I have a couple questions that I am hoping to get some good responses. I would be considered a novice when it comes to mechanical skills, so I have gathered as much information as possible from mechanics and by following this site for the last 6 months.
I took the engine out of my truck myself, dissasembled it and have delivered it to the machine shop. I am having a hard time deciding what to do with this engine. There are so many different ideas on the approach to a re-build. Some are telling me that if I don't rebuild it stock then I shouldn't expect longevity. Others are saying go all out and the engine will still last.
OK long story, sorry.
Here are the questions. If I increase compression around 9:1 and get a little more "aggressive" cam can I still expect a motor that is going to last 100,000 miles (it lasted 173,000 this time).
Second question. Can someone help me to understand the specifications given on cams so I will half way understand what I am getting.
I have talked to two motor rebuilders and have a copy of the Sept. 98 Hot Rod magazine. They all three strongly suggest a different cam.
The truck is a 1979 F-250 4x4. It is a daily driver that sometimes, but seldom pulls anything.

 

unless you feel the need to do some showing off in the street, just do a stock rebuild. you can use the money to buy headers, flowmasters, chrome parts, tranny cooler, new cd player, etc..
you may want to have a three angle valve grind and hardened valve sets installed. maybe a high volumm oil pump and water pump.
a 400m is a pretty awsome motor when compared to most vehecles.

 

I recently rebuilt my 351 as a 400 with the Edelbrock Manifold and cam kit found in the Summit catalog, or on their website. It's the kit with 204 degrees of intake and 214 degrees of exhaust. I am not running 9:1 compression, but this engine makes more than enough power, gets better gas mileage than the overbuilt 351, and with a set of headers and big block Flowmasters, can intimidate almost anything on the street. I am running a 750cfmholley 4160, which is a bit much, i should have gone with a 600. Overall, I am nothing but happy with it, and it starts before the engine can complete one revolution every time. Hope this helps a little, it's not quiet stock, but not radicle at the same time. Alos, a high volume oil pump shouldn't even be debated, it should be a necessity.

 

Read the tech article about the 400 written by Dave Resch. If you use quality parts and don't go too wild on the cam, 100,000 should be no problem unless it's driven very hard or abused.

<a href="https://www.ford-trucks.com/articles/mblock.html">https://www.ford-trucks.com/articles/mblock.html</a>

good luck,
dale

 

I had the same questions....just had mine rebuilt as of yet to get everything together and running. I plan on using it as a beater with very little towing. So, my machinist suggested an RV cam with RV lifters, hardened valve seats, etc. etc. I am putting a 500cfm Holley, headers, and flowmasters on there too. Also, have a posi-4:11 rear with 2.75 gears in it (that way when I bought it) so things like that will help with gas mileage. Just change the oil and take care of it - keep it cool! - and you should get 100k with some upgrades from stock.

 

I think you have a lot of info now. First decide what you want out of the truck, and how much money you have to spend. The 400 is a lot of motor to start with, and that motor is usually in a 4X4. The cam is a timing device that opens the valves. Cams can be set up to open them more and less, quicker and slower.

If a daily driver is what you do most, and you don't horse it around much then do a straight rebuild. If you want racey, go to the web pages of Edlebrock, Crane, and the like and read up on the specks. Match your drive train to your driving habits.


John

66 F100s
In the still cool hours of the night, you can hear chevys rusting away.