What Engine?
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What Engine?
I have a 1971 Ford f-250 crew cab 4x4 with a 400 and a 4spd manual. The engine burns oil and I want to switch engines, I am wondering which engine would be the best choice.
Don't get mad but I have a 1967 international 345 and my father wants to just put that in. Is that a good idea? If so will the tranny already in the truck be a pain in the a$$ to hook up to the 345 or would keeping the tranny that's attached to the 345 be better?
Once again no one get mad I'm inexperienced and am just trying to find out the cheapest/best option.
I live in Canada and there isn't as many engines and scrap yards as there is in the states so please take that into consideration.
Thanks.
Don't get mad but I have a 1967 international 345 and my father wants to just put that in. Is that a good idea? If so will the tranny already in the truck be a pain in the a$$ to hook up to the 345 or would keeping the tranny that's attached to the 345 be better?
Once again no one get mad I'm inexperienced and am just trying to find out the cheapest/best option.
I live in Canada and there isn't as many engines and scrap yards as there is in the states so please take that into consideration.
Thanks.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 8,679
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From: On the Edge of the Desert
Rebuild the 400....
If you swap engines, swap in a 351M, another 400 would be easiest. or you could use a 429 or 460. Any of those will bolt up to your trans.
Do not put anything other than a ford engine in it. Or a diesel, but that's a lot of work.
If you swap engines, swap in a 351M, another 400 would be easiest. or you could use a 429 or 460. Any of those will bolt up to your trans.
Do not put anything other than a ford engine in it. Or a diesel, but that's a lot of work.
Junior User
Joined: Sep 2015
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I highly doubt the 345 will bolt on right away to your trans. It will most definitely have different bolt pattern for the bellhousing as well as different input shafts for the engine will most likely need to be in order. Best bet to buy would probably be a FE block. They got plenty of power and there are a lot out there to pick and choose from. 352, 360, and 390 are a dime a dozen and can be bought for a couple hundred bucks (at least in wisconsin). Dug a little deeper and you can get a 428 you can move the world with those things and if you dig even deeper in your pocket you could pay for a 428 CJ. But your looking at a couple grand at least.
There is also the 385 series engines (429 and the 460) they made the 460 up until the late 90s so there easily finagle as well for cheap. They have big torque power as well..... hope this helps
There is also the 385 series engines (429 and the 460) they made the 460 up until the late 90s so there easily finagle as well for cheap. They have big torque power as well..... hope this helps
Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,011
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From: North Pole, Alaska
If your 400 was converted properly using 77-79 4wd frame mounts, you can use 351M/400's, and 302/351W's. The 302/351W will have to use a SBF bell housing. The 351M/400 uses the 429/460 bell housing. Swapping to an FE will require FE 67-76 4wd frame mounts and an FE bell housing which is more parts to find. An FE mount conversion can also do the 240/300 which will need a SBF bell housing. The Binder 345 is more trouble than what it is actually worth. Sell it to a Binder guy.
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If your 400 was converted properly using 77-79 4wd frame mounts, you can use 351M/400's, and 302/351W's. The 302/351W will have to use a SBF bell housing. The 351M/400 uses the 429/460 bell housing. Swapping to an FE will require FE 67-76 4wd frame mounts and an FE bell housing which is more parts to find. The Binder 345 is more trouble than what it is actually worth. Sell it to a Binder guy.
Super Moderator
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The 351M is pretty much identical to your 400, as a 351M is simply a short stroke 400.
IMO I would simply go through the 400. Valve seals, a quick hone job, a couple cans of WD40, new standard size bearing shells, new standard size rings, a new standard oil pump and drive on.
Besides, 351M are pretty gutless compared to a 400, which in stock form is no powerhouse to begin with.
IMO I would simply go through the 400. Valve seals, a quick hone job, a couple cans of WD40, new standard size bearing shells, new standard size rings, a new standard oil pump and drive on.
Besides, 351M are pretty gutless compared to a 400, which in stock form is no powerhouse to begin with.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2011
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From: On the Edge of the Desert
The only 351 that will fit with what you have is the 351M. Which as stated, is pretty gutless.
Go through your 400 and freshen it up. Install a straight up timing set and a comp 252 or 260 cam if you want. You'll be happy.
Go through your 400 and freshen it up. Install a straight up timing set and a comp 252 or 260 cam if you want. You'll be happy.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2011
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From: On the Edge of the Desert
I think the 400 got a bad name because of emissions hindering it's compression and can timing.
Straightend out with better squeeze, they can be quite powerful. After all, that 4" stroke is the longest of any ford gasser. Torque!
Straightend out with better squeeze, they can be quite powerful. After all, that 4" stroke is the longest of any ford gasser. Torque!
and the Bumpside Forum. 
Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,011
Likes: 250
From: North Pole, Alaska
Ahh, reading the emissions sticker on the left valve cover, and seeing the block rib thingie by the distributor, maybe?
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Joined: Sep 2015
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There is a good right up on fortification that has anot article talking about how to identify engineso from one another by counting the number of bolts to your valve cover. It's a good read I'd check that out if your uncertainmom I'll try to find the link and post it
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http://www.fordification.com/tech/engineID-V8.htm
Here is the link I was talking about above I'm not sure how to make the link "clickable" but if it doesn't work just go the website go on technical articles and scroll down to the engine/trans section and I believe it's one of the top 3 articles
Here is the link I was talking about above I'm not sure how to make the link "clickable" but if it doesn't work just go the website go on technical articles and scroll down to the engine/trans section and I believe it's one of the top 3 articles