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Anyone in here ever dropped a 351C or 400M into an F1? I'm looking to do a project and thought, "This might be interesting" but I'd like to get a first-hand account of what I'm in for.
In my humble opinion, the 400M can best be used as a boat anchor. It was one of Ford's early attempts to meet 1978 emission standards by reducing performance capability.
The 351C would be a better choice but parts are harder to come by this choice.
Everything's been done. Even though the 2 engines are part of the same 335 engine family, there are some drastic differences which make them somewhat completely different. Because of the large exhaust ports and their placement, you'll have a tough time with exhaust. The 400 moreso with the taller deck height. The taller big block trans mount pattern on the back of the block make the 400 more difficult to fit against the firewall without surgery. Parts are a lot more expensive and not as available for the C/M engines, too. Bang for your buck there's better options, but it's all doable. It just depends on what you want and how different you want (and can afford) to be.
I have some information to share if you are going with the "boat anchor". If you want more information about the "boat anchor' I have a lot of info that I can send you. Attached is my 48 F1 with a 408 stroker (boat anchor). I have 2 Ytubes that show the build process -
"1948 Ford F1 Radical Custom garage built" and "1948 Ford F1 Radical Custom"
More information on the 351M-400: FTE Article: "High Performance options for the 351M-400 engine" & "History of the 351M"
I have a 400M in the shop waiting on machining for my '77. Parts I've gathered up include flat top pistons, RV Comp cam and new straight-up gear, Weiand 4bbl intake and a Holley Street Avenger carb that will go together one of these days. Never thought about putting it in one of the early F's but why not. I doubt you will mistake it for a boat anchor...
The Ford 335 series engine has always been one of the prettiest engines ever designed and built, and it's a runner, too, when built right. It has so much potential but was choked by regulation and never got the chance to prove its worth, imho. 48 Steel's is a perfect example of what to do right. That's beautiful.
I have a 400m in my 53 F1 and it is a tight fit. I did not install it so can't help you with that. I'm still trying to figure out getting headers to fit.
I know it's not big deal or very important but there is no such thing as a 400M, It's just a 400. The 351M is the only "M" engine. Same engine family just no "M" with the 400.
I know it's not big deal or very important but there is no such thing as a 400M, It's just a 400. The 351M is the only "M" engine. Same engine family just no "M" with the 400.
I know and appreciate you pointing it out - education is a good thing. I didn't want it confused with the GM 400 so I added the M in my reply, but you are correct.
I was just glad nobody tried to explain what the M stands for. lol
Tim
I know and appreciate you pointing it out - education is a good thing. I didn't want it confused with the GM 400 so I added the M in my reply, but you are correct.
I was just glad nobody tried to explain what the M stands for. lol
Tim
I have always called it a 400M, since the first time I built one for a 79 Ford Ranger. Just habit.
1949 400M project
