Would a 400 M be a good engine?
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Tuned
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 491
Likes: 6
From: Eastern Washington
Would a 400 M be a good engine?
My long term goals will be to acquire an older ford crew cab 67-76 and was thinking about putting in a 400 M. Uses will be camping, pulling a camper/trailer, 4 wheelers. Would bhe 400 M be adequate for this type of work? Are parts plentiful? Should I get an earlier 400 without the EGR or if I get a later model can I take it off? Are there good reference books about rebuilding a 400? Appreciate your advice.
Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 14,325
Likes: 14
From: Island Southeast Alaska
I never liked the 351M/400. Apparently Ford didn't either as they didn't use them long. The Clever in the 335 series is much better. Why not use an FE as it is made for your application and will bolt in or prolly be there when ya find the truck you want. You will have to change a lot and modify even more to use a 335. JMHO. The 351M/400 was just a big smog pump till ya built it so it could breath. The 400 is not called an M like the 351M. The M was used on the 351M to differentiate it from the Windsor and Clever is all. Some folks here get very upset when ya call a 400 a 400M.
An FE or 300I6 is a way better tow engine. A 335 can be made to do what ya want but the FE that came in them trucks already can without any Modifications from stock. Again just my opinion.
An FE or 300I6 is a way better tow engine. A 335 can be made to do what ya want but the FE that came in them trucks already can without any Modifications from stock. Again just my opinion.
New User
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 17
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I built a 400 as a race engine. 78 T-bird ran 12.8 in the quarter mile all day long. Drive up, drive back...
That 4" stroke is great for moving weight. I kept the two barrel heads and went with a 4 bbl carb and intake. Got 22 MPG on the highway cruising.
Good thing is most 351 C parts swap in to it. I ran 351 CJ pistons in open chamber heads., Made about 12:1 compression. (13.5:1 in closed chamber heads)
Too bad you are so far away. I am just now selling alll my race parts and a newer 400 block and crank that needs machining to fit the .030 over pistons in.
Give me a shout at jndragcity@yahoo.com if you have Ford 400 questions. I kept pretty good notes when I originally built mine.
Joe.
That 4" stroke is great for moving weight. I kept the two barrel heads and went with a 4 bbl carb and intake. Got 22 MPG on the highway cruising.
Good thing is most 351 C parts swap in to it. I ran 351 CJ pistons in open chamber heads., Made about 12:1 compression. (13.5:1 in closed chamber heads)
Too bad you are so far away. I am just now selling alll my race parts and a newer 400 block and crank that needs machining to fit the .030 over pistons in.
Give me a shout at jndragcity@yahoo.com if you have Ford 400 questions. I kept pretty good notes when I originally built mine.
Joe.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 142
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I really like the 400, I originally went shopping for my f250 4x4 with the intintion of finding a FE powered truck but got a good deal on the 77 with the 400. With a modest amount of work it has turned into a real good haulin machine. I have had my ups and downs with its reliability but that has been because of previous owner BS and not the overall engine. I am really happy with the performance/economy of the engine even in its stock form it had plenty of power and capability.
I am now thinking about building another 400 for my truck so I know what I have
I am now thinking about building another 400 for my truck so I know what I have
Thread Starter
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Tuned
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 491
Likes: 6
From: Eastern Washington
Thanks for the replies. Joe, I will keep your address for questions. I probably plan on getting one this fall. I was reading the Classic Truck Article in Feb 2010 about how a stock 400 with just a swap to 4 barrel intake and carb could generate 301 HP and 429 lb-ft so easily. Thats kind of what I wanted to do. I like the long stroke and torque production for pulling. Thanks again.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,931
Likes: 2
From: Ohio
yea if you don't go with the 400 for whatever reason, get a true 390 (not a 360) although both are great. i have one in my 75 f100 4x4 with a t-18 four speed riding on 35's. the truck is rated at 5700lbs and that engine has NO problem what so ever moving itself. If i had a 5th gear 100+mph wouldn't be a problem!
. If you go with the 400, get a better intake, carb, headers and exhaust and it should be much better already.
. If you go with the 400, get a better intake, carb, headers and exhaust and it should be much better already.
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