Hey all,
Well, I finally managed to sell my 1974 IH Travelall, and have been oogling my neighbor's 78-79 F250 sitting across the street. From reading through all the information here, I've gathered that it would be either a 351M or a 400 (It's gonna get the 400 anyway).

The 400 engine:
A few quick questions on that. I was thinking about running an Edelbrock Performer intake with a 650 CFM Thunder AVS offroad carb, a Crane Powermax cam and a set of headers. Here's where I get confused: On the 351M/400 performance article I read on here, it said that 351 Cleveland (What's the "M" for, anyway?) cylinder heads would bolt right on there, is this true?

Transmission :
The truck is equipped with the 4-speed (NP235 I think), NP205, and I've no idea what axles.

The Truck :
What do you guys think of this year of truck?

It won't be a daily driver (That's why the local Ford dealer is ordering me an '05 Mustang), but this will be an offroad truck, something to take into the mountains with me, a hunting truck, etc.

Aftermarket Thing:
Also, the truck has something on the back called a Kid-Napper, it looks kind of similar to a sleeper from an 18 wheeler, sits in the front half of the bed and replaces the rear window on the truck, anybody ever see one of these?
Thanks for the help, guys, just trying to do my homework before I wander across the street and make him an offer.

 

The 78-79 F250 4x4 is a good truck. And a mildly built 400 will be more than enough for hunting.

15-20 years ago, kidnappers were very popular around here, now days most people get a supercab. The kidnapper has 2 small jump seats and fold flat to a bed. They're kind of tight, you have to be under 4' tall to make it in, thus the name KIDnapper - only a kid would be comfortable in it. I still see a couple pickups running around with them...

Wow, a '05 Mustang, you'll have to post some pics when you get it... and the pickup too.

Marty

 

Sounds like the first part of this thread should be in the 335 engine series forum as it is the 400 performance that is being discussed.

We don't talk about the M in 351M anymore as it ALWAYS causes guideline violations.

It means whatever you want it to mean

 

sounds like a decent truck. although ive never owned a truck with a 400 in it, i've heard they offer pretty decent torque for pulling. i would go for it if the price is right.

 

All,
The heads on a 351M, 400 are capable of performing any task.
You could put larger valves, screw in studs, or a spring kit. Porting is an option, but all in all, these heads should flow enough for you seven days a week.
The Cleveland heads should bolt on but, you will need a special intake. I believe they are availble.
I will stick with the factory castings when I rebuild mine. I'll invest in a solid or roller cam with a fully adjustable valve train. I believe the 400 could use a 750 double pumper, but to each his own.
Good luck,
KingFisher

 

The 2 barrell cleaveland heads will bolt right on with no mods. The 4 barrell will not without machining, and have way to much flow for stock type applications. The ultimate in a production heads are the Aussie Cleaveland ones. They will push an 8.5 to 1 engine to 10 to 1 plus. The 2 barrell cleave's are a good second choise.

 

the 2v 351c and 351m/400 heads are basically the same thing.

put a 71 timing chain set in it, crane roller fulcrums, and the edelbrock performer intake.

the truck is good too...

 

IT's all about the extra 1. something or other of deck height..

 

the only difference between the 2v 351C heads and 351M/400 heads is the AIR injection ports and camber size.

 

the 351 C and 351 M are two completely different engines. the m initially stood for michigan where alot were made but also was called the modified because it was a modified 351C. the 351M and 400 are basically the exact same only difference is the crank basically. 351C, 351M, and 400 are part of the 335 engine series family. alot of these parts are interchangeable.
i put an edelbrock 650 performer and was disappointed id probably put a holley on if i could re do it. i hear holleys intakes suck so get a weiand or if an edelbrock will fit then go with it. the truck avenger carbs from holley i hear the choke sticks so be aware of that issue.

 

Hey, Does anyone know the difference in power and torque between the 400 and the 351M? I have a 351M but would like to build it into a 400 if the power is resonable enough. thx

 

I've heard that the horsepower difference wasn't much,, something like 10-15 hp, but the 400 has better torque and has more power potential. However it is easy to turn a 351M into a 400 and they get about the same mileage, so why not. I've had both and I was much more impressed with the 400. just my 2 cents

 

hey , thx for the input! I was wondering also the mileage difference, thx. Sounds like Im going with the 400.
Do you know where and how to get a 400 crank and pistons?

 

The crank you can either buy one from a parts store or get one from a used 400 and have it reground. As you probobly already know the con-rods are the same in the 351M and 400. As for pistons you will need to find out if your block is bored out or not and then decide if you want to go stock or upgrade. I know I read on here that badger offers aftermarket ones that will up your compression and I think there is another company also, but can't remember the name. My motor has stock ones, but if you gonna get new ones, might as well get the upgrade ya know. but thats totally up to you. By the way, sounds like a real nice setup in that truck. I love 70's Fords

 

thx, the engine was bone stock before I removed it in 351M form. I pulled it to do a complete restore of the truck. Its a 77 f150 4X4, regular cab, with a c6 auto, dana 44 front and ford 9inch rear with 350 gears. The whole interior is out for new floor pans,and bucket racing seats with a custom console and all phantom series gauges and interior roll cage. The engine is out for a rebuild and to redo everythng under the hood, repaint and smooth out any holes not needed. I am now , thx to likethefords, putting in a 400, rebuilding the c6 and the np205 transfer case, with a gear venders overdrive behind the trasfer case. I was thinking of putting in 373 gears also. It has a 3 inch body lift and getting a 6 inch suspension lift with 20 inch wheels and 37 inch tall mud terrain tires. The truck is black and the rims are going to be black center with chrome 6 inch lips. I think it will look and run awesome when done in 12 months or so. Tell me what you think of this combo? This truck is my first build up. Thx for the input on the engine. If you have anymore on this engine please let me know what I can do to it.