Ford 400 motor in my 28 ford coupe,has anyone done this?????

[squigy]

i just got a 1971 ford 400 motor & trans has any one put one of these in a 28 ford coupe if so got pics???Thanks

[Fat Hack]

No, but you can't do it...that was MY idea! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Ha Ha...seriously...351-400M engines are dirt cheap motors that nobody wants...putting htem high on MY list. Be aware that they ain't light like a 289-302 small block, and they use the same BIG (heavy) auto trannys used behind 429-460 engines...so some strategic frame strengthening may be a good idea!

Some 351C parts bolt on to these engines, such as valve covers, distributors, headers, cams and most accessory brackets, but intake manifolds are different. Aftermarket aluminum 4v intakes are available for the 400M to lighten it up a tad and provide better breathing.

You won't win favor with the 50s and 60s crowd...but you'll have a tire melting terror on your hands that oughtta be reliable enough to drive ANYWHERE at the drop of a hat!

Go for it! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

[Phil Stevens]

every thing you can think of has been done to a 28 ford coupe at some time or other by rodders http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif
is your coupe full fendered? on an original chassis? we need to know, ford motors are long so that is a problem if you're using the original body and chassis ( frame )

[squigy]

Yo, Fat Hack thanks for the words....i will burn the shit outta the bias plys. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif
Phil Stevens: i have a stretched and boxed model a frame.i will be running the complete drive train from the 1971 ford country sedan that i got the motor trans and rear.NO fenders but will try to run my hood as the motor has no goodies on it yet.i need all the knowledge i can get. i know sbc shit but just started on the ford stuff....Thanks

[Mike]

The 351M in my Ranch Wagon is a pig. It's big, ugly, heavy and slow, but at least it gets terrible gas milage. It has been very reliable, though.

Now the 400M in the '72 Country Squire that my parents owned would really haul ass.

In stock garb those engines are ugly as hell, but get rid of all the un-needed bracketry, add some "Cleveland" finned aluminum valve covers, a big old air cleaner on top (an early Caddy or Olds would work well) and maybe some chrome acorn nut covers on the head bolts and they start looking pretty decent.

[Flat Ernie]

Personally, I dislike the 335 M-engines. The 351M is notorious for throwing rods, but it's likely mostly due to abuse in 4x4 trucks. The 400M isn't much better, but you get a few more cubic inches out of it at least. Like everyone says, they're BIG & heavy. They also use the heavy 385 Lima series trannys. Oh yeah, speed parts are hard to come by & expensive.

Big, heavy, expensive, no parts - no wonder they're cheap!


The only redeeming quality is you can machine the 400M crank to fit in a 351W pretty easily!

Just my opinion.

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

[k-member]

I know a fella with a Cleavland in one and it runs in the 11s and I have a stock 460 in mine that will run in the 12s so I know they fit anyway. His has full fenders, mine none. Good Luck..

[brianf31]

Yes you can do it, and you should! If k-member and I can fit 460's, that 400 will go pretty easy.

I don't believe it is any longer than the 351C. It uses the same heads and water pump, so it should be about the same length. I know the C fits (I had one in my '31). You'll probably have to push the radiator/grille out a few inches, unless you want to recess the firewall.

The 400 isn't really that heavy. At about 625 lbs, it falls between the 351C (550 lbs) and the 460 (720 lbs). Most of the 351C speed parts will fit it (heads, cam, valvetrain, timing chain, distributor, headers). There are spacers that will adapt the more-abundant 351C intake to the 400.

You don't have to run the C6: a C4 will fit. In fact, Ford put C4's behind some late 70's Tbirds with 351M. All you need is a pan-fill C4, C4 torque converter, and the unique 351M/C4 bell housing. I can go look up the b/h part number if you need it. I paid $150 for mine, and they're on Ebay at times. Another option is to buy the JW Ultrabell for 460-to-C4 (about $300). THe C4 is much smaller, much lighter and reprtedly worth about 30 hp at the rear wheels. With a good rebuild, the C4 will handle the 400.

The main problem with the 400 is the lack of availability of flat-top pistons. About the best you can get is 8.3:1 compression. For 9:1, your only option is to use a flat-top 351C piston, and bush the small end of the 400 rod for the 351C wrist pin (you'll need spirolocs). Or, score a set of the now-defunct Ohio Piston/Badger/Dynagear 400 flat-tops off Ebay.

Good news for you: the '71 400 came stock with flat-tops and 9:1. Hopefully, your pistons and cylinder bores are in good shape.

If you need any more Ford 335 series or C4 tips, give me a holler.