit.

If you choose to pull the engine there are a few more things you can do. A 400 crank will give you 49 extra cubes. Boring will get you a few more than that. Getting the compression up with new pistons or via heads will make a big difference.

 

How do you pass smog checks? They don't let me get away with anything down here in Merced.

 

He shows as having a 1975, exempt from the smoggie.

 

I'm taking all of this into consideration..

 

I used to live in Merced! haha.. but from what 85e150six4mtod said, my truck is a 1975 and anything of that year and earlier, don't need to be smogged.

 

Heck go crazy and find a 1970 or older 429/460 and just throw it in that jungle of an engine bay lol. Idk about your neck of the woods but here they go between 600-1200 depending on condition and pedigree. Id say lots cheaper than modding your 351m.

On a more serious note of cheap and simple, de smoging the engine, aluminum intake. Well tuned properly sized carb and a more efficient exhaust are about as far as you want to go before it gets real pricy and complicated fast.
Everybody also forgets the transmission when talking about improving an engine. Most parasitic lost is made in the transmission and a poorly functioning can cost power dearly.
A new higher stall converter and shift kit may not bring big power numbers but trust me it's make the while thing FEEL like it's fast! Snapping your head back on the launch and that instant hard grab on gear shifts will make you from just as big as a loud exhaust.

 

Hahaha, yeah it looks pretty crazy in there. Pictures don't do it any justice, it's not THAT bad.. There's so many options for me to, that I don't even know haha.. I guess I just need to get some money together first and then figure it out. The C6 transmission wouldn't be able to take it or something if I did all that?

 

Even 460 will be hard pressed to hurt a c6 (I also forgot to mention a 460 will match up to your transmission no problem) Fairly strong and dependable. Just saying a converter and shift kits put some much needed efficiency into the system.