400/351c

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Feb 8, 2003 | 12:45 AM

swmwgt

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400/351c

I am rebilding a 400, its in a 81 F250. I need to be able to drive it to work, it needs to be able to start in cold weather and last as long as posible. With that said I'd like it to respond well and have the ability tow a respectable load. I'm going to try to get a set of those flat top pistons for a 9:1 CR. I'll have the crank assm. ballenced. So far it looks like I'll keep my stock heads and have the seats ground because of cost and hassle.
I'm looking for a intake system I'm leaning to Edlebrock Preformer 4BBl. and since Carter went out of bissness a EdleBrock 600-650 carb???
I'm also looking for a CAM. First i was told to go with an RV style but later that it was hard on the valve train. Then I was told about a 4BBL. Clevland Cam used in the old 351C.
Am I on the right track?

81 F-250; 400(in pieces)

Feb 8, 2003 | 01:09 AM

kopfenjager

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From: In the woods of Oregon

400/351c

Good luck with the pistons. I called ertel and they are a wholesaler. They said they have them on their computer, but I needed to go thru R.J. templeton in my local area. I called r.j. and they said they were back ordered for a while due to the chapt 11 with ertel ect. I then called my buddy, works for carquest here in Roseburg, and asked him to talk to R.J. and ertel to find out what is going on. They do have the 268 indv. pistons, but they are in set of 2-3 pistons in wherehouses spread across America. Thats the latest story I have heard. If anybody has more info or if I am wrong please let me know I am rebuilding my 400 ford right now and it looks lik I am bushing my rods for cleveland pistons. Now I just need to figure out wich ones will give me 9 to 1. Good luck and happy hunting on those pistons.

Feb 8, 2003 | 11:05 AM

shazam

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From: Porterfield

400/351c

With open chamber heads I'd go with the 10 to 1 351c pop up pistons bush the pins and run the RV cam you first picked .
Polishing the cabustion chamber will help with dentation on those hotter days, and you might end up running premium on those days also to help out.

Feb 8, 2003 | 02:42 PM

swmwgt

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400/351c

Thanks, any ideas on the intake man. and carb?
Also does any one have the formula for changing gearing? Behind the 400 is a C6 trany, transfercase that run into a set of 4:10 rear ends. I'm thinking 3:73 but am not sure how much that will change speed vs. rpm at 60-70 mph.

Feb 8, 2003 | 07:44 PM

Torque1st

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400/351c

A friend of mine just ordered the pistons from Ertel thru a local warehouse. They are drop shipping them COD. You have to be perisistent and quit taking NO for an answer. A set of 8 was about $125 if I remember what he said right.

Use an Edelbrock or a Weiand manifold and an Edelbrock 600 cfm carb #1406.

Last edited by Torque1st; Feb 8, 2003 at 08:13 PM.

Feb 9, 2003 | 02:56 AM

kopfenjager

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From: In the woods of Oregon

400/351c

Thanx I will try again tomorrow. I wil tell them I just talked to someone and that they said I could have them drop shipped for about 125 or so. Thanx, let you know how it turns out! These pistons will make my build alot easier.