.......building up for torque? I'm looking at buying a 1978 short bed SuperCab with a 351M in it. I'm debating on whether to build it with emphasis on torque (for towing) or tossing it in favor of a 460. Opinions anyone?


Thanks,
Mike

 

Not the best FORD engine, and not the worst. Not as many parts around for this engine, HiPo speaking. EDELBROCK can help you with the intake, and CARB. Alot of people will say go 600 CFM, you may want to stick with a 500 cfm, to keep the torque on the top end. 600 cfm may be to much for it, if it isn't a stroked engine.

1. Edelbrock INTAKE and CARB, and Phenolic Carb Spacer
2. 3 Way Valve Job, with hardened valve guides/seats, and match exhaust ports on heads w/ the ports on exhaust manifold's
3. Cam and Lifter Combo, and Timing Chain (Edelbrock)
4. Open Element 14" x 3" K&N Filter
5. Custom Dual Exhaust, w/ 2.25" aluminized pipe, w/ Dynomax Super Turbo mufflers
6. Electric fan, atleast 1600 cfm, drop the stock belt driven fan
7. Advance your timing, if needed, to accomodate the Cam, Carb, and Intake
8. MSD 6 Ignition, with Box, Coil, and Wires, and Distributor
9. Champion Truck Plugs (non platinum tip) Platinum will last longer, but gold or copper, are better spark conductor's
10. Edelbrock Street Fuel Pump
11. Hi volume oil pump
12. Hypereutectic pistons, and moly rings (.030" over)
13. If anyone makes a Stroker Kit, go with that
14. Alot of time and patience...

You can find any of these items at WWW.Edelbrock.com, then I would order your stuff from Jeg's or Summit Racing.

Hope this helps, if you need anything, just say the word.
R1968

 

I may just yank it in favor of a 460, torque should be no problem then huh ? What springs would I need to go with going the 460 route?

 

Going with a different engine, specifically a Big Block, brings alot more things to the table.



Did that year Model truck have a 460 option?

If not, does anyone make a Big Block conversion kit for your application (truck/engine)? IE., motor mounts, flywheel, transmission cross member, rearend size (will the current rearend handle the extra power/torque), and drive shaft length?

How about front end structural integrity? Will the current front end handle the extra weight?

Will you need to modify the firewall, to accomodate the Big Block engine?

There is the question of steering, and transmission shift linkage?

If this seems like alot, it is... There are many items to consider, when converting from a small to big block engine... It may be in your best interest just to Rebuild the 351M... Of course, it depends on how long you want to play with this project, before your able to enjoy the "Fruits of your Labor"...

Anything else, say the word...

R1968

 

A 351 'M', is a big block. A 351 "W" was the largest of the small
blocks.

 

I beleive that is right Marc. It is a 351 "Modified" as it was stated from the factory or a 400 cu/inch motor. They came in LTD's late 70's for sure, I helped my buddy drop one in his car. And yes, they have good trq!

 

Thanks Guys, for the clarification. I was pretty sure the 351M and 400 were the same Block. In the case of the GM 400, it is considered a small block. (atleast that's what my GM buddy tells me)

Either way, Does anyone know if it uses the same equipment as the 460. My Dad has a 460 in his F350, but unknown if they use same bellhousing, driveshaft, motor mounts.
I am strictly a small block owner. 351 W, and 289/302 is only motors I have really dove into.

Hope this helps you out, Gotpushrods?

R1968

 

I know I would have to put stouter springs in the front to support the 460, that's no problem. As for the rear end, it's got a 9" under it so I'm sure power/torque handling is again no problem. I'm considering having the local custom spring shop make me some new rear leaf springs(heavier duty) to help support the weight of a trailer. Total weight of trailer and car should be in the 5,000 lb range. As for which transmission will go behind it, I don't know, it's got a C6 in it. Will it bolt right up to a 460? Someone in the Tranny forum said yes.

 

:The c-6 should fit up to the 460 no problem.
internal engine components are quite different between the
351"M" and the 460.
My engine of choice is the old FE, in either the 390 or 428
C.I.. Either should be easy to locate in a salvage yard.
With only minor machine work (.030 clean up) and the proper after market performance items, Wieand intake, Holley or Edelbrock carb.,camshaft, and a timing gear set, and
a good exhaust system you are talking 370 to 400+ horses with
well over 475 lb/ft. of torque.
good luck.....
Marc

65 f-100 434 c.i. 425 horse cobra jet 12.23 106 on streets
2001 scres
2001 silver lightning 13.4 101 with minor mods and f-1's

 

Don't let this swap get more complicated than it is. Ford had 460's in F100, F150 and bigger. The sock parts are there. The 460 shouldn't weigh much more than the 351, couple hundred pounds at most. A mildly built 460 will be better than any other engine you could find. www.ford-trucks.com can help with more of your questions. The C6 will work with the 460.

 

I just asked for you over at ford-trucks,I got a response within a half hour.
Those guys over there are very knowledgeable about the earlier models!!
http://www.landlproducts.com They supply conversion kits that take most of the guesswork out of the swap.,,,,,98

 

As much as I would have liked to have the '78 SC, I'm going to have to pass on it. But lo and behold, while having lunch with my wife Thu., I picked up the paper and what did I find?, a 1977 F150XLT LWB, factory 460-4V equipped truck, factory air, factory mags(you'd know'em if you saw'em), original carpet and a nice straight body with virtually no rust whatsoever.........but that's exactly the way you'd expect it to be considering it's owned by a 77 yr old man who owned his own body shop for 40 years, right! This was his labor of love but he has simply gotten too old to fool with it anymore, only has one eye and a bad back now, so it's time to turn her loose. All the trim is off the truck as he was in the process of restoring it, but he has each and every piece and they are all in his storage barn. It even has what he says is a factory Ford fiberglass topper that he says came with the truck new. I never knew Ford even offered toppers from the factory, you guys ever heard of that? He says he's had folks want to buy just the topper, but he wouldn't let it go. I'm not real big on toppers, although it is nice as toppers go, so it will most likely go up for sale. He also gave me a folder loaded with reciepts that date back to the 80's for everything from a new muffler to brake booster to a complete overhaul of the motor in '87. It's got new brakes front and rear, practically new tires but it has been parked in his back yard for 2 years so they are pretty low. The battery is in the barn as well and needs to be charged,so me and my Fordnatic friend are going over Sat. morning to get her running so I can taker her home. Needless to say, I'm pretty stoked and so is my wife(she loves older trucks, if it was 4WD I'd be fighting her for it). All in all, even though I haven't heard it run, I think I got a good deal for the fair price of 1000.00, what do you guys think?


Mike

 

You run across deals like that once in a lifetime,jump on it before someone else does You lucky guy,hehehe.,,,,,98

 

That's a steal of a truck; still a good deal if it needed work. I'd prefer the 460 anyway for an aftermarket soup up. Good Luck on your purchase !!

 

got a 94 with with 140,000 on stock 351M. no leaks, drips or smoke even after sitting 2 days. True, i babby it but i often push it real hard too. My last one, i blew a rod with little warning, on the 300 6cyl at 80k, so i'm wondering, should i leave well enough alone, wait till it blows, wait till i hear something funny, or do a bottom end rebuild now. still has good compression and runs like a clock. i'm nervous.