Howdy all. A bit stumped and could use some advice. I have a 1978 F250 that had the factory 400. The engine threw a rod and I have a built 351m ( .40 over with decent cam ) I am putting in. I am curious about the pilot bearing on the back of the crank. I am seeing many different options on rock auto. The 351m is a 1979. Did the '79 351m come with a C6 option? I would assume so. Any guidance / help would be greatly appreciated. thank you

 

If using a C-6, make sure there is NO pilot bushing in the crank shaft.

 

Thanks Tbear, I actually second guessed my question after posting. So with a C6 - the flywheel bolts strait on with no need for any bearing correct? That would only be for manual transmissions. Flywheel to the crank and torque converter to the flywheel?

 

Well, some do call them a flywheel, I prefer flex plate ... so I'd say ... flex plate to the crank and torque converter to the flex plate. NO bearing as the snout on the TC needs an empty cavity and besides, once the nuts are tight, the TC will turn or not turn just exactly as the crank shaft does.

 

Ok fellas I got another question, hope its cool just to piggy back off the original thread I started. I got a lot done on the engine assembly this weekend. Water pump and heads are on. I also installed the rocker arms - lifters and push rods. My questions is about the rockers and adjustability. I know they are non adjustable however I see other posts that say you need to rotate the engine and adjust them more? I dont see how they are adjusted because the nuts are tightened until it seats down lightly correct? Is the engine rotation adjustment absolutely necessary? I worry about turning the engine too much before 1st start because I am smearing the assembly lube off the cam each time. thoughts?

 

If they're stock you're correct they are nonadjustable. you'll need to bring them around on the base circle and check your preload. if the heads and deck haven't had heavy machine work you're probably in spec, but always check.

Don't worry about a few rotations by hand it won't hurt anything.

 

Stock rockers are non-adjustable. Just spend a few bucks and get the manual, it has all the proper procedures, including checking hydraulic "lash" in the lifter for proper operation. If the head had been decked too far, or valves are sunk, it will throw the spec off and cause problems with cam or ticking.