V8 Differences
Moderator
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 22,436
Likes: 17
From: Louisville,Ky.
I have even seen an 82 with a 3.8 V6. WHY!!!!!
I never understodd why Ford had to have so may variations of engine configurations!!!
The other 2 American makers had small blocks and big blocks. Not small blocks, 351W, 335 series, FE series, and 385 series. And most do not interchange much of anything. It is so confusing sometimes!!
Now they are at it again!! The 4.6 and 5.4 are different. Like a 302 and 351W. The 5.4 is taller and wider, on top of that, you have a 4.6 Windsor and a 4.6 Romeo that are also different.
Will the madness ever end???
I never understodd why Ford had to have so may variations of engine configurations!!!
The other 2 American makers had small blocks and big blocks. Not small blocks, 351W, 335 series, FE series, and 385 series. And most do not interchange much of anything. It is so confusing sometimes!!
Now they are at it again!! The 4.6 and 5.4 are different. Like a 302 and 351W. The 5.4 is taller and wider, on top of that, you have a 4.6 Windsor and a 4.6 Romeo that are also different.
Will the madness ever end???
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 367
Likes: 1
From: denver
Actually, all the FE's are very interchangable, they all have the same deck height and journal sizes. They just dont share the trans. bolt patern with any of the other V8's. 390 block + 428 crank = 410 merc!!
If you want to call the EB a truck, they came with the 289. Does the 260 and 289 share the same stroke?
If you want to call the EB a truck, they came with the 289. Does the 260 and 289 share the same stroke?
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 10,323
Likes: 2
From: Montana Territory
A monkey can build a chevy, it takes brains to build a ford.
You know why they have so many aftermarket parts for chevy? 'cause ford built it right the first time.
You know why they have so many aftermarket parts for chevy? 'cause ford built it right the first time.
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Moderator
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 22,436
Likes: 17
From: Louisville,Ky.
I don't really have a problem with the many differences, it just makes most Ford parts more expensive because of the variations. Although, 5.0 parts are getting as easy to get as small block Chebby parts now. 
Thread Starter
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New User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: RSA
What would be the best all round standard engine for for a 1978-1985 working truck (F250 4x4)? Some say that the 351M is not reliable enough for a hard working truck. Others say ,stick to the 300 sixes for better low-end totque and reliability.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,203
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From: where the deer and antelo
While the 351m may not have the most power, I would never class it as un-reliable. There are way too many of them running around in cars and trucks with 200,000 plus miles to say they are not relaible. I think the 300 six is a good engine also.
If milage is not a concern, I think the 460 is the best gas motor out there. Properly tuned it will make more power and get as good or better milage than most other V-8's.
If money is no problem, there are several diesel engines that come to mind.
If milage is not a concern, I think the 460 is the best gas motor out there. Properly tuned it will make more power and get as good or better milage than most other V-8's.
If money is no problem, there are several diesel engines that come to mind.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 248
Likes: 1
From: Ottawa, KS
Almost any Ford V-8 will be excellent for a work truck, whether it be a 351M/W, 400, 429/460. I don't really know about a 302, just seems like more of a car motor. I've heard the 300 I-6 is bulletproof. All of these engines will perform well with just a little love ($500) and should be reliable.