79 4x4 engine swap
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79 4x4 engine swap
I always wanted to try a 6 cyl. Perkins turbo diesel but never had the guts to do the conversion. This might be your time. They weigh about what a 400M weighs and have good power. Don't know about using an automatic transmission with them.... Oh well, there is always a good 351W out there waiting and wouldn't be as much hassle.
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79 4x4 engine swap
If you swap away from the M family, and you don't want to have to change your tranny, then your choices are 429/460. FE motors 352,360,390,428 have a different bellhousing pattern. 240,300,302,351W,351C use the small block bellhousing pattern.
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New User
Joined: Nov 1999
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79 4x4 engine swap
>I always wanted to try a 6
>cyl. Perkins turbo diesel but never
>had the guts to do the
>conversion. This might be your time.
>They weigh about what a 400M
>weighs and have good power. Don't
>know about using an automatic transmission
>with them.... Oh well, there is
>always a good 351W out there
>waiting and wouldn't be as much
>hassle.
Would like to keep trans/transfer case workin on a limited buget. But thanx, never thought of desil..2beers
>cyl. Perkins turbo diesel but never
>had the guts to do the
>conversion. This might be your time.
>They weigh about what a 400M
>weighs and have good power. Don't
>know about using an automatic transmission
>with them.... Oh well, there is
>always a good 351W out there
>waiting and wouldn't be as much
>hassle.
Would like to keep trans/transfer case workin on a limited buget. But thanx, never thought of desil..2beers
New User
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 15
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79 4x4 engine swap
>Have a 351m that just blew up.
>What would be a good replacement?
>Would like to stay away from
>"M" motors unless they made a
>good one! Trans is a C6
>auto......2beers@primeline.net
I just replaced the 351m in my 79 F150 Supercab. I went with the same engine. So far it has been a good engine. Plenty of power. There are few engines I would trade for it. However if you use the truck for anything less than hauling, I would go with a 240 6cyl. 4-speed tranny. Lots of pulling power and better gas mileage.
>What would be a good replacement?
>Would like to stay away from
>"M" motors unless they made a
>good one! Trans is a C6
>auto......2beers@primeline.net
I just replaced the 351m in my 79 F150 Supercab. I went with the same engine. So far it has been a good engine. Plenty of power. There are few engines I would trade for it. However if you use the truck for anything less than hauling, I would go with a 240 6cyl. 4-speed tranny. Lots of pulling power and better gas mileage.
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New User
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79 4x4 engine swap
240 6 would be good.... but, want to keep same C6 and transfer case as I do a little bit of heavy hauling and off roading. Changing Trans would cost more than what I have to play with and not sure I want to go in that direction. I would like to find a straight bolt in replacement with little or No modifications. The "M" motors all have same problems -Poor Performance (Thanx To Emmissions) -No cooling for Crankshaft (Poor Design) -Poor Gas Mileage (Due to all the above) Really looking for a little more power with an engine I can still get parts for (reasonably). I think "M" blocks were discontinued in 79. But Thanx.....2beers
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Freshman User
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79 4x4 engine swap
The 351M, 351C, 351 Boss, and 400 are in the same family. Only these motors will work using your bellhousing. 351C is a good choice in 2v model as the heads on 4v are huge and not suited for trucks. Some swear by 400s. I know of a 351C with the 400 crank and its a stroker motor. Its a rip snorter in a 67 Bronco. If your willing to change the trans than go with the 460. Its a factory option in your year, easy to install and all you need is a good C6 core housing "460 or 429" only, and transfer your M series C6 internals. I have done the swap several times and its a no brainer. You want power? Stock 460 will make your 351M seem like a Briggs & Stratton. Rick
Junior User
Joined: Jul 1999
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79 4x4 engine swap
the 79 4x4 needs to use L&L mounts cause the frame rails are 4" narrower. the 460 will bolt to the 351M c6. i had to replace the passenger side exhaust to a truck manifold and then the exhaust bolted right up. i used an MSD ignition and never did hook up the kickdown rod. the pwer steering was the biggist pain to fix a mount for, it kept breaking bolts. i found a crimp in the driveshaft pulley. L&L sells a new mount.
If you put some 9:1 piwstons, a performer cam and manifold in a 400m, you might just have what you are looking for. carcraft has done some healthy rebuilds with very few trick parts.
If you put some 9:1 piwstons, a performer cam and manifold in a 400m, you might just have what you are looking for. carcraft has done some healthy rebuilds with very few trick parts.
Freshman User
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79 4x4 engine swap
I am confused. I have done several of these swaps and never have I seen a 351m trans that would bolt to a 460. And the 79 frame rails are narrower? Than what? 460s came in 79 4xs. They bolt right in with the correct perches, and tranny. You can certainly make a 400 run awesom and mostly by using Clevland goodies. The most popular and cheapest horsepower gain is 460 bar none. I personally like 428 and I installed one in my 79 but that is a chore and the motors are spendy to build. What ever you decide to put in the truck you will enjoy the process as it really gets you familiar with your truck. You will now alot about it when your done. Rick
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From: ulysses united states
79 4x4 engine swap
Actually, you could put just about any ford motor in it. I put a 302 (fuel injected) in my truck which is a '79 frame(originally 400) with a '69 body. I bought a small block C-6 from a buddy and swapped the tailshafts, and it bolts right up to the transfer case. I'd imagine the same thing goes for FE C-6's.
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79 4x4 engine swap
Here is a break down of the Ford "families"
Small Block Family
221
260
289
289-HP
302
302-Boss
351 Windsor
FE Big Blocks
332
352
360
361
390
391
406
410
427
428
Cleaveland Family "335 family"
351 Cleveland
351-Boss
351-M
400
The 385 Engine Family
429
429-Boss
460
Each family reresents different engine block and head designs. You will find few if any parts that will interchange from one family to another. Certainly not transmissions. I left out CJ versions due to space. But If anyone thinks that a 385 series motor"429,460" will bolt up to a 335 series Bell Housing is mistaken. I have seen several trucks with 400s and the owners swear they have a 460 because thats what they were told when they bought it. Call Ford.
Small Block Family
221
260
289
289-HP
302
302-Boss
351 Windsor
FE Big Blocks
332
352
360
361
390
391
406
410
427
428
Cleaveland Family "335 family"
351 Cleveland
351-Boss
351-M
400
The 385 Engine Family
429
429-Boss
460
Each family reresents different engine block and head designs. You will find few if any parts that will interchange from one family to another. Certainly not transmissions. I left out CJ versions due to space. But If anyone thinks that a 385 series motor"429,460" will bolt up to a 335 series Bell Housing is mistaken. I have seen several trucks with 400s and the owners swear they have a 460 because thats what they were told when they bought it. Call Ford.