I'm just a noob, that's why I'm asking you guys...
If it were the one with the small bolt pattern does that mean a c6 won't work?

 

Yes, and no. It means a C6 from a 351M/400 won't fit, but one from a 302 or 351W will.

So, you need to proceed with caution. There are concerns about the year and cracking, concerns about the bolt pattern, and apparently it may even be out a car.

 

You would need the correct C6 (which has the bell housing cast as part of the housing).

I got the D7TE block when I re-did mine; maybe this will help explain:

Decoding Ford casting part numbers

 

IOW that third character of the prefix being an A means that casting is one that was designed for a sedan; it'll be a T when it's one designed for a truck (which has got some reinforcing and strength-adding characteristics in certain places that I forget atm).

 

M-Block 351M/400 Parts Reference

 

And another thing - it is almost 100% that the number found on the part is NOT the part #. Sometimes it is the "engineering #, but with cast parts it is usually the casting #. So, in the chart from Bubba don't bother with the part # column. Instead, look at the casting # column.

 

Too good to be true comes to mind...


He says it got the big bolt pattern, what would be the issue if it did come from a car?

 

That's a great question for TMI; I've seen it answered here but that was years ago and I forget the details, all I remember is additional strength added to the truck block in anticipation of high-torque, load-bearing usage.

 

According to Bubba's site the main bearing webs were made stronger in the last years for the autos and for the trucks.

Perhaps it is time to ask what you are going to do with it and how you are going to build it. If you are going back pretty much stock I don't think you'll have enough power to break it. On the other hand, if you are going to put a few $000 in the engine and have 500 HP on tap then I'd look for a different block.

I know he says this is from a 77 F250, but the casting # says otherwise. So, to me things are suspect. It might be a good buy for a budget build, but you don't know much about the crank bearing surfaces, rods, or anything else. It might be a good buy for $200, but it might not.

 

I just picked up an early (73) 400 block and it is way beefier in the main webs than the later blocks. It is the same as the Cleveland blocks in that you can see they were cast to accept 4-bolt mains. Engine was out of a 74 Torino.

 

Interesting. So, maybe there's no issue.

 

I picked up the stuff today, the only problem is the block is most likely a 73
and could have the water jacket issue, it was tested and is not cracked. Worst case I find another block and can use most of these parts.
Ford 400 from '78 F150.
Overbored .030
TMI Pistons
File to Fit racing rings
Deck resurfaced to a 0 deck height
Original crank cleaned and journals resurfaced
Full rotating assembly balanced
Head resurfaced
Valve guides were checked and are all within spec. I believe 3 guides were replaced
Valves cleaned up, with 3 being replaced.
Comp Cams mild profile cam
All new hydraulic lifters
All new valve springs
New ARP Head Bolts
High flow water pump
High flow oil pump
ARP oil pump drive shaft
Edelbrock 600 CFM carb with ford kick down adapter
Weiand intake manifold
All necessary gaskets
Ford Racing Valve Covers
ARP black oxide 12 point engine accessory bolts
Hooker Long Headers for 78 F150
Random 78 F150 parts
Work that's been completed:
All pulleys cleaned and ready for paint
All machine work done by Triangle Automotive, Cannon Falls,
All assembly (besides attaching pistons to rods) done by my self
Assembly partially complete. Stopped at installation of lifters
Crank, pistons, camshaft, timing chain, water pump, heads, valve springs assembled
All parts needed for final assembly are included (besides fuel delivery)
Engine is on a stand, which is included.
May also include engine assembly tools with the deal.
Asking $1000 OBO and selling everything together.

 

I would say you got your money's worth, and then some. Well done!

 

Thanks you sir!

 

saweet deal!