How do I identify my engine?
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New User
Joined: Dec 2000
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How do I identify my engine?
When we bought our 1980 F250 Xcab 4X4, we were told that it had a 351W in it. Later, I noticed that the emissions sticker says it's a 400. I am now wondering just what engine I have. I've heard that the 351W uses larger spark plugs. Is this true? What else can I use to determine if I have a 351W, a 351M or a 400M?
Thanks,
Tom
Thanks,
Tom
Postmaster
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 2,719
Likes: 1
From: Lee's Summit MO
How do I identify my engine?
>When we bought our 1980 F250
>Xcab 4X4, we were told
>that it had a 351W
>in it. Later, I
>noticed that the emissions sticker
>says it's a 400.
>I am now wondering just
>what engine I have.
>I've heard that the 351W
>uses larger spark plugs.
>Is this true? What
>else can I use to
>determine if I have a
>351W, a 351M or a
>400M?
>
> Thanks,
>
>
> Tom
Don't know about the spark plug size, but a 351W wasn't available in a truck until 1983. So that would automatically make it a modified series. The 400 and the 351 look identical. I also think that windsor's and modified's used different carb's.
My bet is with the 400m since the sticker say's so.
Pastmaster's 1993 XLT 5.0 E40d 3.55LS Normal Cab/Long bed Loaded from the factory with aid of...MSd 6a ign/s.p. wires, blaster coil, Hypertech Chip, K&N filtercharger, Cat-back dual exhuast w/o mufflers, 3.5", echo tips, Accel distributor cap, Dark Mocha over light mocha. 5% Dark tint, Alpine Cd player/remote, Pioneer speakers.
toydestroyer1(No Email Addresses In Posts!)
>Xcab 4X4, we were told
>that it had a 351W
>in it. Later, I
>noticed that the emissions sticker
>says it's a 400.
>I am now wondering just
>what engine I have.
>I've heard that the 351W
>uses larger spark plugs.
>Is this true? What
>else can I use to
>determine if I have a
>351W, a 351M or a
>400M?
>
> Thanks,
>
>
> Tom
Don't know about the spark plug size, but a 351W wasn't available in a truck until 1983. So that would automatically make it a modified series. The 400 and the 351 look identical. I also think that windsor's and modified's used different carb's.
My bet is with the 400m since the sticker say's so.
Pastmaster's 1993 XLT 5.0 E40d 3.55LS Normal Cab/Long bed Loaded from the factory with aid of...MSd 6a ign/s.p. wires, blaster coil, Hypertech Chip, K&N filtercharger, Cat-back dual exhuast w/o mufflers, 3.5", echo tips, Accel distributor cap, Dark Mocha over light mocha. 5% Dark tint, Alpine Cd player/remote, Pioneer speakers.
toydestroyer1(No Email Addresses In Posts!)
Junior User
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 64
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From: Sparwood, BC
How do I identify my engine?
I don't really know much about the windsor, but just because the vehicle is a 1980 doesn't mean it can't have one... My uncle owns an '81 f150 with a 351w, not sure if it's the original engine though.
As for your 1980, the engine may have been changed out at one point or another. The size of the engine block could be an indication. The windsor would be a much smaller block than a modified or a 400.
As for your 1980, the engine may have been changed out at one point or another. The size of the engine block could be an indication. The windsor would be a much smaller block than a modified or a 400.
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 808
Likes: 3
How do I identify my engine?
The 351/400M was discontinued in 1979. It was replaced with the 351W in 1980.
the easiest way to tell from a 351C/400M is valve cover bolts. I believe the previous message mentioned this. 6 bolts for a 351W and 8 bolts for a 351/400M
Also you can tell by looking and see where the Thermostat housing is located. All 351C/400M thermostat housing mounted on the boss area of the block. A 351W, the housing is mounted on the intake manifold, like a 289/302.
