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Questions about a '77 351M/400

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unlovedford View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote unlovedford Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Questions about a '77 351M/400
    Posted: 30-December-2016 at 3:51PM
Hey guys, I am going to be purchasing a flatbed 1977 Ford F350 with a 351M or 400 tomorrow and wanted to know any good ideas on how to make this engine last. Granny 4 speed, 2WD. Seems to run fine, with the exception of a carb needing a rebuild. I am familiar with most Ford engines, but have not bought one of these for work and need some advice. I'll be towing an 18 foot trailer with a Bobcat 753/853 (4500 to 7000 pounds plus trailer weight) locally.

Thanks in advance.
Joe
1972 Mom's Squire Wagon
1972 Torino Wagon
1976 Torino       
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1972 Torino 460
1989 BroncoII/Jeeps/Titanimous
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Power Surge Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 30-December-2016 at 4:03PM
Joe, there's not really anything specific about them that you wouldn't apply to any other engine. Good oil, change all the fluids, fresh tune up...etc. They are great engines and depending on what you're trying to get out of it, they have the potential to make 429/460 power with less weight and size. Might want to put on a low rise dual plane aluminum intake and a small 4 barrel carb. 

And if you're interested I have a brand new HEI distributor and wires for that engine. 
Sal Mennella
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote californiajohnny Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 30-December-2016 at 4:38PM
853 Thumbs Up
JOHN
74 GRAN TORINO S&H CLONE
74 VETTE CUSTOM
90 S10 BLAZER 4X4 LIFTED
77 CELICA CUSTOM
75 V8 MONZA SUPERCHARGED
79 COURIER VERT. SLAMMED
75 VEGA V6 5 SPD
70 CHEV C10 P/U
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unlovedford View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote unlovedford Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 31-December-2016 at 3:51AM
Thanks Sal. I will keep that in mind. Have to get it here to take stock on what all it needs.

John, I am wavering between either. 4500 pounds v/s 7000 plus a trailer. The 853 is capable of doing much more, for very little difference in price.
Joe
1972 Mom's Squire Wagon
1972 Torino Wagon
1976 Torino       
1968 Cougar XR7-First batch
1972 Torino 460
1989 BroncoII/Jeeps/Titanimous
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote fordpower Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 31-December-2016 at 4:12AM
Sounds like you are going into the construction business.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Big Bird Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 31-December-2016 at 4:49AM
BOBCATS!!!!
"What we do in full frontal view, is more honest than your cleaned-up mind."
Randy
1979 T-Bird
2005 F-150 STX RCSB 4.6, 3.55 LSD
How the Heck does a REGULAR CAB SHORTBED weigh over 5200 pounds?
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote californiajohnny Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 31-December-2016 at 4:57AM
Originally posted by fordpower fordpower wrote:

Sounds like you are going into the construction business.
bob, i think you mean destruction business LOLLOLLOL can you imagine joe on a bobcat
 joe i've used several 853's and 753's both were great, and a 763 (didn't like the spread axle deal)
JOHN
74 GRAN TORINO S&H CLONE
74 VETTE CUSTOM
90 S10 BLAZER 4X4 LIFTED
77 CELICA CUSTOM
75 V8 MONZA SUPERCHARGED
79 COURIER VERT. SLAMMED
75 VEGA V6 5 SPD
70 CHEV C10 P/U
68 MUSTANG FB CONVERSION
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote MrSmog Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 31-December-2016 at 5:11AM
hopefully it has the 400. I can't recall the 351m doin anything in a good way other then burn gas and leak oil lol  I always hear more oil pump related problems with the 400 and 351m, not sure why but seems the pumps are always the reason the engines finally pop. I had a 400 in a 79 f250 4wd, was nice to lug in granny on trails at idle and creep through mud holes at idle, lots of torque.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Rockatansky Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 31-December-2016 at 5:17AM
get rid of the nylon timing sprocket if it's still in there
throw the prone to head separation factory valves in the garbage while you're changing out the hardened valve stem seals and replace with 1 piece stainless valves and matching retainers/locks (valve job)
 
run the oil return passages from the heads clear with a brush and drop / clean the oil pan 
 
change the crank bearings & rear main
 
install that Erson cam you have, perfect for the application
 
that addresses the fail points of the 400 and it should run for a good long time
 
===============
i just realized, the cam will cause a need for the heads to be checked for lift clearance, those D5 (1975+) heads do not readily accept more lift than stock, but since you're changing the valves & retainers anyway it might all work out w/o any additional effort
 
351C-2V heads have a better exhaust valve pocket and less valve guide interference issues
 
 
  


Edited by Rockatansky - 31-December-2016 at 5:39AM
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unlovedford View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote unlovedford Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 31-December-2016 at 9:34AM
Thanks for the info, Rock. I should know if it is a 351M or a 400 tomorrow, as we are leaving early in the AM to go get it and a couple of others. Driving this one back.

I am thinking of going into the business. Small stuff at first, but it should grow nicely. Hopefully!
Joe
1972 Mom's Squire Wagon
1972 Torino Wagon
1976 Torino       
1968 Cougar XR7-First batch
1972 Torino 460
1989 BroncoII/Jeeps/Titanimous
Popeye and Brutus (Rams)
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Rockatansky Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 01-January-2017 at 7:34AM
sounds like a lucrative/profitable little business, start small & make sure the customer is completely happy with the job for good word of mouth
 
351M or 400 same drill, i guess I'd pull the pistons out, berrybush hone & re-ring as long as you're there
 
complete bargain overhaul w/updates Hug
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Big Bird Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 01-January-2017 at 9:45AM
Originally posted by unlovedford unlovedford wrote:

I am thinking of going into the business. Small stuff at first, but it should grow nicely. Hopefully!
Well, we know you can handle a Sawzall.LOL
"What we do in full frontal view, is more honest than your cleaned-up mind."
Randy
1979 T-Bird
2005 F-150 STX RCSB 4.6, 3.55 LSD
How the Heck does a REGULAR CAB SHORTBED weigh over 5200 pounds?
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote californiajohnny Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 01-January-2017 at 10:15AM
Originally posted by Big Bird Big Bird wrote:

Originally posted by unlovedford unlovedford wrote:

I am thinking of going into the business. Small stuff at first, but it should grow nicely. Hopefully!
Well, we know you can handle a Sawzall.LOL
yeah but can you imagine joe on a bobcat!!! ShockedLOLLOLLOL
JOHN
74 GRAN TORINO S&H CLONE
74 VETTE CUSTOM
90 S10 BLAZER 4X4 LIFTED
77 CELICA CUSTOM
75 V8 MONZA SUPERCHARGED
79 COURIER VERT. SLAMMED
75 VEGA V6 5 SPD
70 CHEV C10 P/U
68 MUSTANG FB CONVERSION
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote unlovedford Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 01-January-2017 at 10:20AM


We went to get it and the '70 F350 my buddy bought today. I hauled his and he drove mine. It did not smoke at all throughout the 100 mile drive and he said it drove great. It took us 2 hours in the cold mountain rain to get his out from where it had been sitting for 25 years, so I am now sick. Never ever go to a New Years Eve party, get home at 3am, stay up eating and watching The Good Dinosaur, then head back out at 6am to do something like this. It is not a good idea. I dropped his truck and trailer off and we just left my flat bed at his house, as I did not feel like even getting back out of my Titan to check it out further.
Joe
1972 Mom's Squire Wagon
1972 Torino Wagon
1976 Torino       
1968 Cougar XR7-First batch
1972 Torino 460
1989 BroncoII/Jeeps/Titanimous
Popeye and Brutus (Rams)
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