351M engine swap
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
351M engine swap
I have a 1983 F-150 4x4 with a 351 Windsor. I am thinking about buying a 351M and the tranny with a 9" rear end too. I would like to know what it would take to make that motor fit in my truck. I have seen them in F-250s that year.
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 1,485
Likes: 3
351M engine swap
I would suggest against that swap. The Windsor is the better motor, hands down. Also, there is a lot more aftermarket support for the Windsor motor. Its lighter and produces more HP stock than the M with potential for more. Stick with the Windsor, you wont be sorry.
Nathan
Nathan
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 2,416
Likes: 4
From: PacNW
351M engine swap
Well if you're going to put in a 351M then go with a 400. They're the same motor except for the displacement. You'll have to swap the tranny if it's an auto or the bellhousing if it's a manual. It has the same bolt pattern as a 460.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 241
Likes: 2
From: Holland, Michigan
351M engine swap
I have to agree with Nathan on this subject. The Windsor is by far a better motor and the M doesn't have a 10th the support the Windsor has. If you want to go with a difficult 351 to build, go with the Cleveland. Other than that, in my opinion you would be making a GRAVE mistake by swapping in the M for the Windsor.
Rob
"Stuck with a m*par, Settle for a ch*vy, Happy with a Ford!!!!"
Rob
"Stuck with a m*par, Settle for a ch*vy, Happy with a Ford!!!!"
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,127
Likes: 3
From: (near) Denver USA
351M engine swap
The 351M/400 M-blocks were discontinued after the 1982 model year. Since the M-blocks were available in '80-'82 F-trucks and Broncos, you can get engine mounts and other accessories from an '80-'82 F-truck or Bronco and will bolt right into any '80-'86 full-size truck.
If your truck is post-'82, you'll have to use an automatic tranny w/ the M-block. Starting in 1983, Ford switched to a hydraulic clutch and the M-block bell housing is set up for a mechanical clutch. If you want to do fabrication, anything's possible.
Since they were discontinued in 1982, putting an M-block in any truck made after that would not be emissions legal.
Since you have a 351W now, I'd just replace that w/ another 351W, or if emissions regs are not an issue, drop in a 460 if you want more poop.
If your truck is post-'82, you'll have to use an automatic tranny w/ the M-block. Starting in 1983, Ford switched to a hydraulic clutch and the M-block bell housing is set up for a mechanical clutch. If you want to do fabrication, anything's possible.
Since they were discontinued in 1982, putting an M-block in any truck made after that would not be emissions legal.
Since you have a 351W now, I'd just replace that w/ another 351W, or if emissions regs are not an issue, drop in a 460 if you want more poop.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
JoelJ
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
5
Sep 26, 2014 11:54 AM
upriverjoe
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
1
Jul 8, 2012 05:35 PM
redstrawbarry
Clutch, Transmission, Differential, Axle & Transfer Case
2
Dec 21, 2006 06:34 AM
