Tough decision for an engine
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From: Big Bear
Tough decision for an engine
Hello Gents (and Lady's). I was wondering if I could pick your brains for advice. I own a 79 Bronco with the 351m (it's tired at best 
) I would like to have a little more horsepower and torque. I use it for mild to moderate trail riding and traveling to work during the winter as it snows here. I'm tired of not being able to pass other cars and only being able to do 50mph uphill . After looking through the forums till I'm cross-eyed it seems that going to a 400 would work out well. Here are my questions!
1. Should I stick with the M and rebuild or upgrade to 400?
2. Should I buy the complete motor or build it myself? (I have a buddy who will help me build it) Any sites I can hit to check out pricing or any businesses you can recommend?
3. Is there a problem with passing smog with the 400?
Those questions should get me started and I'm sure I'll have more. I sure do appreciate any input you guys might have. TIA
) I would like to have a little more horsepower and torque. I use it for mild to moderate trail riding and traveling to work during the winter as it snows here. I'm tired of not being able to pass other cars and only being able to do 50mph uphill . After looking through the forums till I'm cross-eyed it seems that going to a 400 would work out well. Here are my questions!1. Should I stick with the M and rebuild or upgrade to 400?
2. Should I buy the complete motor or build it myself? (I have a buddy who will help me build it) Any sites I can hit to check out pricing or any businesses you can recommend?
3. Is there a problem with passing smog with the 400?
Those questions should get me started and I'm sure I'll have more. I sure do appreciate any input you guys might have. TIA
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From: SE Texas
Her's a page listing stock HP & torque specs for some Bronco motors:
engine specs
You will get different opinions from others, but I say go for the 400M. There is some great info in the engine forums here at FTE that you can search thru. I have a 351W H.O. with a longblock kit from NAPA, but am looking at a stroked 351C built for mud racing. I can't say what will pass for smog, as each state is different. You may be required to keep the same engine, or be able to run straight pipes.
engine specs
You will get different opinions from others, but I say go for the 400M. There is some great info in the engine forums here at FTE that you can search thru. I have a 351W H.O. with a longblock kit from NAPA, but am looking at a stroked 351C built for mud racing. I can't say what will pass for smog, as each state is different. You may be required to keep the same engine, or be able to run straight pipes.
Last edited by justshootme84; Oct 1, 2004 at 12:19 AM.
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From: Gateway to the West
With a 79, I'd be looking at a 460 but then thats just me always wantin' more. Not sure how or even if it would swap in easily.
As for the 400m passing emissions, there shouldn't be too much difficulty since it was available as an optional power plant in 79 as I recall.
As for the 400m passing emissions, there shouldn't be too much difficulty since it was available as an optional power plant in 79 as I recall.
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From: Big Bear
Thanks for the engine specs. justshootme84. Those are actually going to help me out alot. It gives me a base to work from so as not to build the motor bigger than I need. U know, the "BIGGER IS BETTER" adage. Thx
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Any 400M that I have ever driven was a dog stock, but I don't know how they take to mods. Then again the 351W ain't so hot either. I always liked the Cleveland, but those are high revving motors with lots of HP and may not have the proper powerband for a Bronco - anyway I don't think that they were available in truck, at least not in 1979.
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The 400 is just a stroked 351. If you pulled the crank, rods and pistons out of a 400 and put them in your 351 you would have a 400, everything else is the same. From your list of questions that might not be a bad way to go. By keeping your original block you make your life a lot easier, all accs bolt up, motor mnts are the same and you can use the same tranny. Pull the rotating assembly out of a 400, do a basic rebuild with your block, a little head work, a decent cam, maybe an aftermarket intake and carb, some headers and you're on your way. Just my .02
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A properly built 400 will give plenty of power for the Bronco. I originally had the 351 and was not happy with its power even after cam,intake/4 bbl carb and exaust. Had my builder setup that motor as a 400 with flat top pistons and the usual perf upgrades. I am extremly pleased even now while turning 33 inch tires where I originally had 30 inchers. I could only imagine how it would feel if I regeared to compensate for the tire size difference.
I had built a 460 for my last 79 and it moved the truck like a bat out of .....well you know the rest. It is an easy swap but there is added expense of motor mounts, exaust, oil pan and pickup if its not the correct style not to mention buying another intake and 750 cfm carb and then possible cooling issues. There may be a emissions problem depending on where your located also.
I personally would go the 400 route unless your going for the most possible power then the 460 has the advantage due to 60 extra cubes but slightly shorter stroke.
I had built a 460 for my last 79 and it moved the truck like a bat out of .....well you know the rest. It is an easy swap but there is added expense of motor mounts, exaust, oil pan and pickup if its not the correct style not to mention buying another intake and 750 cfm carb and then possible cooling issues. There may be a emissions problem depending on where your located also.
I personally would go the 400 route unless your going for the most possible power then the 460 has the advantage due to 60 extra cubes but slightly shorter stroke.
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