400 REBUILD

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May 26, 2002 | 12:26 PM

78400mdog

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400 REBUILD

Who out there has rebuilt a 400 with higher compression pistons? Say 9.0:1 to 10.0:1 range and what cc heads did ya use? Also what cam /carb/ intake.

I'm very interested in doing this and just want imput from sombody who has done one of their own and had good results.

Thanx for all the info!

May 26, 2002 | 10:40 PM

Quadiquizm

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From: Canada

400 REBUILD

May 27, 2002 | 02:05 PM

windsurfer

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400 REBUILD

I have a 79 F250 with a 400 engine in it but it has only 79,000 miles on it and doesn't need a rebuild. I found a very interesting article on the 400 engine high performance options in the Tech section:

https://www.ford-trucks.com/articles/mblock.php

Check it out.

May 27, 2002 | 09:04 PM

78400mdog

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400 REBUILD

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 27-May-02 AT 10:13 PM (EST)]Those pages are the source of my questions. I think i've got a pretty good bead on what i'm trying to do however there's just not enough info on that report to base my background info on for the freshening up my 400. I am very concerned about the relationship between piston compresion ratios and combustion chamber size. I am aware that combustion chamber size can raise or lower compresion ratios significantly and want to make the proper choice.

I figure if i'm going to take the motor out I may as well replace the pistons while i'm at it to increase the compression ratio! Thus the question about pistons/heads.

Oh ya where are the casting numbers on the 400 heads? I took a quick peek today but was unable to locate them. I would like to figure out which ones I have before I order my pistons due to the combustion chamber size issue.

thanx

May 28, 2002 | 01:13 AM

masterbeavis

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400 REBUILD

Pull your valve covers to find the casting number, cant miss it It is someplace in the center lower half if I remember correctly. On the older heads there was either a 4 (denoting 4V heads) a 2, or a M cast onto the upper corner of the head next to the valve cover. Chances are VERY good that you have the D5AE heads. Higher C/R pistons might be tough to find for a 400, you might look into modifying pistons from a 351C to acheive the C/R you want. (I am not sure if that holds true for a 400, or a 351M, wont hurt to ask though) As far as heads are concerned, unless you drop a chunk of change for 4V heads (waste of money unless you are racing) or for aussie heads, you are stuck with what you have.

Tony

'77 F250, 4X4 460 transplantee, "Flamer"

'74 F250. 460, "beater" now "1 dead ford"
'73 F250, "midnight auto" now a trailer for the flamer

May 28, 2002 | 02:19 AM

78400mdog

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400 REBUILD

Thanx for the casting # info. I was afraid that i'd have to pull the valve cover but oh well it isn't that hard.

As far as the D5AE heads go I have seen three different combustion chamber sizes for them ranging from 74.5cc to 78.4cc I guess it's kind of like a grab bag until you get inside and see.

thanx

May 28, 2002 | 09:19 AM

beartracks

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From: Albuquerque

400 REBUILD

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 28-May-02 AT 10:20 AM (EST)] You can look below for most of my setup. I've heard all the 2v heads had the same cc spec. Just small variations in manufacturing. I used earlier Cleveland 2v as some of the M 2v seem to have restricted exhaust runners. Pistons are critcal. You don't want to wind up with flat tops that are way down in the bore. That leads to detonation. I used custom J.E. forgings that are dished. My compression should be closed to 10:1 (170# cranking pressure).
The roller cam setup can get expensive. You should also consider the use the truck will be put to when picking a cam. I run a 2300rpm stall converter and still can carry the old camper and boat to the lake and drive to work everyday.
Cam is the smallest roller Crane offers. It's still pretty hefty.

Good Luck,
Bear Tracks