Why a 400M?

[rickpilgrim]

The 400M is a good engine. Based on the 351 Cleveland with a taller "deck", it is as responsive to cams, headers and intakes as the 351C.(here comes the hate mail!). I had one in a Torino(not OE) that went 123K mi before I totaled it. My landscaper has a 400M in his 77 F-350, miles unknown that pulls
real hard even with 3 yrds dirt in the dump. I'd just go with intake and 600-650 cfm carb, mild cam and some headers. The 400M isn't impressive sounding when you say it but will do all you ask from it.

 

[DNFXDLI]

Sigh....no M on a 400

 

[rickpilgrim]

Well, my chiltons lists(for 77) a 351M, 351W and 400M so I guess that's where I got it from. Either way I'll take the 400 if I have it before changing it to 460 .

 

[DNFXDLI]

I agree....my 351M is becoming a 434 . Damn Chiltons manuals should be slapped!!

 

[UNRULEE]

I agree....my 351M is becoming a 434 . Damn Chiltons manuals should be slapped!!

Easy Duncan, take it easy on the "new" guy. Us pro-400 guys are a rare elite breed, and we need to stick together.

 

[DNFXDLI]

Easy Duncan, take it easy on the "new" guy. Us pro-400 guys are a rare elite breed, and we need to stick together.

Wasn't intending to be an arse...and you are quite right!

 

[UNRULEE]

Wasn't intending to be an arse...and you are quite right!

You'll always be an arse, and an old one at that!

 

[DNFXDLI]

You'll always be an arse, and an old one at that!

It's always good to remain consistent!

 

[rickpilgrim]

The problem here is that for one thing, by 1980 the 400 was gone. second, if you look in jegs or summit there is a limited amount of parts for it.
As far as I know, the M stood for modified 'cause it's a modified cleveland. I know you can use the 4bbl 351C heads on it, and I knew a guy in school had a blown 351C, used a 351M bottom end with the C heads,cam and aftermarket 4bbl intake and lost nothing in the power dept but a bit in underhood room. They did well the first 100K mi in cars and trucks of my youth and had good power. They are my 2nd favorite engine behind the 428 in my motorhome.

 

[DNFXDLI]

Look at TMeyer Inc. for all kinds of stuff for the 351M/400's.

 

[rickpilgrim]

Look at TMeyer Inc. for all kinds of stuff for the 351M/400's.

Thanks for the link!

 

[DNFXDLI]

Thanks for the link!

No problem!...Tim is a great guy and very helpful!

 

[UNRULEE]

The problem here is that for one thing, by 1980 the 400 was gone. second, if you look in jegs or summit there is a limited amount of parts for it.

I'm thinking it was 81 or 82 when the 400 bowed out, but anyway......

If you know what you're looking for there are parts a plenty for a 400.

Cam - Anything that works in a Cleveland works in a 400

Pistons - TMI sells performance versions and 351c pistons can have bushings installed for 400 use

Intake - Plenty of 351m 400 specific models, and with adaptor plates any 351c intake will work

Crank - TMI can set you up with a stroker (right Duncan?)

Distributor - Cleveland is a direct swap, as well as the 385 series (429/460)

Valvetrain - Cleveland

I may be missing more, but hey it's late.

Just because the big performance parts guys don't list much for the 400 doesn't mean it's not out there, you just have to know what your looking for and do a little research!

 

[DNFXDLI]

 

[wwporkchop]

anyone need 400 pistons 9.5 compression this place has them! $25.00 a piece
Badger Pistons, LLC



7252 West 66th Street

Bedford Park, Illinois 60638

Phone: (866) 534-7601 or (708) 924-9460

Fax: (866) 834-2332 or (708) 924-9461