400 for the mud?

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Aug 18, 2004 | 09:01 PM

78 stepside

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400 for the mud?

i have a 400 in my truck now it is supposed to be 30 over but not for shure i was wanting to know if anyone could give me some ideas for building this motor with plenty of power yet still able to drive back and forth to work also. or could i build up a stock 351m cheaper than the 400 thanks for any info mike

Aug 19, 2004 | 01:48 AM

monsterbaby

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From: iowa

it would cost you the same to build either the 351m or the 400, and it is just like any other engine, make it breath better, and better ignition, get a good electronic ignition if you don't have one, next get a 4bbl carb, and intake for it, and put in a good cam, for trucks I like like the comp high energy series others will have other preferences, and if you are completly rebuilding get some flat top pistons (check the announcement at the top of the forum)this will help boost comp alittle, and increase hp, nad torque. Headers are a PITA but they do help, also you didn't mention tire size or if it has been changed I know because this is the engine forum but if you have changed tires, and haven't changed gears or you have fairly high gears lower, put in lower gears this will help tremendously with the precieved power of the engine ie seat of the paints feel.

Aug 23, 2004 | 08:26 PM

78 stepside

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i have an edelbrock 4 bbl carb and intake but what kind of cam should i use this is the stuff i dont know about. ive got the headers, i have 36x12.50x15'' tsl swampers it has the stock ford 9'' and dand 44 rear ends if that helps any thank you for your help mike

Aug 23, 2004 | 08:45 PM

monsterbaby

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From: iowa

Well the 9", and D44 can have about any gear ratio in them, so it would help the find out what gears are actually in them, most likely would be 3.50 or something similar, and with 36in tires that is way to high, I would look for 4.11 or maybe 4.56 if you really want to get some power but will hurt you on the hyway.
I will make some cam recommendations for the 400 but I might change them alittle if you do decide to go 351m.
these are comp cams
High energy series part #32-221-3 grind is 268h
extreme energy part #32-242-4 grind is xe262H
dual energy part #32-207-3 grind 265deh
these will all give you good midrange power, and won't hurt you on either top or bottom power, plus should match the intake fairly well, too see the exact specs I included a link to the comp cams catalog page for them.
http://compcams.com/Technical/Curren...HTML/92-97.asp

Aug 23, 2004 | 08:56 PM

78 stepside

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I'm not sure exactly what gears are in the rear ends. I would consider changing the gears once the truck becomes strictly a toy. Would those cams run good with the motor if it does happen to be 30 over or if it is a stock bore? Appreciate your time and help. Mike

Aug 23, 2004 | 09:16 PM

monsterbaby

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From: iowa

yes those cams will work good in the engine no matter which bore it is at, and for the gears, 4.11 gears would actually be higher than stock tires running 3.55 gears. example at 65mph 30" tire, and 355 gear (close to stock) @65 you would be turning 2584rpm with 411 gears and 36in tires you would be turning 2493, and 4.56 you would be at 2766. the ideal with 36 in tires to stay something close to stock would be around 4.32 so these are not just a for toys only options the actually would probably help you to not lug the engine, nad would increase your fuel economy as well as power.

Aug 24, 2004 | 09:16 AM

74 F100 351m

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From: Okla.

He is right it would take less gas to take off from a light. this alone would save alot of gas, enough to pay for the gears in a yaer. It would also help the trans to stay a live longer, or cluch.

Last edited by 74 F100 351m; Aug 24, 2004 at 09:18 AM.