Nobody said it can't be done. It can't be done without major modifications. And IMO a 400 is not a good engine because of the weight factor. I still don't consider it in there if the headers are not on it. you also said this is a budget build for a customer. How many hours is it going to take before it no longer becomes a budget build.
Size, yes. The size is the big problem. Weight, not as much... Ford 351 Windsor ----- 525 lbs Ford 351 Cleveland --- 550 lbs Ford 351M-400 ------- 575 lbs Aluminum parts help negate that issue. I believe with the weight comes added block strength and reliability. I know that the 351C is much stronger then the 351W, and for that you pay the price of weight. Because the 400 had very little aftermarket support and carried the stigma of being a smog-dog engine. Now with more and more parts available for both 351C and 400 and because they are now cheaper (and more and more people are becoming aware), you will spend about the same as you would any other build if you shop around. I’m happy to see that more and more interest is being invested in the 400. The only problem I see with it is that it doesn’t fit easily into the bay of Mavericks and Comets. I did know about the FMX block 400, but the 4v option is news to me! Your wisdom is great… Pretty cool stuff! I’m a 351C and 400 kind of guy. I would LOVE to see a 400 running around in a M-II’d Maverick or Comet burnout:. HECK YES!!! You will be my hero! I love the sound, the torque, and the fact that NOBODY has one.... Make sure you document the process so that certain people can replicate your efforts later on...
I don't know where you think it will piss someone off. You're reading more into this than is being said. I wanted to know how fast this customer wants to go at the strip. Sorry if you're getting your panties in a wad. I won't ask you any more questions.
Sorry, i thought you were saying that it was the customer. I still say no one said it couldn't be done. Just that it would take some mods. This post started out as a budget build. Seems like it evolved into something else.
If someone wants to use a 400 to go racing in anything plan on lots of re & re time changing your #7 & 8 rod bearings. You will also need a good supply of caps for them and a pile of cranks would be handy too! A fool and his money are some party!
Anything can be done. It's always cool to do something different. But there is a difference between doing something different, and doing something worth while. But hey, more power to you. We have a guy here putting a V10 Dodge Viper engine in his Maverick. I don't think you'll piss anyone off putting an old 400 in.
Heck Ive had idea from a turboed 2.3 to a 4bt Cummins engine. Im leaning toward the diesel build at some point. Nice thing with it is can make 400hp without taken the motor apart.
The 400 has the bosses for the small block mounts(at least on one side anyway, if I recall), but they're not drilled or tapped.
You're not the only one who's thought about either of those! I've researched the 4bt quite a bit. It looks to me like the main problem may be how tall the engine is.
Hello Guys, I have noticed referrals to my web site from this forum. Thanks for visiting, we are here to help our Ford Family!! Here is a little FYI for you on some engine weights. http://www.tmeyerinc.com/engineweight.html Tim
