351/400M vs the 351w and 351c
04-30-2012, 07:47 PM
#2
2nd Gear Member
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Ohio
Posts: 315
i remember my cousins trying to build a dirt late model back in the very early 90's based on a M block. they took four blocks to a machine shop and they all apparently had thin spots on the cylinders and recommeneded not using them as a foundation for a high performance engine.
04-30-2012, 08:45 PM
#5
6th Gear Member
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: AR
Posts: 5,469
The M motors can make good power if built right, they use the big bell housing so they wont bolt to a C-4, and I don't think they will bolt to an AOD either.
Speed equipment will cost more than for either a W or a C, IMO a little too cumbersome to use in a Mustang when better (more economical) choices are available.
Speed equipment will cost more than for either a W or a C, IMO a little too cumbersome to use in a Mustang when better (more economical) choices are available.
05-01-2012, 10:41 AM
#6
5th Gear Member
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: ABQ, NM, USA
Posts: 2,593
I don't think the M stood for Michigan or Mexican.
IIRC, Modified or Milliford?
In any case, I've not seen any write ups on performance 351/400M engines. They served time for trucks and heavy cars for the most part, so low end torque might have been there.
IIRC, Modified or Milliford?
In any case, I've not seen any write ups on performance 351/400M engines. They served time for trucks and heavy cars for the most part, so low end torque might have been there.
05-01-2012, 05:31 PM
#8
2nd Gear Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Pennsylvania
Posts: 347
The M stands for Michigan, where they were made. They were made in Michigan and the CCP (Cleveland Casting Plant.)
Well if I ever get to do my F-100 build that I so desperately want to do, I'll just punch out a 400 and make myself a 408! Gonna stick with the Windsor family for the stang, though. Thanks guys.
Well if I ever get to do my F-100 build that I so desperately want to do, I'll just punch out a 400 and make myself a 408! Gonna stick with the Windsor family for the stang, though. Thanks guys.
05-01-2012, 05:59 PM
#10
6th Gear Member
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: AR
Posts: 5,469
The weakness in the M motors was their low stock compression ratio, about 7.5 to 1 or maybe 8 to 1. I have also READ that they don't oil that great.
I know for sure that the tops of the pistons (in stock configuration) lack quite a bit reaching the top of the cylinders. At TDC they remain perhaps 3/16" down in the bore.
Even stock parts are RELATIVELY hard to find and pricy.
I have read about a few of them doing quite well in HOT ROD's pump gas engine build offs. They DO have potential, but it is a much harder (and more expensive) row to hoe than building a Windsor.
I know for sure that the tops of the pistons (in stock configuration) lack quite a bit reaching the top of the cylinders. At TDC they remain perhaps 3/16" down in the bore.
Even stock parts are RELATIVELY hard to find and pricy.
I have read about a few of them doing quite well in HOT ROD's pump gas engine build offs. They DO have potential, but it is a much harder (and more expensive) row to hoe than building a Windsor.
