Building up the 351m

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Sep 22, 2023 | 06:12 PM

BluJim

Thread Starter

3rd Gear

Joined: Nov 2016

Posts: 3

Likes: 4

From: Owensville

Building up the 351m

Hello, I'm currently building or rebuilding, I should say, the 351m that is in my 78 F150 4x4 that I found back after being sold in 82! I want to return the truck to its former newness on the outside but a little more punch on the inside. It's been bored over .040, I've installed new rings after honing the cylinders. Dave McClain checked the block out and installed new cam bearing and freeze plugs. I have a new timing gear setup along with headers, performer 400 intake, and a Holley 600cfm coming. I'm stuck between cams right now. I want a nice smooth idle with good low end performance and mileage. The truck won't be driven daily nor abused offroad. I don't plan on towing anything either, just a truck that has more pep and drive ability. I like the Melling with.204 lift and 107 lobe separation. I believe its in a pkg mtf-2 with lifters. Any suggestions are appreciated. Thanks.

Last edited by BluJim; Sep 22, 2023 at 06:15 PM.

Sep 22, 2023 | 07:19 PM

cb_13

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Jul 2010

Posts: 1,509

Likes: 116

From: St James, Missouri

Personally I’d ask McClain’s what they suggest for your intended usage and use that. That’s exactly what my brother in law did with a couple of 460s and he was VERY pleased with the results.

We’re lucky to have such a knowledgeable Ford engine builder in our rural area.

Sep 22, 2023 | 07:26 PM

BluJim

Thread Starter

3rd Gear

Joined: Nov 2016

Posts: 3

Likes: 4

From: Owensville

Thanks cb,

I've talked to him recently and planning seeing him at his shop to follow up and get some numbers down. Thanks

Sep 22, 2023 | 07:52 PM

Mark8man

Laughing Gas

Joined: Feb 2011

Posts: 995

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Sounds good. Please keep us posted what you decide on and the eventual road test report.

Sep 22, 2023 | 09:31 PM

77&79F250

Moderator & parts slinger

Joined: Feb 2007

Posts: 50,194

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From: S/W Missouri, Polk county

I agree ask Dave. And here is some old info, but still good info on the 351M.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post18718464

All torque specs for 351M and 400.
Camshaft sprocket bolt--------40-45 ft.lbs.
Camshaft thrust plate bolts---9-12 ft. lbs.
Crankshaft damper bolt--------70-90 ft. lbs.
Crank pulley bolts------------35-50 ft. lbs.
Cylinder head bolts---------step one--75 ft. lbs, step two--95-105 ft. lbs.
Distributor hold down bolt---20 ft. lbs.
Exhaust manifolds------------18-24 ft. lbs.
Fuel pump to engine----bolt 10-15 ft. lbs.-----nut- 14-20 ft. lbs.
Intake manifold bolts--------3/8 in. bolt--22-32 ft. lbs, 5/16 in. bolt-19-25 ft. lbs.
Main bearing cap bolts--------70-90 ft. lbs.
Oil pan bolts--------------7-9 ft. lbs.
Oil pan plug--------------15-25 ft. lbs.
Oil pump bolts-----------22-32 ft. lbs.
Fan to water pump bolts---12-18 ft. lbs.
Rocker arm cover bolts-------3-5 ft. lbs.
Rocker arm stud/bolt--------18-25 ft. lbs.
Rod bearing cap nuts--------40-45 ft. lbs.
Spark plugs----------------10-15 ft. lbs.
Starter mounting bolts----15-20 ft. lbs.
Timing cover bolts--------12-18 ft. lbs.
Water pump to engine------12-18 ft. lbs.

And the firing order for the 351C, 351M, 400 is 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8