I found this article on a 400m rebuild that looks practical for its cost effectiveness as well as attractive for its performance characteristics. (Anyone who hasn’t read it would probably be interested; http://www.geocities.com/styleline58/400.html). I am in the process of preparing to start a rebuild as a novice, and as such I am curious about the practical application of such an engine. The authors of the article, it seems, would be applying it to street performance in a 79 Ranchero. But as a higher torque engine, (at least when compared to factory), I thought it would be good for use in a half ton; torque seems to a reputable quality for trucks in general! Is this a reasonable conclusion to make about my intentions for the engine? I wish to do everyday driving, possibly some hauling for work and most likely hauling for recreation, and perhaps the occasional joy ride! Of course the formula calls for a high performance fuel pump. But it doesn’t detail the specific fuel capacity, (one of many matters I have yet to learn about), and so I wonder about mileage with such a combination, which will reflect on its practicality as well. I already have a 351M waiting for some TLC, so it might just work out. Any advice is what I am looking for. And my gratitude in advance for considering it! Thanks.

 

This is a good article. I believe that this buildup is one of the more popular articles ever written about this engine family. As far as the h.o fuel pump, any performance fuel pump that fits a 351C will work. You really need to study up on these engines before you spend a lot of money. They can run really good, for very little money invested and be very reliable. Just spend some time here reading old posts about this engine. There is a guy on here named Shazam who has built and blown up more of them than I will ever touch. Just take everything with a grain of salt and use your best judgement. Don't put too much stock in the guys that don't like these engines. They just don't understand a lot of things like not having a bottomless wallet, and wanting to do something different.

 

Thanks for the encouragement jfinlen! I can certainly relate to the money issue, though with time it will be less of an issue. But i didn't realize that this was wanting to do something different! I guess the 351/400m isn't so popular? I understand from other posts that it hasn't as much after-market support as other engines. But it seems like a reasonable project to me, and i've never done this before besides highschool mec.! I am realy looking forward to it.

 

thats why we call em torque monsters!
keep searching before your 400 build up and you'll find plenty more of these articles.
little mods seem to make huge gains in these engines.

I'm the only one in my group of ford guys with a 400. but I take them for a ride in my 6061 lb GVW Ranchero and they all wish they had my motor's torque in thier truck or car. how's 14.8 in the 1/4 with a stock cam and no head work done, yet. not super fast but not bad either. and to think its maiden track voyage was a mid 16.
so if your looking for low rpm power go for it.
hey alex thought of changing your name to axle grease. sorry, thats what I saw first. I had to read it twice.

 

LOL! Great, my first FTE nick-name! It's a keeper! I've had lots in my day, but that one's a first, and a good one! Thanks ranchero77!

axle grease