pipe dreamin
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Junior User
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 84
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From: Waynesville,NC
pipe dreamin
After some research,and looking here's what i've come up with for a drivetrain plan for my 71 F100 everyone is sick of hearing about. 400 engine with HEI ignition,new intake,pistons,valves,valve springs,and other parts to lower the c.r. to around 8:1;B&M C-6 racing tranny;performance floor shifter;ford racing alum. driveshaft;and either 3.00 or 3.25 LS rears. I'd like to know what ya'll think of this setup,before i go out and blow 3 grand my wife to be is sure to have other uses for.
Aaron
Aaron
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 976
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From: SOUTH CAROLINA
ive got a friend with two 51's, each with a 400 in them and they are squirly to say the least. i can't imagine any problem runnin down a camaro or stang with the 400 reguardless of the f series those engines were in. he doesn't have a ton of cash in them either. it's personal preference that should determine what you do.
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Junior User
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 84
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From: Waynesville,NC
Why
Originally Posted by jowilker
Aint no way I'd replace a FE with a 400.
John
John
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 24,552
Likes: 74
From: Creedmoor, North Carolina
You 400 can be built into a great motor, but factory built they need rpms to make HP, Your FE is a low rpm high torque engine that will pull much better.
You just will be hard pressed to beat a FE in a truck.
John
You just will be hard pressed to beat a FE in a truck.
John
Tuned
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 340
Likes: 8
From: Rock Hill, SC
Biggest problem with the 400 is oil pressure and delivery. Most 400's lost oil pressure around 50-60,000 miles. Cam bearings and lower end bearings worn through. Even the 429's had a habbit of spinning the cam bearings in the block. If you want a big block find you a 428.
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Elder User
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Fairbanks
If you are going to go to all the work to swap a 400 in why not finish the job and get a 460. My self I would stick with the FE series. They are all a direct bolt in
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Junior User
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 84
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From: Waynesville,NC
here's the plan of attack, Due to some thought and some reading on the forums, I'll pull the 360 drop in the 400, rebuild and turn the 360 into a 390. Here's where the plan gets fuzzy, I'd like a pretty fast truck with decent power,(top speed 130-150 and be able to pull a small trailer once in a while)Which tranny should i go with C4 or C6, I found both set up for street/strip at summit racing. also i'd like to put front disc brakes in and power steering. There is a guy local (1/2 block away) who does body work and i'll have him sandblast and paint the cab interior while i'm doin the brakes and steering. Then when the cab is painted and back on the frame its just a matter of pick an engine/tranny to drop in. What do ya'll think about that?
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 976
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From: SOUTH CAROLINA
i wish i had your enthusiasm, take a look at my gallery and you will see five months of steady work just to get to where i am now. that is just weekends and holidays. its a loot of work you have ahead of you but it will be worth it in the end. good luck, steve
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Junior User
Joined: Feb 2005
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From: Waynesville,NC
but well worth it
Originally Posted by 4Cammer72
i wish i had your enthusiasm, take a look at my gallery and you will see five months of steady work just to get to where i am now. that is just weekends and holidays. its a loot of work you have ahead of you but it will be worth it in the end. good luck, steve
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 976
Likes: 0
From: SOUTH CAROLINA
that's exactly why i am doing what im doing to my truck. it'll be the only one like it. by the way, my truck has been apart for 3 years. im just getting to the point of it going back together