Notices
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks Discuss the Dentsides Ford Truck
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by: Moser

400 11.1 compression build?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Apr 26, 2015 | 09:43 PM
  #1  
79blakemaggard's Avatar
79blakemaggard
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
From: Laurel Mississippi
400 11.1 compression build?

Hey guys I have a 79 f250 with a clunky old 400 sitting in it, and I was debating on building a 11.1 compression bog motor for it. Tim Meyer you would be a great help here. Planning on a custom grind comp cams solid mech/roller. Adapted 351w intake manifold. 3 or 4v CHI heads. Custom fabbed Tri-y long tube headers. The truck is getting 14" lift leafs from customsuspension.com known as carrier spring service based out of canada. It is going to have built d60s also with 46" xmls on 20" beadlocks. Hell may even throw a set of 44" superior tractions on for the run what you brung classes which are open I have plans for this to be a nitrous fed high hp&tq monster just to **** off all of the big block guys at the bogs. Any advice will be greatly appreciated!
 
Reply
Old Apr 27, 2015 | 05:34 AM
  #2  
NumberDummy's Avatar
NumberDummy
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
Likes: 785
From: Simi Valley, CA
Club FTE Gold Member
No such thing as a 400M, it's just plain 'ol 400.
 
Reply
Old Apr 27, 2015 | 07:26 AM
  #3  
79blakemaggard's Avatar
79blakemaggard
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
From: Laurel Mississippi
Originally Posted by NumberDummy
No such thing as a 400M, it's just plain 'ol 400.
Yea i know i twist my tonque everytime i say it. Just a habit.
 
Reply
Old Apr 27, 2015 | 09:07 AM
  #4  
tbear853's Avatar
tbear853
Hotshot
20 Year Member
Shutterbug
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 10,808
Likes: 2,604
From: The Shenandoah Valley
Haha ..... I get it.

But ..... following along ..... at first the 400 was called a 400 Cleveland when introduced for the '71 model year and then for the '75 season, it got a new crank and pistons to destroke it to 351 cubes and to avoid confusion with the 351C it was replacing, it became known as the 351M. By then, 400s were just "400".

So, if I take my 351M and change the crank and pistons stroking it back to 400 cubes (they use same block) ..... is it not OK to refer to it as a 400M?

It is still a "M" block?

If I see someone post anywhere about a "400M" ...... I know they ain't talking Chebies.

Just messing around ......

It's like the "chicken or the egg" deal.

To opening poster, I think a 10.0 or 10.5:1 400 is killer, 11.0:1 great if you feed it really good fuel.
 
Reply
Old Apr 27, 2015 | 09:14 AM
  #5  
Jdeshler's Avatar
Jdeshler
Fleet Mechanic
10 Year Member
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 1,895
Likes: 32
Now this is a build I'm hoping to see
 
Reply
Old Apr 27, 2015 | 06:33 PM
  #6  
79blakemaggard's Avatar
79blakemaggard
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
From: Laurel Mississippi
Originally Posted by Jdeshler
Now this is a build I'm hoping to see
Thanks haha its a 79 f250 reg cab lwb ranger xlt. Gonna have sort of a military theme desert tan body & olive drab trim.
Gonna be one big *** truck.
 
Reply
Old Apr 27, 2015 | 07:23 PM
  #7  
79blakemaggard's Avatar
79blakemaggard
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
From: Laurel Mississippi
Originally Posted by tbear853
Haha ..... I get it.

But ..... following along ..... at first the 400 was called a 400 Cleveland when introduced for the '71 model year and then for the '75 season, it got a new crank and pistons to destroke it to 351 cubes and to avoid confusion with the 351C it was replacing, it became known as the 351M. By then, 400s were just "400".

So, if I take my 351M and change the crank and pistons stroking it back to 400 cubes (they use same block) ..... is it not OK to refer to it as a 400M?

It is still a "M" block?

If I see someone post anywhere about a "400M" ...... I know they ain't talking Chebies.

Just messing around ......

It's like the "chicken or the egg" deal.

To opening poster, I think a 10.0 or 10.5:1 400 is killer, 11.0:1 great if you feed it really good fuel.
Yea the reason for 11.1 is race gas and a big *** cam
 
Reply
Old Apr 28, 2015 | 10:32 PM
  #8  
Behemoth's Avatar
Behemoth
Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,107
Likes: 32
From: Spokane, WA
Yeah, Tim will definitely be the guy you're going to want to talk to about this build. He did the build on my 434, and while I'm running a fairly mild hydraulic roller cam, I am still, as he puts it, running "just short of 11:1 compression". So, I'm assuming that I've got to be running in the 10.9:1 ballpark in the first place. Granted, I always run super unleaded with octane boost for protective measures, but have never had a ping............I think that's probably due to the aluminum heads, which give me a little wiggle room on the octane........well, that, and I almost never push it very hard.


As for the 400/400M debate (which I'm of the "400" ilk, as there is no other 400 cu/in displaced Ford engine that would dictate the need for a designator letter)............I just had mine stroked to a 434 so I can avoid the argument all together.........
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-1

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalytic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

 Joe Kucinski
story-3

2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

 Brett Foote
story-4

Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

 Brett Foote
story-6

Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?

 Brett Foote
Old Apr 28, 2015 | 11:05 PM
  #9  
redneck_davis's Avatar
redneck_davis
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 348
Likes: 0
From: Vidalia onion,GA
Never even thought of Buildin my 351m. Second time the oil pressure went to sh$%& after a full engine build I gave up, might as well of had a bowtie on it.

