View Poll Results: FE vs Modified
FE 390
54
67.50%
M 400
26
32.50%
Voters: 80. You may not vote on this poll
FE vs Modified
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 8,542
Likes: 5
From: Louisiana
Originally Posted by Madmike33
I think both have potential, but I think the 390 has more. The Fe's are desinged to hold up to higher HP and Torque numbers. It's a big block, and is a more nervous engine stock. And before I get grilled I'm comparing his 72 390 to the 78 400.
Madmike33
Madmike33
Even if you compare the 72 390, that's when it was lowered in compression, and the 78 has just as low compression.
Either way both engines are OK, stock, but in my opinion I would say after a rebuild the 400 would be better.
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,771
Likes: 0
From: St. Libory
As much as I love the FE, I voted for the 400.
Here's why - if you reread the posts on the second page he says that the 390 is punched 60 over and smokes real bad. At 60 over, there can't be much more left to bore. Maybe another 20.....MAYBE. Both are good motors that were smogged down at the end of their run. They can both be easily waken up to make some impressive numbers. If I were in this situation, I would look at what tranny/bellhousing pattern I have to work with. If it's FE, then I'll have a 390; if it's 335/385 series, then I have a 400. If you really want to do the 390 and need a new block just go get a 360 or 390 and use the block.
Just my $.02
Here's why - if you reread the posts on the second page he says that the 390 is punched 60 over and smokes real bad. At 60 over, there can't be much more left to bore. Maybe another 20.....MAYBE. Both are good motors that were smogged down at the end of their run. They can both be easily waken up to make some impressive numbers. If I were in this situation, I would look at what tranny/bellhousing pattern I have to work with. If it's FE, then I'll have a 390; if it's 335/385 series, then I have a 400. If you really want to do the 390 and need a new block just go get a 360 or 390 and use the block.
Just my $.02
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 748
Likes: 0
From: North US Border, Canada
Originally Posted by MBBFord
Actually if you want to get into it, ford never used the big block term, and what do you mean the 400 can't hold up to a large amount of torque, It was made for torque.
Even if you compare the 72 390, that's when it was lowered in compression, and the 78 has just as low compression.
Either way both engines are OK, stock, but in my opinion I would say after a rebuild the 400 would be better.
Even if you compare the 72 390, that's when it was lowered in compression, and the 78 has just as low compression.
Either way both engines are OK, stock, but in my opinion I would say after a rebuild the 400 would be better.
Madmike33
Last edited by Madmike33; Feb 8, 2006 at 07:47 PM.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 127
Likes: 0
Didn't see any aftermarket cranks.Most 351m/400s I've seen puke is due to crank failure.All the good stuff you can bolt on a motor doesn't matter if the bottom end won't take it.'Course I'm with you on MY motor,I'll keep my 460.
Originally Posted by Mil1ion
10MPG,
Those links that I posted in Post #18?
...you were supposed to click on them to see these awesome parts that you say aren't available.
There is a user on here that has a 400 that puts out over 700 HP with these so called unavailable parts.
My 400 went 319,000 Km before the timing gears & chain were stripped so bad it would run.
The 351M/400 had oiling issues but that can be rectified.
Research !
Me, I'll stay with my 429
Those links that I posted in Post #18?
...you were supposed to click on them to see these awesome parts that you say aren't available.
There is a user on here that has a 400 that puts out over 700 HP with these so called unavailable parts.
My 400 went 319,000 Km before the timing gears & chain were stripped so bad it would run.
The 351M/400 had oiling issues but that can be rectified.
Research !
Me, I'll stay with my 429
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 321
Likes: 0
the fe is in the truck now and I will have to get another bellhousing and flywheel and clutch then switch the motor mounts back over to the 400. If I keep the 390 then I got to get heads exhaust manifolds and block a whole nother engine. I am thinking the 400 will be the cheaper way to go for now and it is just going to to be a work truck so big horsepower isnt for right now I just need to do something soon so that I can get back and forth to work. Thank you guys for all your advise and opinions it has been a great help. I didnt expect this to go on this long I can tell everyone is a true didicated ford person.
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 748
Likes: 0
From: North US Border, Canada
Originally Posted by 10MPG
Didn't see any aftermarket cranks.Most 351m/400s I've seen puke is due to crank failure.All the good stuff you can bolt on a motor doesn't matter if the bottom end won't take it.'Course I'm with you on MY motor,I'll keep my 460.
Madmike33
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Elder User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 748
Likes: 0
From: North US Border, Canada
Originally Posted by jseim44
If you go 400 now and want big, cheap power later.....guess what? You have the right bellhousing for a 460 (or 514, or 557, or 806 pro hemi
)
)Madmike33
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,771
Likes: 0
From: St. Libory
Yes, they do have the same bellhousing pattern. I'm not sure about clutch etc though. You better go to the 400 or 460 forum (or start a new thread in the 73-79 forum) and ask there, as they will be able to help.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 8,542
Likes: 5
From: Louisiana
Originally Posted by Madmike33
Exactly, you can modify that 400 to as much HP and TQ as you want, but what kind of abuse will you put it through, and how long will it hold together. I know I won't be too worried about my FE at the strip.
Madmike33
Madmike33
The 400s in 78 79 trucks never had a problem with a cracked block or anything you said. Now, there was a problem in the 400 blocks before 78, some would crack and that reputation just stayed with them.
Now, you said earlyer you know your 390 would be fine with 700 hp. That is basically bull s***, but what ever, I'm not saying a 400 could do it, actually I'm saying the only engine that I would trust with 600-700 HP and drive on the road often would be the 460.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,600
Likes: 4
From: Iowa
Easy here, it's all how you build 'em.
Also, here's some info on FE's. Be sure to read the whole thing.
http://www.doveengineparts.com/documents/30.html
His home page is:
http://www.doveengineparts.com/
Also, here's some info on FE's. Be sure to read the whole thing.
http://www.doveengineparts.com/documents/30.html
His home page is:
http://www.doveengineparts.com/