I have a 79 f150 that has an 84 400 with t18 tranny.That i want to get a little more out of. I was told that the single best performance mod i could do is to change the cam and timming gear set , even with the stock manifold and carb. Is this true? and if so would i have to change valve springs also or would the stock ones be ok if my heads are in good shape? I was thinking of a crane energizer.216/216 dur .524/.524 lift.part # 48-4206 in lmc truck parts book.it also said i need 8.75-10.0 comression. Will the stock compression ratio be enough.I will also be adding hedders and true duels to help the flow.Thank for any help.






Six strings and Ford trucks music to my ears.:-X11

 

I am doing a complete rebuild on my 400 and that is the cam i chose---to go back into my 77 f250 4x4-----If you will go to the Crane website-they show the cam and all the corresponding parts that are recommended to be installed with each individual cam as a complete setup----I was going to do a Top End redo and by the time i got thru evaluating everything I just decided to pull the whole motor out and do a complete buildup on the engine----i.e.---9:1 Ohio flattop pistons , install aset of same size stainless steel Manley valves , 3 angle valve job , hardened valve seats , crane energizer--272H10cam , valve springs , crane rocker arms w\Fulcrum conversion kit--and i decided to use a set of hardened crane push rods for longivity even though they were for the roller cam w\guide plates---probably overkill but good insurance in my opinion------and I chose aset of Sandersons headers----block huggers---very high quality---they were 505 delivered so nuthin cheap here---they are ceramic coated both inside and out---to send all that heat out the tailpipe and not into the cab on a 98 degree day in august---I live in texas---cheap headers are great in January but Hell in August----anyway you got to spend your kids 401-k if you want to "do it right"---goodluck , fd :-X11 ---check the prices at Summit before you start spending your money!!

 

fatdaddy thanks for all the info thats kind of what i was afraid of , that once i started on one thing it would lead to another and then another.I guess it will all have to wait for a while as it is my only means of transportation right now . Thanks and good luck with your project,

Six strings and Ford trucks music to my ears.

 

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 17-Feb-02 AT 08:31 PM (EST)]Yes A cam is the best but a new 4bbl. manifold and a new carb maybe 600-650 cfm and headers will make a definite difference! throw a two inch carb spacer and some hi-pro wires (I love my moroso blue max wires), side gap your plugs and advance your timing just a little and it could be good for 30hp which you will notice. It is all top of the motor and can be done at any time in any combo and power tips like power timimg your igition and side gapping plugs are free!!.

400m

 

 

Definately shop around if you do decide to get a cam. Ive noticed LMC is a little proud of its inventory.. Also I am pretty sure there is an auction on that exact Crane cam on E-bay.. Good Luck..

 

Yes--the Crane cam on e-bay is the #2 of 4 different grinds for the 351m\400 and he has it priced TOO HIGH by about--15-----You can order that Exact cam from summit with the lifters for $$-77---He is STARTING at 86 or some such---fd

 

I'd go with a smaller cam. I was running a similar in my old 78, on a fresh rebuild, and even with a 2400rpm stall converter it was ball less untill 3000rpm.. (31's and 3.50's)

Matt