351W vs. 400?
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 283
Likes: 0
From: Bogota, Colombia
351W vs. 400?
Well in other forums I raised the question, which is better, the 351W or the 400, considering that the 400 is quite cheaper and has more punch. How about a 351W with mods, how much HP and torque lbs can be added?. I read the 351W is more of a car not a truck engine although it was stock to a lot of ford trucks. What about mileage, is there a noticeable difference to help me decide? anything else?
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,061
Likes: 0
From: Still under the hood in O
Comparing the 351M/400 to the Windsor motor is like comparing a MAC to a PC.
Yes there are some parts available for the 351M/400 (intakes/cam), a butt load more for the Windsor.
Either one can be made to make plenty of power, but it will cost you more for the 351M/400 in the long run.
Check out the 351M/400, Cleveland section. I forget (haven't been on in a while) but it seems someone is make over 700HP with either the 351M or a 400 (same block).
One thing to consider is the intended use. If you are looking for a 6500RPM 1/4 mile motor, the 351M/400 is NOT the one your looking for. These are low compression, low RPM torque monsters.
If your looking for daily work truck driving with plenty of grunt and don't care too much about MPG then the 351M/400 is the way to go. But...if your looking to make that cover spread on your fav magazine, forget it. They think their boat anchors!
Yes there are some parts available for the 351M/400 (intakes/cam), a butt load more for the Windsor.
Either one can be made to make plenty of power, but it will cost you more for the 351M/400 in the long run.
Check out the 351M/400, Cleveland section. I forget (haven't been on in a while) but it seems someone is make over 700HP with either the 351M or a 400 (same block).
One thing to consider is the intended use. If you are looking for a 6500RPM 1/4 mile motor, the 351M/400 is NOT the one your looking for. These are low compression, low RPM torque monsters.
If your looking for daily work truck driving with plenty of grunt and don't care too much about MPG then the 351M/400 is the way to go. But...if your looking to make that cover spread on your fav magazine, forget it. They think their boat anchors!
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 283
Likes: 0
From: Bogota, Colombia
More thoughts on...
Yes, I am still thinking, I would prefer a faster engine because my current 300 I-6 is torqueish but ain't much of a performer in terms of acceleration. What appeals to me about the 400 is that it's so cheap! I have driven the 351M in another 2WD Bronco and it had awesome pulling power, before that I had driven a 4x4 351M and was kinda sluggish, in general is an engine that provides great starts but not great top speeds. By the way, it would seem that my C-6 transmission needed a 4th gear because when I'm doing about 60MPH it sounds strained and the engine roars. Like I said, my mechanic could eventually take care of the bell housing/tranny problem. I guess it would help that someone who has owned both engines; 351W and 400 can tell me how they compare and which is best overall. What is clear is that modifying my 300 to satisfy my needs would be more expensive than swapping into either V-8. So I'm still hearing suggestions...thanks...
PS: Don't worry Scroob, I am considering your suggestions...
PS: Don't worry Scroob, I am considering your suggestions...
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 14,285
Likes: 12
From: Bend,OR
Swapping to the 351w will be cheaper then the 351m because you can keep your current tranny. the dont make mounts for the 351m in your year bronco so those would need fabbing as well. also you race so the higher revving windsor is best suited for especially since the C-6 is only a 3speed. those older 351m/400 motors dont last long when pushed above 4000rpms unless built to do so which is way expensive. Go windsor and dont look back.
late
late
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 908
Likes: 4
"those older 351m/400 motors dont last long when pushed above 4000rpms unless built to do so which is way expensive. "
I just wonder what your knowledge base is to support this claim?
A 400 can rev way over 4000 RPM and can make 400 HP in the process, for way cheaper than you can build a 351W to make the same power.
I just wonder what your knowledge base is to support this claim?
A 400 can rev way over 4000 RPM and can make 400 HP in the process, for way cheaper than you can build a 351W to make the same power.
Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 2,735
Likes: 38
From: Sunny Florida
If life of the motor is being brought up then I must side with the W motor. I have seen way more problems with the 351M/400 motor that I have the W. The 351M/400 motors just never seem to last long. To find a good now is near impossible. I also say they are cheap for a reason.
