FE 390 vs 400M
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 348
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From: Bakersfield,CA
FE 390 vs 400M
It appears the entire FE 390 engine (73-76) can be built from aftermaket parts, except for maybe the CI block.
Even FE alumumin cylinder heads are available.
Does the 400M engine (77-79) have the vast selection of engine parts?
Which engine of the two is considered more desirable to rebuild, considering the two engines have different bellhousing bolt patterns?
Even FE alumumin cylinder heads are available.
Does the 400M engine (77-79) have the vast selection of engine parts?
Which engine of the two is considered more desirable to rebuild, considering the two engines have different bellhousing bolt patterns?
Hotshot
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 14,333
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From: Stanley, VA
This is where you run into "personal preference" more than anything else.
The FE series was brought out in 1958 as the 332 and continued in trucks through the 1976 model year.
There's tons of performance parts, both new and used, available, lots of research and experience on building them for racing. The top of the heap were the side oiler 427 and the 427 SOHC.
I love the FE.
The 351M-400 has the reputation of being a "smog motor". It doesn't really have a high performance reputation.
They can be made to perform and there are some impressive engines out there. Performance parts aren't as common as for the FE.
If you want to build an impressive 400, contact Tim Meyer.
http://www.tmeyerinc.com/
The FE series was brought out in 1958 as the 332 and continued in trucks through the 1976 model year.
There's tons of performance parts, both new and used, available, lots of research and experience on building them for racing. The top of the heap were the side oiler 427 and the 427 SOHC.
I love the FE.
The 351M-400 has the reputation of being a "smog motor". It doesn't really have a high performance reputation.
They can be made to perform and there are some impressive engines out there. Performance parts aren't as common as for the FE.
If you want to build an impressive 400, contact Tim Meyer.
http://www.tmeyerinc.com/
Logistics Pro
Joined: Feb 2011
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From: Townsend, MT
Have you searched? They aren't too hard to find - or is it your budget?
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2013
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From: Bakersfield,CA
Was there a reason why FMCO dropped the FE in 76 and replaced it with the 400/460 in 77?
Thinking it may have been fuel efficiency?
Swapped a 400 bellhousing for an FE bellhousing and had to pay extra, not an even swap for the manual transmission rebuild specialist. Indicated the FE bellhousing was in more demand than the 400 bellhousing.
Thinking it may have been fuel efficiency?
Swapped a 400 bellhousing for an FE bellhousing and had to pay extra, not an even swap for the manual transmission rebuild specialist. Indicated the FE bellhousing was in more demand than the 400 bellhousing.
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Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
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From: NorCal
FTE has an informative article for you to read : High Performance Options for the 351M/400 Engine | Ford Trucks
WITH part numbers too.
WITH part numbers too.
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Senior User
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I love my 390, its a beast, but it was expensive to build. I think to build a comparable 400 would be similar, but then again if I was to build my 400 for anything more than mild performance I would just replace it with a 460. I think you need to consider what you currently have and the costs to swap one with the other, unless you already have all the parts lying around.
One benefit to the 400 would be that you would have all the transmission options of a 460, you may be limited with 390 transmission options...though anything can be done with adapters and $$$$
One benefit to the 400 would be that you would have all the transmission options of a 460, you may be limited with 390 transmission options...though anything can be done with adapters and $$$$
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Pa.
Was there a reason why FMCO dropped the FE in 76 and replaced it with the 400/460 in 77?
FMCO in 76 was at a crossroads .. The 4wd and light truck market was in decline as far as market share was concerned due in part to fuel shortages and a 55mph speed limit .. This had also effected the V-8 passenger car as well .. They had to make a decision based on dwindling sales over all to go with the 335 and 385 blocks over the FE because they were a better fit for both car and light truck platforms where a V-8 motor was concerned .. As emission standards and the switch from leaded to unleaded fuels was becoming a reality that they were going to have to cope with this added a whole new twist to V-8 motor design in larger vehicles .. With dwindling sales they just couldn't afford to have that many irons in the fire .. The SUV market still hadn't taken hold yet as is evidenced by International stopping production of their light truck offerings by the early 80's .. So in short I propose it was dwindling market shares that forced them to drop the FE and not fuel efficiency ..
Edit:
Originally Posted by emeraldcoupe 
the 351m/400 is in the 335 engine family, the 429/460 is the 385 family. just saying.
the 351m/400 is in the 335 engine family, the 429/460 is the 385 family. just saying.
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 609
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From: Stockholm, NJ
A previous owner pulled the 300 out of my truck and put in a 351W. If I was thinking about an engine swap (not even sure if it would fit) but I think it would be cool to have a 428 in my truck. I have a Pontiac 428 in one of my GTOs and just think that's a cool engine number!
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Pa.
I'm no expert, but if you are considering going the 302 route, why not look at the 351W. Same basic block (351 is taller) but the aftermarket has a lot of performance parts for this engine.
A previous owner pulled the 300 out of my truck and put in a 351W. If I was thinking about an engine swap (not even sure if it would fit) but I think it would be cool to have a 428 in my truck. I have a Pontiac 428 in one of my GTOs and just think that's a cool engine number!
A previous owner pulled the 300 out of my truck and put in a 351W. If I was thinking about an engine swap (not even sure if it would fit) but I think it would be cool to have a 428 in my truck. I have a Pontiac 428 in one of my GTOs and just think that's a cool engine number!
Hotshot
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 14,333
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From: Stanley, VA
But that's probably the most expensive (except for the 427) way to go with FE power.
"Good" 428 blocks and cranks are getting hard to find and sell for a premium.
Ahh, the good old days:
(around this same time period, you could buy a brand new 427 from Ford for a little over $1,800.00!)
At these prices, they were unaffordable. I was just out of high school and making ~$60.00 a week working for Firestone.