400M in a 58 Fairlane

[Rmvr53]

anyone know if the 400M is a decent fit in a 58 Fairlane? Car has a dead 6/3 spd and I was given a 400M/C4. Will the 400M work with the 3 spd?

thanks

Bill

[ponymare]

Oil pan sump needs to be in front, mounts will need to be made, exhaust might be a problem, some came with the C4 trans, but it kinda light with a 400. The 400 to C4 bellhousing is worth quite abit, 400's came with a std setup, but the trans pattern would be different, also the 3 spd would be light hooked to the 400.

[Ford blue blood]

The 400 will go in easy. Get motor mounts for a 63 Galaxie with a 289. The 400 pan is deeper then the 289 so the mount will need to be spaced from the engine block 3/4". I used a 3/8" spacer on the stock chassis mounts for just a little extra clearance. No mounts need to be made/modified. The C-4 might just line up with the stock 58 transmission cross member.

[Rmvr53]

thanks ponymare. I should have been clear, the C4 wasn't attached to the 400M. I made the assumption it had been . Guess I'd better check it to see if it was originally attached or not. I didn't know if the 351 mounts I see mentioned in other posts would work. Hadn't thought about the pan and I'll bet its not as simple as just turn it around...

[Rmvr53]

Ford Blue Blood - thanks!
any issue with the pan? (replacement/correct facing one?)

[Rmvr53]

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Fbb - is that the stock exhaust manifolds on the engine?

[darrell]

289 mounts dont fit a 400.351m and 400 have their own mount.

[JeffB2]

You should READ this: https://www.fordmuscle.com/archives/...351M/index.php

[Rmvr53]

so I should see if I can find someone to swap the C4 for a C6 if I want to stay "bolt in". And it sounds like I need 351 motor mounts - correct?

[rotorwrench]

The 335 block is a good set up. The 400 with the taller deck is a bit harder to find higher compression pistons for or at least it used to be. Some early 335 blocks have the small block pattern but I think it was only the early 351C engines and some 400s. You can use a C6 with the 400. The E4OD trans will fit but I don't know about the flex plate plus its electric. There is an adapter available for the AOD transmission but they are pricey. An AOD would be nice for highway cruising though. A C6 with the right rear gears would too.

I was impressed by the 400 when my Mom bought a 1971 Galaxie 500 with one. It ran with the 390s. It definitely was no slouch. It had the FMX transmission and it all worked well as long as long as my Mom had the car. This was known as the early 400 or 400FMX and this may be the one you have. it only lasted from 71 through 73 if I remember correctly. This engine will work with an AOD.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_o...using_patterns

[Rmvr53]

This isn't going to be a rocket, just a nice driver. It might get a vintage trailer hooked to it on occasion. So to stay away from "electronics" I'll look for a C6. Since the engine came out of an 88 F250 I probably need to see what I need to change in the ignition and/or what brain will run it.

[darrell]

why not get an fe it will bolt up to your trans and its a drop in.

[paul2748]

I had a 400 in a 76 wagon and it was a dog.

[Ford blue blood]

Originally Posted by Rmvr53

Fbb - is that the stock exhaust manifolds on the engine?

Yes, I just ground off the ugly "tabs" on the top of each outlet, blasted them and coated them with Columbia Coating air cured ceramic coating.

[Ford blue blood]

Originally Posted by darrell

289 mounts dont fit a 400.351m and 400 have their own mount.

Darrell is correct, my install is a 351C.

[rotorwrench]

The 400 was designed in an era where fuel mileage became a big factor in design. Most 400 engines were low compression with 2V manifolds & carbs so they are dogs in that respect. Folks that raced them had to use the 351C pistons with rebushed rods to get high comp pistons in there. The early 1971 400 would run very well with just a 2V carb but that quickly changed. By 1973, the fuel shortages were real and the prices were high so the 400 and 351M went toward the pickup trucks and stayed there until obsolescence.

The 400 is a screamer if properly built but finding the right parts and components is not as easy as a small block Chevy or Ford.

[reman]

The early 400s are great engines and will run like a raped ape. After the first couple years, not so much. I would never put a 351M in an early Galaxie or Fairlane. There are so much better choices in the Fe's or even later smallblocks. Actually I would not put a 351M in my neighbors chebby.

[scicala]

I had a 400M in an old LTD and it was a dog. They also get terrible fuel economy.


Sal

[Y-Blockhead]

Originally Posted by paul2748

I had a 400 in a 76 wagon and it was a dog.

Originally Posted by scicala

I had a 400M in an old LTD and it was a dog. They also get terrible fuel economy.

Sal

I would think twice about installing a 400M, even if it was free. I would hate to see you put time and money into something you are not going to be happy with.

I had one in a '81 F-250 'Trailer Special' and it could barely move the truck much less tow a trailer.

I believe you would be much happier with a FE. AND it would be much easier to install.