400M Big Block
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4th Gear
Joined: Oct 2024
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400M Big Block
Hey I've got a 1976 Ford ranchero with a 400 and C6 transmission I was wondering if anybody knew what the best performance mods are for that engine I plan on making it a sleeper, I know it holds really good torque I'm having a tough time finding a variety of performance mods, I also really want to build it because it is supposed to be the original engine in it any info will help
Super Moderator
Joined: Apr 2004
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Welcome to FTE.
So you have a 4.6 and a 400 you want to build at the same time?
I moved you to the forum for the 400. There are numerous build threads here. I'll get back to you with a link for performance parts.
So you have a 4.6 and a 400 you want to build at the same time?
I moved you to the forum for the 400. There are numerous build threads here. I'll get back to you with a link for performance parts.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 1,114
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From: North Idaho
There are two names you should familiarize yourself with - Tim Meyer (Tmeyer) and Brent Lykins (Lykins Motorsports).
Factory heads are fine for about 400HP with some mild porting. Aftermarket and the sky is the limit. What is your budget?
Factory heads are fine for about 400HP with some mild porting. Aftermarket and the sky is the limit. What is your budget?
Super Moderator
Joined: Apr 2004
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https://www.tmeyerinc.com/product-ca...1m-400/page/2/
A little compression, a slightly different cam, good intake and 600-650 CFM carb, dual exhaust--you're in the 300s for HP and using the same amount of gas you use now. (YMMV)
A little compression, a slightly different cam, good intake and 600-650 CFM carb, dual exhaust--you're in the 300s for HP and using the same amount of gas you use now. (YMMV)
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4th Gear
Joined: Oct 2024
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Yes I plan on doing the 4.6 for my explorer mostly because I want a good engine to last quite awhile, the one in the explorer now is close 300,000 m and I have one that came out of a mercury that's just over 100,000 that's the one I want to rebuild, then I really want to get my ranchero done but I rarely seen anything on 400
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4th Gear
Joined: Oct 2024
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I really want to do the entire engine, right now I am having trouble finding transmission adapter lines that go in the radiator and connect to the tranny cooling lines
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 2,676
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Most of the hop up parts that fit a 351C also will work on the 400. It is an engine with a tremendous amount of untapped potential and I honestly believe that it would be easily possible to double the stock horsepower without rebuilding an otherwise healthy engine. Cam, headers, intake, carb and some minor reworking of the ignition would help performance a ton.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 1,114
Likes: 103
From: North Idaho
It's difficult to NOT get over 300HP with a basic rebuild- better camshaft. Headers, and a four-barrel carburetor.
Mine makes in the upper 300's (probably 375-390) with 0.020" over hyperutectic pistons from TMeyer, the smallest hydraulic roller cam from Howards Cams, Holley 670 CFM carb, and Hooker Competition headers. I did a mild porting on the heads, approx. 213/166 CFM @ 0.600" lift. My engine is in a 78 Bronco and a lot of fun. The off-idle response is great, it WANTS to go.
You'll get better input if you have a power goal and/or budget to work with.
Mine makes in the upper 300's (probably 375-390) with 0.020" over hyperutectic pistons from TMeyer, the smallest hydraulic roller cam from Howards Cams, Holley 670 CFM carb, and Hooker Competition headers. I did a mild porting on the heads, approx. 213/166 CFM @ 0.600" lift. My engine is in a 78 Bronco and a lot of fun. The off-idle response is great, it WANTS to go.
You'll get better input if you have a power goal and/or budget to work with.
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3rd Gear
Joined: Feb 2023
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Tranny Lines
Your best bet to fit up an old set of transmission lines is to build your own. I personally build them using AN line and fittings. For the transmission use steel braided line (meaning steel on the outside). It took me a couple try’s to learn how to order the right fittings but once you learn what thread you have and what size line you have it’s pretty easy. Hit up eBay for all your AN stuff just be leary of the really cheap ones they tend to be kinda cheesey and tend to strip threads or break. The lines are pretty simple to produce, there is a slight learning curve but go watch a couple YouTube videos and you’ll figure it out.
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