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So I'm back at this after a few years off. Long story short, my email to TMeyer was bounced and in it said they are no longer machining/building engines. Bummed about that but it is what it is.
I have two engines - 400 and 351M both complete, running. I'm leaning towards the 351M block because it is a 79 and came from a truck. If I'm going to build a complete new motor with the goal of 500 HP +, I want to verify what I will keep, if anything besides the block? I wanted to get the 351M disassembled and ready to go for the machine shop when I am ready for the engine build. It doesn't appear to me that any of the other parts (heads, rotating assembly, etc.) have much if any value. So I was going to pitch it all, get the block cleaned/magnafluxed and ready to go. Is this a bad idea?
Also, what should I do with the running 400? Keep it "just in case?" Thanks for your thoughts.
You will want to keep the 400 crankshaft as those are not getting any easier to find. Connecting rods are the same, although at 500 HP you might consider a set from Molnar.
i have noticed over the years, owning these trucks draws other people owning these trucks. i have been able to help out many people needing push rods, rockers, exhaust manifolds any truck part that i have accumulated for that matter. usually give the parts needed or trade for something i need.
btw, to get 500hp, will that require a roller cam? can a roller be used in one of these engines?
Can you use a roller cam in a 335 series engine? Absolutely! I have a Howard's retrofit cam in mine. There are two ways to do it - 1) install a "retrofit" kit that uses link bar lifters or 2) use a roller lifter setup from the original 5.0, this uses special roller lifters and a "spider" that mounts in the lifter valley to prevent the lifters from rotating.
I highly recommend a roller cam for those that can afford it, just so you don't have to worry about wiping out a can live on a flat tappet cam.
You don't necessarily need a roller camshaft, but at the 500HP level most people would say use one, myself included.