390 or 400?

[hotrodpc]

Yep, I do agree with that. Stick with the 390. Its a good dependable, reliable motor with decent power. Maybe I am just prejudice becasue the 400 is related to the junk 351 Midland. I'd say if you got 120,000 miles out of the rebuild, it was bored previously, cuz I say its not likely you'd get 120K out of a rering job. So maybe it was bored .030 first time, and check to see if a 390 can go .060. I am gonna say likely so, they are big meaty blocks. Here is another angle to think about. If your 390 is say .030 over, then try to find a virgin 390 block. Get it bored to match the pistons in your current 390, then buy a rering kit, and trasnfer your rotating assembly to the newly bored 390, and there you go, a brand spankin new motor. Assuming you did the heads and had your crank polished or turned. If you can pick up a junk 390 for say $100. Then about $100 for your block work, you will be ahead of the game by not having to buy new pistons. Pistons normally do not wear. Its the rings that will scrub the cylinder walls and wear.

[hollonator]

Originally Posted by hotrodpc

Yep, I do agree with that. Stick with the 390. Its a good dependable, reliable motor with decent power. Maybe I am just prejudice becasue the 400 is related to the junk 351 Midland. I'd say if you got 120,000 miles out of the rebuild, it was bored previously, cuz I say its not likely you'd get 120K out of a rering job. So maybe it was bored .030 first time, and check to see if a 390 can go .060. I am gonna say likely so, they are big meaty blocks. Here is another angle to think about. If your 390 is say .030 over, then try to find a virgin 390 block. Get it bored to match the pistons in your current 390, then buy a rering kit, and trasnfer your rotating assembly to the newly bored 390, and there you go, a brand spankin new motor. Assuming you did the heads and had your crank polished or turned. If you can pick up a junk 390 for say $100. Then about $100 for your block work, you will be ahead of the game by not having to buy new pistons. Pistons normally do not wear. Its the rings that will scrub the cylinder walls and wear.

this sounds like a good idea

[hollonator]

Originally Posted by hotrodpc

I will certainly disagree that the 351M is moidifed. True it is modified. A modified hunk of junk, but the 351M is a 351 Midland for the plant it was manufactured in, as is the 351W Windsor, and 351C Cleveland. The letter designates the plant is all. Just like now the 4.6 Modular motors, you can have the 4.6 Romeo block, from the Romeo, MI plant, or you can have the 4.6 Windsor Block. So, thats what it is, Its a 351 Midland which is a destorked 400 hunk of junk. But who I am to argue. I am not a big fan of Ford, although I can tolerate them and have owned a few and do own 1 now.

respectfully, i hate to argue...but check out this link...it specifically says at the end of the 5th paragraph:

"The 'M', by the way, does not stand for anything. Ford only used the 'M' designation to distinguish it from the 351W (Windsor) and the now discontinued 351C (Cleveland). The 'M' designation has now become known to mean 'Modified' or 'Michigan', even though the 351M was produced at both the Cleveland foundry and Michigan casting center."



http://www.projectbronco.com/History..._ford_351m.htm

[hotrodpc]

OH, no no no, I sure won't argue either, but I can just as many and more sites that would say its Midland, and notice it does say "HAS NOW BECOME TO MEAN". As your article says, HAS NOW become to mean, which would mean it has been changed over the years probably by people making assumptions. Which is OK. I don't care what they call it. It should have been 351BA for Boat Anchor in my opinion. It is actually a modified. Its a 400 block with a 351C stroke ot the best of my knowledge. One thing about it though on the 351M, you either love it or hate it. there is not gray area about it. I happen to be one that hates it. Just a chunk of scrap iron.

[hollonator]

Originally Posted by hotrodpc

One thing about it though on the 351M, you either love it or hate it. there is not gray area about it. I happen to be one that hates it. Just a chunk of scrap iron.

i agree 100%...i like the cleveland myself...but then again i have never driven a windsor

[hotrodpc]

Myself, IF, I were to have a Ford, and had to make a choice in the 351's, I would take the Windsor. Not because its any better than Cleveland, but just the fact, I like small packages, and its impressive to see a small package go fast. Not only that, there is the advantage of lighter weight, shorter stroke will turn higher RPM and turn it faster. On the other hand, the longer stroke Cleveland should make more torque which is power, and make that power at a much lower RPM. So, I guess I am saying, if I were to build a little street stip car, I'd use the 351W, if I were buiding a truck for towing and hauling, I'd use the 351C. If I had a Yacht, I'd use the 351M for my anchor.

[hollonator]

Originally Posted by hotrodpc

So, I guess I am saying, if I were to build a little street stip car, I'd use the 351W, if I were buiding a truck for towing and hauling, I'd use the 351C. If I had a Yacht, I'd use the 351M for my anchor.

i just spit my beer all over the living room when i read that! i have always been more for pulling than speed so from your opinion i would keep the 351C

[Towtruck]

LOL I'll agree with that!!!! I also I had one in my 78 Bronco and it had a burnt valve. I couldn't find a single head shop that would rebuild them. They told me to change the engine.

[crabtruck]

Originally Posted by hollonator

i just spit my beer all over the living room when i read that! ..

Just cuz hotrod don't want to argue
doesn't mean he won't sneak up on ya

[hotrodpc]

Haha, sorry about that. Not that you got your monitor all wet and nasty, but the fact you wasted that beer. Just my opinion anyway, and I am sure others will disagree. I just hope Erwin don't check in on this thread. He has a 351 Yacht anchor in his truck. We're trying to talk him into a 460.