engine convertion
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
engine convertion
I have a 1980 F 150 it orginally had a 351m it know has a in line six. I have restored it and lifted it the six does not turn the larger tires the way I want it to and I have the entire front end removed from the truck for easy working to convert to a larger motor I can not decide on the best motor to install.
I understand the 351w is easy to find and have a lot of after market parts. I have read a lot of bad things about the 351m.
But I want to put a biger motor in such as a 460 but that would be very hard on gas. I want hear your opinions on what I should put in it. would a 390 be a good chouce and with a different bell housing would it bolt to my transmition
I understand the 351w is easy to find and have a lot of after market parts. I have read a lot of bad things about the 351m.
But I want to put a biger motor in such as a 460 but that would be very hard on gas. I want hear your opinions on what I should put in it. would a 390 be a good chouce and with a different bell housing would it bolt to my transmition
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 425
Likes: 0
engine convertion
If you originally had a 351M why not try to build 400M? I think that was the only good M series blocks made...
1995 F-150XL SC/SB
http://members.sounddomain.com/blind
5-Star Rated F-150 (Big Stereo)
1995 F-150XL SC/SB
http://members.sounddomain.com/blind
5-Star Rated F-150 (Big Stereo)
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
engine convertion
I have thought of that at this point my tuck is at a point it doesnt matter with it will take the same amount of work and I want to know which is the best for for the buck and will be a long running and dependable engine. I don't know much about the 400m
Junior User
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
engine convertion
I've kinda got the sam situation you have. I have a 1980 f150 4x4 that originally had a 351M. Just yesterday i have installed a 351C and a c6 into the truck the engine is alls tock witha 2bbl and I should have "liveable" gas mileage. you will get a lot of opinions bout the 351M. My opinion is go with a 351w there are plenty of engines to go around and most likely you can get all the donor parts from a complete truck in a junkyard. the engine will be cheaper to build and also last a long time. I got my 351C for a good deal and thats why i went with it and also the fact its a dang good motor. I have a 351W 4bbl in my 69 ranchero and let me tell ya its got plenty of power.
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 1,594
Likes: 0
From: Campbell River, BC Canada
engine convertion
I would love to see an F150 with a 460. I wanted to put one in my 86 but I got another 302 that I am gonna replace it with. There was a truck in my town that was an 84 f150 shortbox regular cab that was advertised for sale with a 46o and I wish I had have test drove it. Good luck and let us know what you decide.
Canadian Ford Man
Canadian Ford Man
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 1,069
Likes: 1
engine convertion
if you are able to do anything, i would go with a 460, automatic or 5 speed overdrive, 3.08 rear. this will give you plenty of take off speed, and will give fair mileage on the highway.
the secret to better gas mileage with big engines is to drive with a light foot most of the time. but, when you wnt to run, the 460 will do it!!.
the secret to better gas mileage with big engines is to drive with a light foot most of the time. but, when you wnt to run, the 460 will do it!!.
Trending Topics
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 1,100
Likes: 0
From: Durham
engine convertion
The 351W will bolt to your existing tranny behind your 300 I6. The 390, 460, 351M, and 400M all have a different bolt pattern. If your tranny is an automatic, then the bell housing is integral to the entire case, so you would need to purchase a new tranny or swap the guts of your existing tranny to a new case for the big blocks. I would also stay away from the 390 simply because it is the old style engine and parts would be harder to get for it.
'82 F150 2WD w/351W (orig 300 I6)
Slik
'82 F150 2WD w/351W (orig 300 I6)
Slik
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
FTE Chapter Leader
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 3,863
Likes: 5
From: Beachville, Ontario
engine convertion
I'll add my vote for the 351W. I have another one of these at home that might look nice in an old Jaguar XJ12 or so....
1979 F150 Custom: 75 351W, Edelbrock & Holley
1987 F150 XLT Lariat: 88 351W EFI
Chevy 454: waiting for a truck (Mazda?Nissan?)
1979 F150 Custom: 75 351W, Edelbrock & Holley
1987 F150 XLT Lariat: 88 351W EFI
Chevy 454: waiting for a truck (Mazda?Nissan?)
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
engine convertion
yes I like know that the 351w will work well and will bolt up with ease but I think i want a big block I have decieded on the 400 and if anyone has any input on why I shouldn't that would be good info. Thanks
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 1,100
Likes: 0
From: Durham
engine convertion
From what I read, the M series engines are kind of doggy. They were built to haul loads and meet emissions, not for acceleration. I understand you can make performanced mods, but if you go big block, go with the 460. It is a lot easier to build hp in the 460 than the 400M.
'82 F150 2WD w/351W (orig 300 I6)
Slik
'82 F150 2WD w/351W (orig 300 I6)
Slik
FTE Chapter Leader
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 3,863
Likes: 5
From: Beachville, Ontario
engine convertion
By all means, go for the 400M. It can be built to be a reliable ballsy motor, it just takes more $$ than several other options. The biggest drawback to an M motor in my opinion is the 8 to 1 compression ratio.
1979 F150 Custom: 75 351W, Edelbrock & Holley
1987 F150 XLT Lariat: 88 351W EFI
Chevy 454: waiting for a truck (Mazda?Nissan?)
1979 F150 Custom: 75 351W, Edelbrock & Holley
1987 F150 XLT Lariat: 88 351W EFI
Chevy 454: waiting for a truck (Mazda?Nissan?)
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
engine convertion
sorry everyone who loves the 460 and i can understand why..
but my plan has led to the 400 because I have found a great deal on a used block with everything I need I am going to turn it in as a core on a rebuild. the 400 hundred will have all the power that I need and I love to 4 wheel and the 400 has equall torque as the 460 with a lot less weght it is also an everyday driver and I think it will do better milage wise thanks for all the input...
but my plan has led to the 400 because I have found a great deal on a used block with everything I need I am going to turn it in as a core on a rebuild. the 400 hundred will have all the power that I need and I love to 4 wheel and the 400 has equall torque as the 460 with a lot less weght it is also an everyday driver and I think it will do better milage wise thanks for all the input...