Motor interchangeability?
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Senior User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 143
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Motor interchangeability?
Gentlemen,
Well, I've found an engine to replace my poor destroyed 351m, (spun a rod bearing and chewed a 1/16" gouge into the crank) and I just want to double check interchangeability.
Right now I've got a '79 F250, 2 wheel-drive, with a stock 351m and auto tranny.
I've found another F250 with a 351 in it, but that's all I know about it. Found it over the phone, and the guy (who I know and trust to sell me a good working motor) didn't have all the details. The donor truck is a 5-ton moving van with a 4-speed manual.
Question: I've been told that pretty much all Ford 351's are interchangeable - same motor mounts, same bolt bell housing bolt pattern regardless of type of tranny.... is this so? Or do I have to check out this engine more carefully before committing to it?
Thanks.
Well, I've found an engine to replace my poor destroyed 351m, (spun a rod bearing and chewed a 1/16" gouge into the crank) and I just want to double check interchangeability.
Right now I've got a '79 F250, 2 wheel-drive, with a stock 351m and auto tranny.
I've found another F250 with a 351 in it, but that's all I know about it. Found it over the phone, and the guy (who I know and trust to sell me a good working motor) didn't have all the details. The donor truck is a 5-ton moving van with a 4-speed manual.
Question: I've been told that pretty much all Ford 351's are interchangeable - same motor mounts, same bolt bell housing bolt pattern regardless of type of tranny.... is this so? Or do I have to check out this engine more carefully before committing to it?
Thanks.
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 114
Likes: 1
From: Tyrone GA
As long as it's another 351M or a 400 you're alright. 351C,351W,302,289,300 all have the small block bolt pattern. 429 and 460 also share the same bolt pattern as the 351m and 400. Those are you're choices for engines. As far as the one in the F250, as long as the truck is from the 70's its most likely a 351M. Altough, it could be a 352 FE. Those were also offered although, the 390FE is more common. IF you need any more info, just let us know.
Edit: Might wanna stay away from a motor out of heavy trucks like that. They've probably been beat and also have probably had less than normal service schedules.
Edit: Might wanna stay away from a motor out of heavy trucks like that. They've probably been beat and also have probably had less than normal service schedules.
Hotshot
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 11,697
Likes: 3
From: Marengo, Iowa
I didn't think the 352 made it out of the 60's but up to 76 can be a 360, or 390, as far as the FE's go. If it is a 70's truck, I don't think they put windsors in yet, did they? Also being that heavy a chassis, they would be likely different, as the FE's were 361, 391, and would be a real PITA to change to. You're gonna want to get a look and compare before you agreee to it. I can't believe they would put a Windsor into a 5 ton, never seen it, and actually, hope I don't. Can you imagine the dog that would be? It about would have to be an M, if it truthfully is a 351.
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Apr 2004
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Originally Posted by alcan60283
Might wanna stay away from a motor out of heavy trucks like that. They've probably been beat and also have probably had less than normal service schedules.
Thanks all for the info - I'll check it out.
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Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 987
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From: East Bend, Carolina, U.S
Don't assume it can or can't be any 351. As old as these trucks are, they have had many owners by now and could have had plenty of engines swapped into them. Look at the engine first hand and determine what it is.
For instance, I have a 428 in my F100 and Ford never put these in a truck like mine. I have seen 351Cs and 429s in trucks like these and some other brands, but they weren't suppose to be there. Don't take the word of anyone you don't know and trust when it comes to what engine is in any truck. If you make someone angry when you insist on identifying the engine in a truck they want to sell, then you should look even harder and closer or just walk away.
For instance, I have a 428 in my F100 and Ford never put these in a truck like mine. I have seen 351Cs and 429s in trucks like these and some other brands, but they weren't suppose to be there. Don't take the word of anyone you don't know and trust when it comes to what engine is in any truck. If you make someone angry when you insist on identifying the engine in a truck they want to sell, then you should look even harder and closer or just walk away.
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Junior User
Joined: Aug 2004
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From: Oregon
[Originally Posted by don_79f250]
the engine had just had a $3,000 rebuild (that's parts & labour) when the truck had an accident and was written off.
Since you know the guy, maybe he can get you the paperwork from the engine rebuild shop. That would not only solve the engine history mystery, it would let you know exactly what was done to the engine during rebuild.
the engine had just had a $3,000 rebuild (that's parts & labour) when the truck had an accident and was written off.
Since you know the guy, maybe he can get you the paperwork from the engine rebuild shop. That would not only solve the engine history mystery, it would let you know exactly what was done to the engine during rebuild.