Identifying my engine V8
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Identifying my engine V8
I have a 1979 Standard cab longbed F-150 XLT Ranger 2WD, 
, I know it has a 351 0f some type, the valve cover bolt spread it an 8 bolt, but I need more info on where the codes would be on my engine to help me look it up more. I have a code that i got from above the starter, thats the only one I could find. I searched it up a while back and it came up with 351/400m. That got me convinced for a while, 
but there are so many characteristics my engine shares with a 351C. Ive had friends look at it one said its a Cleveland, 
then another one said a Windsor, and I bought it from a guy said it was a Modified. All of them are or were mechanics at a point of time but its hard for my to get performance parts not knowing exactly. I havent looked at the tranny dont know what kind it is. If anyone can help please do so.
, I know it has a 351 0f some type, the valve cover bolt spread it an 8 bolt, but I need more info on where the codes would be on my engine to help me look it up more. I have a code that i got from above the starter, thats the only one I could find. I searched it up a while back and it came up with 351/400m. That got me convinced for a while, but there are so many characteristics my engine shares with a 351C. Ive had friends look at it one said its a Cleveland, then another one said a Windsor, and I bought it from a guy said it was a Modified. All of them are or were mechanics at a point of time but its hard for my to get performance parts not knowing exactly. I havent looked at the tranny dont know what kind it is. If anyone can help please do so.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2013
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From: NE Ohio
Tuned
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 387
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As dusty road's link indicates, 8 bolt valve covers = 351C, 351M, or 400. Since you are sure it is a 351 of some type, we can eliminate the 400. The 351C was never factory installed in a ford truck and the last 351C was produced in 1974. The only way your truck can have a 351C is if someone swapped in a 351C from a car.
How to tell the difference between a 351C and 351M (Taken from a book by Tom Monroe--How to rebuild your 351C-351M-400-429-460): The deck height (distance from the centre of the crankshaft to the block deck surface) is 9.206 inches for the 351C and 10.297 inches for the 351M/400. The 351C's intake manifold mounting surface is nearly flush with the top of the integral timing chain cover. However, it is approximately 3/4 inch higher on the 351M/400 block. In addition, the 351M/400 has a 1 inch high web extending straight out from the front of the manifold surface, just left of the distributor hole.
Apology: I failed to read the rest of the link provided by dusty road--it has basically the same info I provided and much more. My bad.
How to tell the difference between a 351C and 351M (Taken from a book by Tom Monroe--How to rebuild your 351C-351M-400-429-460): The deck height (distance from the centre of the crankshaft to the block deck surface) is 9.206 inches for the 351C and 10.297 inches for the 351M/400. The 351C's intake manifold mounting surface is nearly flush with the top of the integral timing chain cover. However, it is approximately 3/4 inch higher on the 351M/400 block. In addition, the 351M/400 has a 1 inch high web extending straight out from the front of the manifold surface, just left of the distributor hole.
Apology: I failed to read the rest of the link provided by dusty road--it has basically the same info I provided and much more. My bad.
Tuned
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 387
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There have been threads on here about the correct designations of the engines that lead to some controversy. Here are some of the details:
400 or 400M? Which is correct? Both are the same engine--the "M" often gets added on unnecessarily.
351 Modified, 351 Michigan, or 351M? Which is correct? All the same engine with different names--only one is correct. This one had lots of debate and everyone is an expert. Basically the "M" differentiates the engine from the 351 Cleveland & Windsor.
Moderator & parts slinger
Joined: Feb 2007
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From: S/W Missouri, Polk county
351M 101....
History of the Ford 351M
Rumors & Myths
351M/400 Performance Build Up
http://classic-web.archive.org/web/2...s/parts03.html
http://grantorinosport.org/BubbaF250/index.html
Engine Identification
The 351W and 351C did not come stock in 73-9 trucks. Some of them have been "transplanted" tho.
Engine Identification:
351C/M/400 335 series: 8 bolts in rectangular valve covers. Timing chain housing is part of block. Thermostat housing on block. Exhaust bolt holes diagonal.
351M/400 335 series: intake is 12.7" wide the 351C is narrow. The 351M and 400 are identical externally, only internal parts examination can tell them apart.
351W/302/5.0L 6 bolts on trapezoidal valve covers. Thermostat housing on intake. Exhaust bolt holes horizontal.
429/460 385 series: 7 bolts in rectangular valve cover
352/360/390/427/428 FE series: Intake goes under valve covers.
There are other indicators but these may help.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/5...es-motors.html
History of the Ford 351M
Rumors & Myths
351M/400 Performance Build Up
http://classic-web.archive.org/web/2...s/parts03.html
http://grantorinosport.org/BubbaF250/index.html
Engine Identification
The 351W and 351C did not come stock in 73-9 trucks. Some of them have been "transplanted" tho.
Engine Identification:
351C/M/400 335 series: 8 bolts in rectangular valve covers. Timing chain housing is part of block. Thermostat housing on block. Exhaust bolt holes diagonal.
351M/400 335 series: intake is 12.7" wide the 351C is narrow. The 351M and 400 are identical externally, only internal parts examination can tell them apart.
351W/302/5.0L 6 bolts on trapezoidal valve covers. Thermostat housing on intake. Exhaust bolt holes horizontal.
429/460 385 series: 7 bolts in rectangular valve cover
352/360/390/427/428 FE series: Intake goes under valve covers.
There are other indicators but these may help.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/5...es-motors.html
Tuned
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 387
Likes: 25
Great info! Thanks.
In my opinion these engines have an undeserved bad reputation mostly related to the emissions controls. Although they do not have gobs of power in stock form they can have a long life if they are not abused and are well maintained. I have a 400 with 375000 miles. It still runs well but is due for a rebuild due to increasing oil consumption. I also have a 351M with less miles on it.
In my opinion these engines have an undeserved bad reputation mostly related to the emissions controls. Although they do not have gobs of power in stock form they can have a long life if they are not abused and are well maintained. I have a 400 with 375000 miles. It still runs well but is due for a rebuild due to increasing oil consumption. I also have a 351M with less miles on it.
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