Help: Small to Big Block: Tranny swap required?
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 283
Likes: 0
From: Bogota, Colombia
Help: Small to Big Block: Tranny swap required?
1-Is it mandatory to change trannys when swapping from a small block to a big block pattern engine?. Can just the bell housing be replaced instead? 2-Does anybody know of such a swap in which a big block got better mileage than a small block, in addition to the power increase, etc? (if it exists!)?
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 328
Likes: 0
From: Eastern Ohio
1: A bell housing change (on a manual) should suffice, an automatic will need changed with the exception of 351M/400's being changed to a 429/460
2: yes, a relatively stock BB driven properly (not babied, but not tromped either) will usually see a slight improvement over the SB. Especially if the truck was used for towing, had bigger tires, etc.
2: yes, a relatively stock BB driven properly (not babied, but not tromped either) will usually see a slight improvement over the SB. Especially if the truck was used for towing, had bigger tires, etc.
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 283
Likes: 0
From: Bogota, Colombia
351 Cleveland parts interchangeable, M-Blocks?
What I've been told is that parts availability might be an issue with those old Big Blocks. It'd be nice to put in a 351 Cleveland since it is a performer and a small block and would fit my tranny. I'm not looking for an easy swap but the best bang for my buck... I have about $500 to spend (my country's standards, which in the US that would be equivalent to like $1.500-2.000). If it were up to me i'd just put in a 400 with tranny and everything.... A 400 here costs about $100-120! Or maybe I can have someone adapt a big block engine to a small block tranny. My fellow colombian mechanics are known for being great at adapting motors and everything else to just about any car. They could retrofit a V-8 into a Geo Metro!
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 510
Likes: 0
From: Charlotte
The big blocks can be had pretty easily, is an easy swap in "most" 65-79 year model trucks and parts are abound, aftermarket and otherwise. You can even buy a new 427 block if you got the bucks.
FE's are full of torque and built right, can produce awesome hp. but I agree with Matt. The smallblock family might be a better match for your Bronco. Small blocks built right will surprise you.
FE's are full of torque and built right, can produce awesome hp. but I agree with Matt. The smallblock family might be a better match for your Bronco. Small blocks built right will surprise you.
Junior User
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 82
Likes: 0
From: Pacific Northwest
Again, Windsor! The 351W has much potential. It is also easily stroked. My favorite engine is the FE (390-410-427-428) but the W is the most practical. I think the C would be a sheer waste of money and not reliable. The 351M/400 are gutless wonders and I suspect you would be better off with the current 6 banger. 460's are never wrong and are practical, reliable torque hogs, and easily fixed. They just suck gas all day long! But if you have it to burn, go for it.
Trending Topics
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 10,323
Likes: 2
From: Montana Territory
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Ford Super Duty: 5 Things Owners LOVE, 5 Things They LOATHE!
Joe Kucinski
Every 2026 Ford Truck Engine RANKED from WORST to FIRST!
Michael S. Palmer
The Best F-150 Deal of Every Trim Level (XL through Raptor)
Joe Kucinski
Hotshot
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 12,170
Likes: 5
From: The hills of No. Calif.
I have a 351C 4V in a '72 F250, I love it, although I would like to go to Aussie heads with the smaller ports. I have a 3.73 rear end, so it works the engine pretty well. I previously had it in a '72 Ranchero with 3.00 gears and it was a dog. I say, if you can find a Cleveland, go for it, otherwise go Windsor. -TD