Replacement Motor ?
Printed From: The Ford Torino Page
Category: Powertrain Specific Forum
Forum Name: 335 Series Engine Forum
Forum Description: 351C, 351M and 400 engines
URL: https://forum.grantorinosport.org/forum_posts.asp?TID=8325
Printed Date: 26-March-2026 at 5:41PM
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.06 - https://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Replacement Motor ?
Posted By: Jonathan
Subject: Replacement Motor ?
Date Posted: 23-December-2012 at 10:10AM
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Hi. My sons first car is a 1973 gran Torino (91K) daily driver with a 351c 2barrel (H) with an FMX 3 speed Trans. The compression is terable . We checked the compression and it is reading above 125 in five cylinders and 100
and less in three and is blowing smoke. I have been told it is most likely the lifters. I was considering buying new heads however I have heared several people tell me the increased compression could cause the rings and other lower unit parts to blow. I am at the point that the only logical thing to do is to replace the 351C and Transmision togeather as I am not 100% confident as to the condition of the trany. As money is a factor rebuilding looks out of the question and trying to find a used 1970's 351c and Tranny in good running condition is extreamly difficult. I would like your oppinion as to what year 351c from a salvage yard would be the best. I would be having a garage install it. and would greatly appreciate any recomendations in the Mass. Area or near Mass. on a garage as well as salvage yards. Thanks Jonathan ------------- jonathan g |
Replies:
Posted By: Ross6860
Date Posted: 07-February-2013 at 11:03AM
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There's a running 351c on Ebay right now. 351C were only made from 1969-1974 in the US, so it's not like Windsors or Ms, there's not millions of them out there. How many miles are on the engine? Do you have good oil pressure? You may get away with just a top end (rebuilding the heads, and I would replace the cam, lifters, and timing chain while your in there). The lifters won't make it smoke or have bad compression. Have you tried the old oil test? Put a little engine oil in the cylinder (a little means a couple teaspoons), roll the engine and then crank it and check the compression. If the compression jumps up, them your rings are shot. If the compression does not come up you have burnt valves. If you are running today's fuel on original heads, you certaily could have burned the valves. I'm not 100% sure when they started using hardened valve seats and faces, but it's around that '73-'75 era if I remember. I know the '69 and older definitely needed hardened seats or fuel additive. In the old days leaded fuel is what protected your valve seating surfaces. No, you will not just blow up the bottom end. I've had old Fords that smoked and knocked that would still keep on running and were running when I sold them. As far as the transmission. If it works, run it. If it has many, many, miles on it and has never been serviced - don't. Just add fluid and run it. Can you do any of the work yourself? Obviously you have to look at the condition of the rest of the car vs what it will cost to get it back in running shape. You may be better off getting him a nice cheap Escort and selling your Torino. If the body is decent and the running gear is good, it may be worth fixing. Only you can answer that. Good luck in whatever you do... ------------- 1974 Gran Torino |
Posted By: Ross6860
Date Posted: 07-February-2013 at 11:08AM
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PS - A 351M or 400 may be a much more palatable swap than trying to find another 351C. They made many, many, more of them and they came in Torinos. A 351W is a different animal altogether, so it would be a more difficult swap. The garage you use should be able to help with this decision. There are some differences in bell-housing pattern. I don't remember off the top of my head if they are all 100% interchangeable. ------------- 1974 Gran Torino |
Posted By: Blueoval76
Date Posted: 07-February-2013 at 12:00PM
Craigslist is your friend! Just look what is here! Its a pretty good deal IMO. It may take a while but this type of stuff pops up here and there. Dont disregard junkyards either. I bought a 70K mile 75 302 for a couple hundred put a cam in it and heads on it and it ran just fine for years.  http://milwaukee.craigslist.org/pts/3587689300.html" rel="nofollow - http://milwaukee.craigslist.org/pts/3587689300.html
------------- 68 Galaxie Wagon 390/auto/2.70 03 Bonneville some mods |
Posted By: Jonathan
Date Posted: 12-February-2013 at 5:36AM
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Thank you all for the GREAT advice for my son Jonny's 73 Torino. I found out by talking with some old time Ford guys that the carburator was bad and drowning the engine in gas and the distributor was also bad. We replaced them both and it made a huge differance. Jonny is very happy. He and I have been driving it and it runs so much better. It uses about 1/2 to 3/4 a quart of oil a month. I will have Jonny post photo's/pictures. He's very happy.
Thanks to everyone and sorry for the delay in responding I have had Torino on the brain for the last couple of months.
Thanks
Jonathan ------------- jonathan g |
Posted By: gpd294
Date Posted: 12-February-2013 at 8:28AM
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Glad to hear that you and your son are enjoying the car! ------------- Carlos....1975 Gran Torino Squire Station Wagon restored to look like a 1973 Torino Station Wagon my Dad bought new from McAnary Ford on June 6, 1973 in Gary,Indiana |
Posted By: shanefolsom
Date Posted: 12-February-2013 at 8:53AM
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Jonathan, So glad to hear that you got the car all straightened out for Johnny. Definately post some pics when you can. Have fun!!!  Shane ------------- 1976 Gran Torino Limited #1 1976 Gran Torino Limited #2 1973 Gran Torino Sport 1969 Roadrunner |