Engine swap idea

[Redneck86]

I have a 81 F-150 with a 351M, i found out that it didn throw a rod but broke a lifter. Im thinkin if i could find myself a 400 crankshaft i could build a pretty stout engine for my 86. I already have engine mounts and a transmission in the 81 Ranger 150. So yall think it would be a good idea to build a 400 Ford for my Bronco?

 

[swampthing]

if you have the resources then why not?...we put a 400M in my brothers 90 bronco carubureted MSD ignition c6 it was fun and not hard at all ran stock manifolds on it with dual exhaust

 

[Redneck86]

Yea im seriously thinkin about doin it, only thing is do i have to weld the engine mounts in or do the bolt up?

 

[swampthing]

everything bolted up in the 90 no welding needed

 

[BB33's]

Any ford small block would be a good candidate with the right parts. The only thing is that I have heard that the 351 and 400 M code motors have an oiling problem and that causes bearings to get trashed. But as long as you know what your doing go for it I'd take a rusted shut Ford over a running Dodge or Chevy any day.

 

[swampthing]

as long as you keep the oil galleries in the heads clean and keep up on the oil changes and dont over rev it too much it will hold up

 

[WPW Bronco]

I had a '79 F-150 that I switched out the 351M for a 400 and everything went in spot for spot, being the same block, and I never regretted it. As long as you keep the oil issues in mind, taking steps to help secure the oil pump to the bottom of the block so that the **** continues to flow, the engine will do you well. My brother tried to contend that his 460 was vasty superior, but I did a load of research and found out that a decently built 400 can put out 90% of the HP and torque a respective 460 can at only 80% of the RPM's, and putting that kinda power into a FSB would be an awesome ride (and an excuse to get to upgrade drivetrain parts ;-) ) I still have my engine (currently sitting in the truck corpse) if anyone in the Wisconsin area is interested in any of the parts. Now that I have my Bronc with me in Alaska, the 1/2 ton has fallen to the wayside. Anyone interested can get in contact with me at [email protected] and we can make arrangements.