I have replaced every 351M/400 I've ever own in a 4X4 with a 460 and in doing so I got better MPG and more power. To top it off I had a motor that would far out live the 351M/400. If one was going to go as far as swapping in a 351M/400 then I would say the 460 is by far a better option.
This is my opinion based on past experience of owning and working on these things. One thing to remember is there will always be people that will be loyal to a certain product or what not and this may be for several reasons. That doesn't really mean one is better than the other, just some one's opinion.
I own a Centurion with a C6 and a 351W and the truck has plenty of power for what I need it for and I feel it will tow nicely when called on to do so.
I have replaced every 351M/400 I've ever own in a 4X4 with a 460 and in doing so I got better MPG and more power. To top it off I had a motor that would far out live the 351M/400. If one was going to go as far as swapping in a 351M/400 then I would say the 460 is by far a better option.
This is my opinion based on past experience of owning and working on these things. One thing to remember is there will always be people that will be loyal to a certain product or what not and this may be for several reasons. That doesn't really mean one is better than the other, just some one's opinion.
I own a Centurion with a C6 and a 351W and the truck has plenty of power for what I need it for and I feel it will tow nicely when called on to do so.
Trending Topics
Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 3,934
Likes: 0
From: iowa
seeing how you have a 300 6 I would go with the 351w since you don't have to change trannys. The 400 would need a c6 for that family.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now
Brett Foote
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals
Joe Kucinski
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 627
Likes: 1
as previous posts the 351w wins no contest, no tranny swap(case) the windsor is about 150lbs. lighter and smaller , the 400 is a gas pig and bigger dimensionally than a 460 (a far superior motor in all respects, if I was going big block a 460 would be my choice).
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 299
Likes: 0
From: Illinois
I have done a 351/400 buildup and a 302 buildup. I know the 302 isn't a 351W but it's pretty close. Anyway, I would say go with the Windsor motor. I spent about 3000 dollars on a 400 and really wasn't that impressed. It sounded good but it still left me feeling like I had picked the wrong motor to start with. It makes good torque but it isn't a barnburner. According to the desktop dyno I'm getting more horses out of my 302 than the 408. The 408 build wasn't a total waste though I learned a few things from it. 351/400 builds are expensive and parts availibility is questionable at best. Good luck.
Sanders
Sanders
I think I'll stick with the 351W and let you know what happens...
Posting Legend
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 30,255
Likes: 37
The 351W is a good choice. It is a slightly easier swap since it will work with your existing tranny. I like the 400 for the low RPM torque but a lot depends on your gearing. The 400 is not dimensionally larger than a 460 by a long shot. The 460 does not "live" any longer than a 400 either. Usually a 460 application will be set up to operate at lower RPM than a 400 just like a 400 will be set up for lower rpm's than a 351W. Reducing the engine RPMs increases the life of an engine. The drive train on an efficient vehicle is set up to take advantage of the torque a particular engine will produce. Smaller engines with shorter strokes are good at producing high rpm HP.
BTW- FYI there is no such thing as a 400<! >M, the only engines Ford uses a letter to differentiate are the 351W/C/M, which coincidentally have the same bore and stroke as a 352.
BTW- FYI there is no such thing as a 400<! >M, the only engines Ford uses a letter to differentiate are the 351W/C/M, which coincidentally have the same bore and stroke as a 352.
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 627
Likes: 1
I've had both a 460 and a 400 and the 400 is dimensionally larger in width and the same length by actual measurement. Ford quit making 351M and 400s not because they were smaller and better and got great gas mileage.
Posting Legend
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 30,255
Likes: 37
Sorry daerhldgs2, but you are incorrect on all counts. There are some resources for you to read: http://home.earthlink.net/~bubbaf250/
-and then go out and carefully measure the engines again. Make sure you are measuring correctly. The 400 is much lighter than the 460. The deck height is close to the same but the 460 heads and manifolds are larger. The 4.9 v 4.38 bore spacing makes the 460 block longer but the 400 has in integral timing cover which may be confusing you.
btw, I actually have a 400 and a 460....
-and then go out and carefully measure the engines again. Make sure you are measuring correctly. The 400 is much lighter than the 460. The deck height is close to the same but the 460 heads and manifolds are larger. The 4.9 v 4.38 bore spacing makes the 460 block longer but the 400 has in integral timing cover which may be confusing you.
btw, I actually have a 400 and a 460....
