What Engine?
Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,008
Likes: 249
From: North Pole, Alaska
I know what a 351M/400 looks like. I have a 79 F-260 400 parked right out back. (and I know what the vin looks like. It's like that very rare F-610). I drove a 77 F-150 with a 351M for 9 years.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 24,552
Likes: 74
From: Creedmoor, North Carolina
John
Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,008
Likes: 249
From: North Pole, Alaska
I t looks like the upper radiator hose goes into the top of the block so it definitely is a 351M/400 from the outside. The color is #1, Calypso Coral.
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Super Moderator
Joined: Apr 2004
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Look at the plugs. Look just under the valve covers. It's an FE motor.
Plugs are //\\. FE ONLY.
Intake extends under the valve cover. FE ONLY.
Exhaust ports are extended, 335 series don't gave that design.
Exhaust manifold is FE.
Plugs are //\\. FE ONLY.
Intake extends under the valve cover. FE ONLY.
Exhaust ports are extended, 335 series don't gave that design.
Exhaust manifold is FE.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 8,678
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From: On the Edge of the Desert
Originally Posted by FordandInternational
What does the FE mean? Is it better or something? My knowledge is pretty vague just started researching.
It seems to mean different things to different people. Ford engine or ford Edsel are always argued about. However we all know it DOES NOT mean fuel-efficient! Lol
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 24,552
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From: Creedmoor, North Carolina
John
Super Moderator
Joined: Apr 2004
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FE & FT Big Block V8 (332, 352, 360, 390, 406, 410, 427, 428) - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums
Check out the FAQ section.
FE motors are more expensive to work on than certain other motors, but are reliable, capable of long life, or high performance, or something in the middle. The FE was intro'd in 1958, and the HP 427 version won Le Mans for Ford. So, the (probably) 360 or (if you are lucky)390 in that truck can be built (if needed) into a low speed slogger or a 500 horse monster.
What it can't be made to do is sip gas. But then a 400 has pretty much the same drinking habit, so don't worry about that.
Going back to your original thread I see it's an oil burner and not the good kind. As OEM, it would have been a 360. There were billions of these served, but they are getting on in years. You would have to do a tear down to see what the issue is with yours. It could be valve seals, but they usually don't cause massive oil use. Worn rings can be replaced, but a broken ring might have taken the block out of play.
Any year from '65 up, 352, 360, 390, will bolt right in and use all your existing accessories, clutch, flywheel etc. 410s and 428s would have a flywheel issue due to balance. (short version explanation)