What engine should I use?
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Freshman User
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 31
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From: G-bourg SK
What engine should I use?
I got a 78 ford shortbox. it's a real low to the ground type truck but not too low. I am debating whether i should put in a 351m with modifications or a 400m. I don't want much power but still want to have decent fun.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 439
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From: Sussex
If you are set on either a 351M or a 400, the 400 is a better motor by far. I've had both, and you will be much happier with the 400. The only difference between the two is the 400 has a longer stroke, but it is a big difference on the road. I do agree, though, a 460 is much more fun between gas stations.
New User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Idaho
I just took my 351M crank down to the machine shop to have it polished and was informed that it needed to be ground instead. I have been debating on rebuilding it as a 400 for resale value so I asked the guy if I should just try to find a decent 400 crank and buy new rods to make the 400 mod. He said that he wouldn't because the 400's were not as strong. Now I am not an engine ficianado but if I understood him correctly, his reasoning was because you are adding another 50ci worth of pressure to the same amount of piston and other components and therefore they did not last as long/wore out quicker...? That is not a word for word quote, but I believe that was the general idea he was getting at. Any opinions on this or resale value of the 351M vs the 400?
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 892
Likes: 1
From: Las Vegas
I don't think that either one of them will effect your resale value because neither one of them have really made a name for themselves in the performance world. The only way it would effect the resale is if you restored the truck to showroom condition with all matching numbers, then you would want to have the orinigal 351M in it.
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Elder User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 867
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From: Eastern Pa
The machinist is simply in the dark here. The 351m/400 engines were dogs for one reason. Ford was trying to bricge a gap it had in that size engine and meet the new emmisions requirements the gov't came up with. There is nothing wrong with the bottom end of these engines. The only differences between the 351m and the 400 are the crank and pistons, the rods are the same. Look around the 335 forum and you'll find just what is possible with out a lot of trouble. If your truck already has the 351m/400 then stay with it and do the basic mods in the 335 forum. It will be more bang for the buck than seitching to the 460. If it already had the 460 then I would say stay with that. Here are some 351m/400 links to help.
http://www.projectbronco.com/Technic...e_build_up.htm
http://home.earthlink.net/~bubbaf250/index.html
http://www.projectbronco.com/Technic...e_build_up.htm
http://home.earthlink.net/~bubbaf250/index.html
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 358
Likes: 1
From: Northwest Iowa
My 77 shortbed 4x4 got 12 mpg. My crewcab 4x4 shortbed with 460,dana 60's gets 11 pulling a trailer.
No replacement for displacement!!!!
If your going to use it as a daily driver, dont. Get a rice burner. If only driven once and awhile, put in the 460. Power, torque and just plain fun
No replacement for displacement!!!!
If your going to use it as a daily driver, dont. Get a rice burner. If only driven once and awhile, put in the 460. Power, torque and just plain fun
New User
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
400 works
I have a 400 in my 78 4x4 and it does everything I want it to. I pull a 3500lb trailer up and down Oregon hills and mountains in cruise control without losing any speed. Gas milage pulling is 10 and not pulling is 12. A 400 will work good for you if you add on a couple of simple goodies like MSD, Flowmaster, headers, Elderbrock intake and a good 4 barrel. 460s kick my butt right up till they pull into the gas station and I cruise on by.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 11,945
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From: Spokane, WA
Originally Posted by nooon
460s kick my butt right up till they pull into the gas station and I cruise on by.
