question about a 400 build

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Mar 12, 2023 | 01:17 AM

#16

Jake Talbert78

Thread Starter

5th Gear

Joined: Mar 2023

Posts: 5

Likes: 1

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1browski

I dont know about the FT engines but there is a lot of extra parts when you switch engine families. I think you will need engine mounts, towers, accessory brackets, bellhousing for a FE engine. Im sure there is more. What kind of transmission do you have?

thank you for the insight, it originally had a NP435 4spd and I decided to upgrade to a 5spd so I did some looking around and I ended up buying a brand new Tremec TR4050 5spd and it bolts up to the bell housing and the NP205 transfer case with 2 adapters.
took so modifications of the cab and tranny brace but it fits

here’s some pics

Took this when we set the cab this august and I had to take out a bit more than expected

This is the best picture I could find of the new tranny&transfercase mated together

Mar 12, 2023 | 01:29 AM

#17

Jake Talbert78

Thread Starter

5th Gear

Joined: Mar 2023

Posts: 5

Likes: 1

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jake Talbert78

Hi i'm Jake Talbert I have been roaming around the 73-79 f-series forums for awhile now and gathered some information on this topic but just want some direction from some people who are much wiser in this field than i am.Just for context i'm 18 and have been restoring my grandfathers 78 f-250 supercab 4x4 to turn into my daily driver, im 2.5 years into the restoration and i estimate i got 6 months left until completion [hopefully]

It currently has the original 400M with forged pistons and a cam [ no clue exactly what] and ran 11/10 when i parked it to start the restoration. For the time being i installed a fuel injection kit from 460efiguys and did new gaskets throughout [ my grandfather did a rebuild about 10 years before but it had been sitting for awhile so no harm no foul] and thats how i will be running once the restoration is finished.

now that's out of the way here's my real questions
i want to build a 400 from the ground up to replace the current one its a good motor its just tired from all the years of dragging around one of those big ol' caveman campers, maybe pushing the400- 450hp range with a procharger or small turbo. how should i go about it and are there certain parts brands i should stay away from?

is it worth trying to find a FT block to for the added strength or is a standard FE block plenty?
will i have to go to a full roller setup?
how much should i be prepared to spend to ?

Thank you in advance for the assistance, i dont really know how to start and figured theres no better wealth of dentside knowledge than here

i apologized if the answers to these questions are somewhere else in the forums i personally haven't found them, any questions or in need of specs or further explanations just ask and i will do my best to respond as quick as i can, thank you-Jake

I forgot to add some pictures in for y’all!

Took this when I bought it December 24th 2020

This was mid November 2021 after I finished the drivetrain

This is mid November of 2022 after I got the back,super cab and door glass put in (windows were rolled down) And then I came back a week later to get the front windshield installed because they broke the first one.

Mar 12, 2023 | 08:22 AM

#18

79SINCE80

4wd Low

Joined: Jan 2010

Posts: 12

Likes: 1

That is a great looking truck, I love the color your going too. It's great to see a younger generation that appreciates these classic old fords. My granddaughter and myself are building one for her .
Throughout the Ford community you will find people that hate the 400M, or love it. I love both engines ( 400M and 460), all they need is to breath to make some good power. I have ran both over the years and if built right, they will run forever.