Hey all,

I am contemplating the purchase of a 1980 F350 for towing. It is 100% unaltered and original. It has never had any engine or anything. Here is the VIN #:
x35zkgg3348


I tried using the VIN decoder on this site but it comes up as information not valid. They say this engine has a 351 Windsor in it, but I think they are just reading 351 on the valve cover. The valve covers are the 335 series engine and unless I'm wrong I know they never put a 351 Windsor in the pickups until 82 when they brought them back and phased out the 335 series altogether. This could be a 351 Modified, but from what I've found out most all like 69% were 400s and only 17% were 351Ms. Can anyone clarify for sure? Thanks in advance. ~SG

 

your missing 6 numbers and or letters

 

1980 VIN has 11 digits~1981/ has 17 digits (info: Ford truck parts book 1980/89)

X35 = F350 Super Cab Pickup

Z = 400 cid V8

K = Kansas City Assembly Plant

GG3348 = 1980

8 valve cover bolts on 351C/351M/400 / 6 on 351W / Fuel pump mounting bolts: 3 and 9 o'clock on most everything / 12 and 6 o'clock on 351C/351M/400

 

Go Bill !!!!...He's the MAN....

 

lmc truck has a vin decoder for future reference.

 

Hey Bill,

Thanks for the decode. It would appear that this truck has the biggest engine available and is in immaculate condition/one owner truck. I only wish it was a 460. I haven't heard many good things about the 400. I have owned everything but a 335 series engine and I know they don't have the bottom end of the FE and 385 series engines from what I've learned. Thanks again.~Shaun

 

You've been talking to the 390 and 460 guys haven't you?

Change out the timing gear for straight up timing instead of the retarded stock setup. You'll be surprised at how well the engine does for you. No glitz and no respect, these engines just keep chugging along. They get a lot of bad press from people who don't know better.

 

Hey Mtflat,

I have heard that also. I have heard if you install a timing gear set from the 71-72 models it will work wonders. The 1971-72 were undoubtedly the strongest 400 engines when they came out in the LTDs. My personal experience with preferring the 460 is from trucks I have owned. I have had several FEs and 460's as well and even one 429 in a 68 Tbird. It's hard to outtow a 460 and a 390. I still tow a lot with a 390 in my 65 F250. It has 300BHP heads from a 64 Tbird and would make it hard pressed for a strong 400 to match on it's best day; but I respect the 335 series and know they have potential as well. ~Shaun

 

hail almighty bill sorry about that, my bad

 

~Shaun

Nothing wrong with a 400 that a cam, and 4V intake can't fix. Both are available (today) from Jegs, Summit. The 400 will wake up and rival a stock 460 in torque.

Cleveland (335) engines had a bad reputation because they were misunderstood and not very well supported in the aftermarket, but all of that has changed. The (335) lineup design was from racing lineage, but ended up in trucks for their grunt factor. Rodders are starting to turn to the 400's for their torque. The Aussie heads have better flow but newer versions in aluminum are superior. For the price of a stock 460 you can modify a 400 to push some serious horsepower and torque.

 

yes the 400 and 351m both get bad raps, but my 78 was a good motor, i rebuilt it .030 over, weiand aluminum intake, full length headers, i had 330hp and still got 15mpg with 36" tires. i spent less than $1500 on that motor, doing the reassembly work myself. these motors can put up respectable numbers and are a dime a dozen in scrapyards.

 

Hey Bill, I see you beat to this one

 

Since the aftermarket adapted and created the 3 position keyway ,you don't need the 71/72 application anymore. you simply install the gears ....Straight up.

 

Dennis, note the time of post: 5:37 AM (2:37 AM PST). Rust and Bill never sleep.

 

Hey Dennis,

So in other words I can just go straight to Napa and order a new timing chain/gear set and it will already be the older style set? Explain that 3 position keyway to me. How does it differ from what would've been in the 80 F350 from the factory? Thanks, SHAUN