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-   1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks (https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/forum38/)
-   -   351M / 400 quick question (https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1486128-351m-400-quick-question.html)

Number4 04-16-2017 07:34 AM

351M / 400 quick question
 
Trying to identify my engine (79 F250) I believe I've narrowed it down to either the 351m or the 400. I say this, because the T Stat housing is on top the intake with vertical bolts.

That said, asumming it to be either engine, are the belts, hoses and ignition parts all the same?


It sounds mean, but this thing is not a race car, that's for sure.

J ballan 04-16-2017 08:37 AM


Originally Posted by Number4 (Post 17117959)
Trying to identify my engine (79 F250) I believe I've narrowed it down to either the 351m or the 400. I say this, because the T Stat housing is on top the intake with vertical bolts.

That said, asumming it to be either engine, are the belts, hoses and ignition parts all the same?


It sounds mean, but this thing is not a race car, that's for sure.

Yes externally they are the same.

77&79F250 04-16-2017 08:56 AM

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...ml#post1485519

351C/M/400 335 series: 8 bolts in rectangular valve covers. Timing chain housing is part of block. Thermostat housing on block. Exhaust bolt holes diagonal.

351M/400 335 series: intake is 12.7" wide the 351C is narrow. The 351M and 400 are identical externally, only internal parts examination can tell them apart. Or measure the stroke.

351W/302/5.0L 6 bolts on trapezoidal valve covers. Thermostat housing on intake. Exhaust bolt holes horizontal.

429/460 385 series: 7 bolts in rectangular valve cover
352/360/390/427/428 FE series: Intake goes under valve covers.

Number4 04-16-2017 09:41 AM

Thanks for he info guys. I'll look a little more. Original sale dox in glove box says it came with a 460.

Number4 04-16-2017 10:14 AM

7 bolts on drivers valve cover.

PapaBearYuma 04-16-2017 10:21 AM


Originally Posted by Number4 (Post 17118284)
7 bolts on drivers valve cover.

Doesn't seem common, but occasionally a dealer would do an engine swap for a customer. What does your VIN say? J is 460, S is 400 and H is 351

If the engine has been swapped, the VIN remains the same, so the VIN is not the final word-just a starting point

NumberDummy 04-16-2017 10:28 AM


Originally Posted by Number4 (Post 17117959)
Trying to identify my engine (79 F250) I believe I've narrowed it down to either the 351m or the 400. I say this, because the T Stat housing is on top the intake with vertical bolts.

That said, asumming it to be either engine, are the belts, hoses and ignition parts all the same?

351M/400 share the same block casting number because the blocks are the same.

351C/351M/400: There is no timing cover per se, just a flat engine cover plate. The fuel pump bolts to the left side of the engine block in a 6 & 12 o'clock pattern.

4th digit of the VIN is the engine code: H = 351M / S = 400. But this only holds true if the engine is the original.

To determine the engine size, measure the stroke. 351M = 3.50" / 400 = 4.00."

Number4 04-16-2017 12:00 PM

3 Attachment(s)
Yeah, I'd read about removing the #1 plug and measuring tdc, piston travel, something of the sorts.

4th character is a J on vin, which matches the owners info. But the 469 has the water outlet on the front of the block?

Not trying to make another identification thread. I'll have to go back and read the previous ones. I thought the 460 had 7 bolt valve covers though, but the water outlet was bolted horizontal.

NumberDummy 04-16-2017 12:08 PM

J = 460 4V

429/460 = 7 valve cover bolts per side, fuel pump bolts to the timing cover.

351M/400 = 8 valve cover bolts per side.

Idaho Highboy 04-16-2017 12:11 PM

I've performed the stroke test and believe it's the easiest way to tell a 351 from a 400. While it takes two people (or a starter solenoid switch trigger) and a small dowel, it's as simple as:
- removing a spark plug and the coil wire
- "bumping" the engine until the removed-plug cylinder piston is top dead center
- marking your dowel
- bumping the engine until the removed-plug cylinder piston bottoms out, then
- mark the dowel and measure the difference / distance of your stroke.

Just make sure that your dowel is plenty long so you don't drop it into the cylinder }>

Also, a 460 looks completely different. The valve covers almost have a straight-vertical look to them. Hope this helps...

PapaBearYuma 04-16-2017 12:16 PM

The 360/390 has the water neck on the front of the block

On the 460, the thermostat housing bolts to the intake manifold

also, the dipstick for 2wd 460 is in the timing cover, and is annoyingly close to the heater hoses

congratulations, my friend-you have a 460!

redcreekauto 04-16-2017 12:25 PM


Originally Posted by Number4 (Post 17118502)
Yeah, I'd read about removing the #1 plug and measuring tdc, piston travel, something of the sorts.

4th character is a J on vin, which matches the owners info. But the 469 has the water outlet on the front of the block?

Not trying to make another identification thread. I'll have to go back and read the previous ones. I thought the 460 had 7 bolt valve covers though, but the water outlet was bolted horizontal.


Photos are of a 460. Thermostat housing is on the intake manifold.

Number4 04-16-2017 01:01 PM

Well, the 351M and 400's didn't seem to have much horse power, hadn't even looked at that of the 460. Not sure which powerplant is the most desirable.

This is just a fun truck, no daily driver. So gas mileage doesn't mean anything.

Thanks for all your help guys!


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