Which is better??
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 1999
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Which is better??
I need everyones opinion on a problem. My 351M in my 77 4x4 is failing and I am going to need a new powerplant here pretty quick. I was wondering if I should rebuild the 351M and make it a 400 or should I save 800 bucks and make some mods and put the 360 in that is on the shop floor now? The 360 is in good shape(no oil on the covers or block). How much HP could I expect from the 360 since it is bone stock? Is it possible to slip in a cam at all without completely dissasembling the block? Finally will my current exhaust match up to the manifolds on the 360? Sorry for the 20 questions but I am in a money bind now and I just want the best for my pickup.
Fordman
Fordman
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 1,360
Likes: 1
From: Iowa
Which is better??
In order to perform this swap, you'll need a tranny/bellhousing to match the FE, matching pulleys and accesories for the FE, new motor mounts, and mabye a radiator? Not sure about the radiator. It will be much easier to rebuild or replace your 351m with another 351m or a 400. Especially if you're on a budget.
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 2,297
Likes: 1
From: Indiana
Which is better??
I would go with the 400. Its a good truck engine, it makes good torque also 
. The 360 would take a lot of changing to make it work. Are you wanting a new engine? You could probably find a good used one.If you can't find a 400 from a 4x4,you can use one from a car or 4x2 pickup, then just use your oil pan,dip stick and tube, oil pump and sump along with the main bearing stud-bolt combo that holds up the long sump,and accessories. Also plug the hole where the old dip stick was on the front of the motor. Drop it in.
. The 360 would take a lot of changing to make it work. Are you wanting a new engine? You could probably find a good used one.If you can't find a 400 from a 4x4,you can use one from a car or 4x2 pickup, then just use your oil pan,dip stick and tube, oil pump and sump along with the main bearing stud-bolt combo that holds up the long sump,and accessories. Also plug the hole where the old dip stick was on the front of the motor. Drop it in.
More Turbo
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 582
Likes: 5
From: New Orleans United States
Which is better??
I recently swapped the 351 for a 400 in my truck. It is worth it. The 400 has a 4" stroke compared to the 351" 3.5", the 429's 3.59, and the 460's 3.85" stroke. So, the 400 could make the most torque of the bunch when modified correctly on a limited budget. A 650 Holley with a dual plane is the best bet for this engine. Yesterday, I installed the MSD 6A ignition. All I can say is that it is the easiest modification for the money spent. The power increase is felt immediately and everything plugs right in. This engine can easily make close to 500 ft-lbs of torque when built properly and that's what counts in trucks.
More Turbo
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 582
Likes: 5
From: New Orleans United States
Which is better??
The 6A is a high voltage ignition that delivers multiple sparks for 20 degrees of crank rotation below 3000RPM to ensure a good burn. Over 3000, it is one continuous spark for 20 degrees to do the same. You have to gap the plugs open to .055 to get the full increase in performance. Here is the list of part numbers and cost from summit:
1) MSD-6200 Ignition Control 6A $131.95
2) MSD-8202 Blaster 2 coil for 6A $28.50
3) MSD-8896 Cable assy 2 pin $15.50 this is the adapter to plug the 6A directly into the wires out of the ford ditributor.
The hardest part was finding a large enough flat spot on the fender to mount the box. I ended up taking aluminum plate and angle and making a perch for it on the drivers side behind the battery tray. Total time to install: 1 hour 20 minutes.
The 6AL is the same part except it has a rev limiter that you can plug chips into to limit the revs at 100RPM increments. it's about 50 bucks more. Hope this helps. To demonstrate the increase, the truck has 35" tires and 3:50 gears. It used to bog off the line when stomped. Now it breaks both back tires loose and tries to go sideways from a standstill.
1) MSD-6200 Ignition Control 6A $131.95
2) MSD-8202 Blaster 2 coil for 6A $28.50
3) MSD-8896 Cable assy 2 pin $15.50 this is the adapter to plug the 6A directly into the wires out of the ford ditributor.
The hardest part was finding a large enough flat spot on the fender to mount the box. I ended up taking aluminum plate and angle and making a perch for it on the drivers side behind the battery tray. Total time to install: 1 hour 20 minutes.
The 6AL is the same part except it has a rev limiter that you can plug chips into to limit the revs at 100RPM increments. it's about 50 bucks more. Hope this helps. To demonstrate the increase, the truck has 35" tires and 3:50 gears. It used to bog off the line when stomped. Now it breaks both back tires loose and tries to go sideways from a standstill.
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More Turbo
Joined: Dec 1999
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From: New Orleans United States
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 1999
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From: Lower 48
Which is better??
I would definitely stick with the M block, not only is there alot involved with the conversion to an FE the 360 is junk! In order to get any performance out of the 360 you're going to have to convert it to a 390. Since you're already set up for the M block you'll be alot farther ahead to just convert your existing engine to a 400
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Trail Rider