Engine decision
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Junior User
Joined: Jun 2016
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Engine decision
So I have a 1979 F100 4x4 with a 351M currently in. I want to hear you guy's opinions about if I should keep this engine, and what do you guys think will be the best. I intend the truck to be an offroad/mudding truck. I'm wanting 450+ HP out of the truck. Wanting to run 38" (or bigger) tires with 5.38 gears.
So should I keep the 351, or swap? If so, to what?
So should I keep the 351, or swap? If so, to what?
More Turbo
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 534
Likes: 27
From: North Texas
There are a couple of places that have 400's that are beefed up. Would let you keep your existing peripherals - depends on what you want to spend.
Ford Performance Crate Engines
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Ford Performance Crate Engines
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Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 20,678
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From: NorCal
At 400 hp with me building it, off the shelf parts, and minor port work about $2300. .. at 450HP and 425 ft lbs tq, it'll need aluminum heads so let's peg that at $3500.
Tq is what wins.. not HP on a big heavy truck.
Tq is what wins.. not HP on a big heavy truck.
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Junior User
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 53
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There are a couple of places that have 400's that are beefed up. Would let you keep your existing peripherals - depends on what you want to spend.
Ford Performance Crate Engines
Engine Builds
Ford Performance Crate Engines
Engine Builds
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Junior User
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 53
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Junior User
Joined: Jun 2016
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How long would that take to build? Sorry for all of the questions. I'm new to basically everything.
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 205
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From: Southington CT
Before you do that I would get stronger axles. I can't believe how many people put big motors with big tires and expect to have that little ford 9 inch survive. Just a thought. As far as motor I would go the 460 route.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 20,678
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From: NorCal
DIYFord.com has really good articles on engines. I suggest learning all you can before excising that 351M. Start with the last article on this page and work your way to page 1: Ford Engine Big-Block Rebuild Archives - Page 2 of 2 - DIY Ford
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,997
Likes: 237
From: NE Ohio
everyone above has given good advice.
As an owner of a 460, and using it as a daily driver off and on occasionally.
Your wallet will not like it unless you don't mind 8 mpg. Even though gas is much cheaper than a a year plus ago, it's still a thirsty pig. Maybe you might get 10 but most likely not with a hotrod engine.
As an owner of a 460, and using it as a daily driver off and on occasionally.
Your wallet will not like it unless you don't mind 8 mpg. Even though gas is much cheaper than a a year plus ago, it's still a thirsty pig. Maybe you might get 10 but most likely not with a hotrod engine.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,997
Likes: 237
From: NE Ohio
If you are looking for good mileage a 300 would be better.
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Junior User
Joined: Jun 2016
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What's the HP/Tq like on the 300?