Converting 351m to 400
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Converting 351m to 400
Hello. After looking at all the engine swap options for my 77, I believe i've decided just to keep the engine I have and try to freshen it up a bit. The engine has served me so well for so many years that it's hard to believe the bad things I hear about these engines (and frankly I just dont). My truck has a 351m in it and I would like to convert it into a 400. Was hoping that someone had done this in the past and could tell me what would be involved. It seems like a pretty simple project from what i've heard. Would appreciate any information or pictures.
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Basic change: Crank and pistons.
Better: Crank and some higher compression pistons. Timing set with "straight up" cam timing. Modern cam, perhaps RV type. Aftermarket heads if you want to go nuts. Aftermarket manifold and carb. Maybe headers. There might be an oiling upgrade.
Info, but remember, buy something, don't call and ask for free advice:
TMeyer, Inc. - 400 Ford Engine Project
This is why you don't call for free advice, btw:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/8...is-a-jerk.html
Better: Crank and some higher compression pistons. Timing set with "straight up" cam timing. Modern cam, perhaps RV type. Aftermarket heads if you want to go nuts. Aftermarket manifold and carb. Maybe headers. There might be an oiling upgrade.
Info, but remember, buy something, don't call and ask for free advice:
TMeyer, Inc. - 400 Ford Engine Project
This is why you don't call for free advice, btw:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/8...is-a-jerk.html
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Thank you for that information. I dont really want to go completely crazy with mods. Reliability and drivability are more of a priority to me at this point as this truck is a daily driver. I'll check out that website.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Arlington,Wa
2X what was posted before. I made mine a 400 from the 351M. My only regret is not getting flat top pistons....Oh wait...I didn't have access to the internet back then, nor did I know anything about TMI. All my info was gleaned from car mags that rarely talked about these engines and I guess, a basic idea that improved breathing would result in more power.
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What is meant by an RV cam? And also, is the valve timing retarded from the factory on the 351m? Is that why a straight up timing set would give me an advantage? That website seems to really like the austrailian cylinder heads. They seem nice, i didnt realize they had different heads than us.
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351m has retarded cam timing.
Cam shaft science has advanced quite a bit over the years. You might find a cam that maintains low end and adds the ability to run out to 5000rpm for serious power, for example. (my grandpa's LTD II shifted at 3500 rpm at WOT, so you know these weren't built for HP) You'll have to search that out via the TMI site and cam manufacturer's sites. Maybe you'll get some advice on it here.
Cam shaft science has advanced quite a bit over the years. You might find a cam that maintains low end and adds the ability to run out to 5000rpm for serious power, for example. (my grandpa's LTD II shifted at 3500 rpm at WOT, so you know these weren't built for HP) You'll have to search that out via the TMI site and cam manufacturer's sites. Maybe you'll get some advice on it here.
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when i did my 77 i went with edlebrocks performer intake and cam, put a holley 650 and shaved the heads 10 thousenths also bored it 40 over. it ran very smooth and had plenty of power and was very reliable.
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