Xaviar
the easiest way to tell from a 351C/400M is valve cover bolts. I believe the previous message mentioned this. 6 bolts for a 351W and 8 bolts for a 351/400M
Also you can tell by looking and see where the Thermostat housing is located. All 351C/400M thermostat housing mounted on the boss area of the block. A 351W, the housing is mounted on the intake manifold, like a 289/302.
Xaviar
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 931
Likes: 0
From: Stanton, Suffolk England
How do I identify my engine?
I have a manual listing 1982 as the last year for the 400. Seen lots of 80 and 81 trucks in the junkyard with 400's in them.
Brad Godkin
1986 F350 CC/SRW
6.9liter/C6
Brad Godkin
1986 F350 CC/SRW
6.9liter/C6
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 808
Likes: 3
How do I identify my engine?
I have not seen a 80 or newer truck series with the 351M/400. Thats a new one on me.
Xaviar
Xaviar
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Elder User
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 931
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From: Stanton, Suffolk England
How do I identify my engine?
I looked at an 81 F350 a couple months ago that had a 400 in it. I noticed a few more of them in the Junkyard after that. I thought they quit in 79 as well until then. Chiltons also hase them listed up to 1982. 
Brad Godkin
1986 F350 CC/SRW
6.9liter/C6
Brad Godkin
1986 F350 CC/SRW
6.9liter/C6
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Elder User
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 931
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From: Stanton, Suffolk England
How do I identify my engine?
I didn't mean to give the impression that I know all or anything. If I did I am sorry. I will be the first to admit that I do make mistakes, lots of them. lol
Brad Godkin
1986 F350 CC/SRW
6.9liter/C6
I will be the first to admit that I do make mistakes, lots of them. lol Brad Godkin
1986 F350 CC/SRW
6.9liter/C6
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 808
Likes: 3
How do I identify my engine?
I didn't take it personal. I was having a little fun. It was something I haven't run into until now Thats why we are all here. To learn something we don't know, and advance our knowledge. :-)
Xaviar
96 F-250HD 4x4 460/E4OD 4.10
Banks Power Pack, MSD 6A
MSD 8227 Coil, MSD 32199 8.5 Wires
Xaviar
96 F-250HD 4x4 460/E4OD 4.10
Banks Power Pack, MSD 6A
MSD 8227 Coil, MSD 32199 8.5 Wires
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 931
Likes: 0
From: Stanton, Suffolk England
How do I identify my engine?
How do you like that Banks package? One of my guys at work just bought a 96 F250 with a 460 and a 5 speed. He was asking me about the Power Pack but I have no experience with them on Gas engines.
Brad Godkin
1986 F350 CC/SRW
6.9liter/C6
Brad Godkin
1986 F350 CC/SRW
6.9liter/C6
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 808
Likes: 3
How do I identify my engine?
Ahhhh Man, I love it :7
A little pricy, but quality sometimes cost a little to get it done right. I think this system is a excellent upgrade choice for those who don't mind spending a little more $ on a complete exhaust setup.
The Banks system, made a big difference in the way my truck runs. Power throughout the torque range. I posted a note on the system in the Exhaust section under the subject of "It's Installed". Check it out. I think I gave a complete discription there.
Xaviar
96 F-250HD 4x4 460/E4OD 4.10
Banks Power Pack, MSD 6A
MSD 8227 Coil, MSD 32199 8.5 Wires
A little pricy, but quality sometimes cost a little to get it done right. I think this system is a excellent upgrade choice for those who don't mind spending a little more $ on a complete exhaust setup.
The Banks system, made a big difference in the way my truck runs. Power throughout the torque range. I posted a note on the system in the Exhaust section under the subject of "It's Installed". Check it out. I think I gave a complete discription there.
Xaviar
96 F-250HD 4x4 460/E4OD 4.10
Banks Power Pack, MSD 6A
MSD 8227 Coil, MSD 32199 8.5 Wires