But as for the debate. . if you go with it as a 400m or a 400 and then "modify" it, now its a modified 400 never the less
 
Reply
Old Apr 28, 2015 | 11:07 PM
  #10  
79blakemaggard's Avatar
79blakemaggard
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
From: Laurel Mississippi
Originally Posted by Behemoth
Yeah, Tim will definitely be the guy you're going to want to talk to about this build. He did the build on my 434, and while I'm running a fairly mild hydraulic roller cam, I am still, as he puts it, running "just short of 11:1 compression". So, I'm assuming that I've got to be running in the 10.9:1 ballpark in the first place. Granted, I always run super unleaded with octane boost for protective measures, but have never had a ping............I think that's probably due to the aluminum heads, which give me a little wiggle room on the octane........well, that, and I almost never push it very hard.


As for the 400/400M debate (which I'm of the "400" ilk, as there is no other 400 cu/in displaced Ford engine that would dictate the need for a designator letter)............I just had mine stroked to a 434 so I can avoid the argument all together.........
Yea the 434 kit was in the picture of this build. The block should be in near perfect condition though not needing a bore/hone, but im doing the kit anyways for a few more cubes. The motor hasnt ran in years, and was parked due to the water pump going out and 3 of the small bolts on it sheared in the block (no biggie got the easy outs for that). It just needs some love. Definatley not going the boat anchor route (sorry BB guys lol ). This motor should be in the 500+ hp range on its own. Then incomes the direct port N.O.S . That should be fun.
 
Reply
Old Apr 28, 2015 | 11:18 PM
  #11  
79blakemaggard's Avatar
79blakemaggard
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
From: Laurel Mississippi
Originally Posted by redneck_davis
Never even thought of Buildin my 351m. Second time the oil pressure went to sh$%& after a full engine build I gave up, might as well of had a bowtie on it.

But as for the debate. . if you go with it as a 400m or a 400 and then "modify" it, now its a modified 400 never the less
Did you have the oil passages and such cleaned and polished?
 
Reply
Old Apr 29, 2015 | 04:22 PM
  #12  
Behemoth's Avatar
Behemoth
Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,107
Likes: 32
From: Spokane, WA
Originally Posted by 79blakemaggard
Yea the 434 kit was in the picture of this build. The block should be in near perfect condition though not needing a bore/hone, but im doing the kit anyways for a few more cubes. The motor hasnt ran in years, and was parked due to the water pump going out and 3 of the small bolts on it sheared in the block (no biggie got the easy outs for that). It just needs some love. Definatley not going the boat anchor route (sorry BB guys lol ). This motor should be in the 500+ hp range on its own. Then incomes the direct port N.O.S . That should be fun.
Actually, with a big cam, you'll be making more horsepower than that...........even with my mild, well mannered cam, my plant produced 504 hp and 544 torque. Tim told me that if I "was willing to forego the well mannered idle, and the acceptable vacuum for the brakes, that we could have wrung a LOT more power out of that plant"........his words. I told him that I didn't want to fight the idle by having it load up all the time, and having to install a auxiliary vacuum generator for the brakes. So, considering that you're wanting to put a big 'ol lumpy cam in the stroker, you could feasibly get much better numbers out of the plant.
 
Reply
Old Apr 29, 2015 | 07:35 PM
  #13  
79blakemaggard's Avatar
79blakemaggard
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
From: Laurel Mississippi
Originally Posted by Behemoth
Actually, with a big cam, you'll be making more horsepower than that...........even with my mild, well mannered cam, my plant produced 504 hp and 544 torque. Tim told me that if I "was willing to forego the well mannered idle, and the acceptable vacuum for the brakes, that we could have wrung a LOT more power out of that plant"........his words. I told him that I didn't want to fight the idle by having it load up all the time, and having to install a auxiliary vacuum generator for the brakes. So, considering that you're wanting to put a big 'ol lumpy cam in the stroker, you could feasibly get much better numbers out of the plant.
Yea i knew the vacuum issue was going to come into play. If i dont get a custom grind it will be the comp cams solid mech 308r street/bracket race. .651 intake and .651 exhaust valve lift. Should be a beefy cam without a doubt.
 
Reply
Old Apr 29, 2015 | 10:03 PM
  #14  
redneck_davis's Avatar
redneck_davis
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 348
Likes: 0
From: Vidalia onion,GA
That's sure an Ace of power out of the 400. . wish I knew what I have out of my 460.

As for my modified, oil press went. Built bottom end........3mnths later pressure fell out again, pulled apart and rebuilt top, complete with .060 bore and had everything soaked and cleaned at the machine shop.
Ate 2 distributor gears up and ran about a year before the press fell again.

But I'm looking forward to some pics and your build for sure
 
Reply
Old Apr 29, 2015 | 10:07 PM
  #15  
bkaul's Avatar
bkaul
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,761
Likes: 8
From: Knoxville, TN
Originally Posted by 79blakemaggard
Yea i knew the vacuum issue was going to come into play. If i dont get a custom grind it will be the comp cams solid mech 308r street/bracket race. .651 intake and .651 exhaust valve lift. Should be a beefy cam without a doubt.
If you do a hydroboost conversion, no need to worry about vacuum for brakes.
 
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 03:48 AM.

story-0
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-02 21:45:57


VIEW MORE
story-1
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalytic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-30 18:33:59


VIEW MORE
story-2
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-3
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE
story-5
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

And it might be even better than that.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-18 19:26:42


VIEW MORE
story-6
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

Slideshow: Does lowering an F-150 Lobo RUIN the ride quality?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-18 19:20:37


VIEW MORE
story-7
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

Slideshow: Ford's bizarre fishing-themed Explorer concept has resurfaced after spending decades largely forgotten.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:07:46


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

Slideshow: The 10 best Ford truck engines we miss the most.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 13:09:47


VIEW MORE
story-9
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?

Slideshow: first look at the 810 hp 2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road!

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-12 12:50:07


VIEW MORE