I have built a few killer mustangs, but none with the raw torque and power of a 400M. I am considering dropping one into an early 80's fairmont. (i have 3 kids and limited funds) but I have an itch for something new. The 400 can be built up on a strict budget. That makes me smile. anyway, my question is; Has anyone put one of these into a car?
The car would probably have to have mild gears (3.08s to 3.55s) and a c-6. Plus ALOT of structural beef-ups. But with the throttle response and the ability to wrap out like mad and the will up to about 5 grand... could this possibly be a 2300lb car dream. I'm new to this so I'm hoping for some replies. Any info would be great especially about pistons for the 400. Of course I have the hot rod art. on the 400.
thanks

 

I was considering doing the same, but in a mustang maybe. I agree it would definately be awesome to have. My 400 is mean enough with my 5400lb truck holding it back. A lightweight car would be sweet with that much torque.

jake

 

mine is going into a 1970 cougar. i plan on it all working by this time next year.

 

I have a 400 w/4V Cleveland heads, flattop pistons, cam, roller rockers, Edelbrock Performer intake, 750CFM Carter, Mallory dist and Holley Annihilator ignition, and Sanderson headers in a 4000 lb '53 F100. The tranny is a C6, the rear is a 9 inch 3.25:1 posi. The pistons are Ohio # 1282P. I rate it at 430HP and 400 Ft-lbs torque. The CR is about 10.3:1.

You should use 4V Cleveland valves in the 400 heads with the flattops and get 9:1. If you take some off the block you can get up to 9.5:1.

I once had a 4V Cleveland in a '67 stang, that would scream. You
could use a '67 up Mustang, but not earlier. There is a local fellow with a 351C in a '65 mustang. that is tight. An early eighties Fairmont could be a real sleeper with a 400. How about a later model Mustang? Not a GT, but pull out a 4 cylinder and stuff in a 400.

Dan Lee
'53 F100
400C-4V

 

The 400 came from the factory in a few large Ford and Mercury cars, including the LTD and Galaxie and possibly the Thunderbird and LTDII. Any Ford vehicle shipping with a 351C would easily accept a 400 as long as there is hood clearance.

Tom

 

i hope i have the clearence in a 70 cougar, was planning on a shaker hood, just in case

 

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...anyway, my question is; Has anyone put one of these into a car?


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The 400 came from the factory in a few large Ford and Mercury cars, including the LTD and Galaxie and possibly the Thunderbird and LTDII. Any Ford vehicle shipping with a 351C would easily accept a 400 as long as there is hood clearance.

Tom


Just for the recorded the 351C cames in a differant bellhousing bolt pattern. so the 400 swap would also enclude a different tranny.

ShaZam

 

Attn: Mr. Dan Lee,

Please don't tell me I can't put a 400 in my '66 Mustang. I have visions of my car pulling 10 second E.T.'s and it doesn't involve the bank reposessing my house... (i want much horsepower, but without mucho dineros).

Is the problem that I can't fit it between the shock towers? If so, can't the blue wrench (en espanol: torch) fix that? I really want this engine!!!

Looking at 406 cid with aftermarket intake (non-egr), carb (around 700), comp cam and timing set (slightly agressive), 10:1 c.r., headers, and valve job to start. Could anyone take a stab at what kind of horsepower this would likely generate?

Thanks for the help.

-Steve

 

>Attn: Mr. Dan Lee,
>
> Please don't tell me I can't put a 400 in my '66
>Mustang. I have visions of my car pulling 10 second E.T.'s
>and it doesn't involve the bank reposessing my house... (i
>want much horsepower, but without mucho dineros).
>
> Is the problem that I can't fit it between the shock
>towers? If so, can't the blue wrench (en espanol: torch)
>fix that? I really want this engine!!!
>
> Looking at 406 cid with aftermarket intake (non-egr),
>carb (around 700), comp cam and timing set (slightly
>agressive), 10:1 c.r., headers, and valve job to start.
>Could anyone take a stab at what kind of horsepower this
>would likely generate?
>
>Thanks for the help.

Steve.
I will not tell that you can't do it. you can do anything that you want with enough resolve (and money). I have seen a 351C in a '65 stang. The valve covers hit the shock towers! You will have to modify the towers or change suspension to get a 400 into a '66 stang. Think about using a Mustang II suspension, I have one in my truck.
My motor is 406 cid with 351C-4V heads(68cc). My CR with flattop pistons is about 10.3:1. I have an Edelbrock performer intake with a carter 750 CFM carb and a Crane cam and roller rockers. My horsepower is about 430.
You could use your own heads and install 4V Cleveland valves, deck your block and use flattop pistons and get close to 10:1 CR.
You could spend some bucks and get Aussie heads or a set of those Aluminum heads talked about here. Using 4V Cleveland heads requires adapter plates and a Mallory distributor.

Dan Lee
53 F100
400C-4V

 

This month issue of Car Craft featured a 71 Mustang with 460 storked to 506 mated to a C6 trannie so I don't see why he will have trouble with 400

 

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 25-Nov-01 AT 01:28 AM (EST)]There is a HUGE difference between a '71 Stang and a '66. The engine compartments of the '71-73 models were designed accept a 429/460 motor. It is easily done with stock, off-the-shelf parts. The '66, however was only designed for small block fords (ie, 260,300,289) Therefore, they engine bays are relatively small. Sure, with enough money, you can put any motor in any car. Sure I've seen a 351C in a '65/66, but it DOES touch the towers. Imagine a 400 with a 1" taller deck??? Ive seen VW bugs with 502 chevys in the trunk. I've also seen a dual quad 427 in a 75 mustang. It all has to do with $$$$$$. So it can be done. Just its a lot of work.

Stryder

 

There were a few 400's made with the 302/351W/C bellhousing, so keep an eye out for those. I think I heard they were from an early '70s car.

What I want to know more baout the 351-4v heads on a 400.
Was tha a 400 intake or a 351 intake with spacers?
How is the port match up?

Eventually my '65 F100 will have a 400 with EFi and turbo's.
It will be done in stages.


1970 Mustang Grabber Sposrtsroof. Rather non-stock...
1965 f100

 

>
>What I want to know more baout the 351-4v heads on a 400.
>Was tha a 400 intake or a 351 intake with spacers?
>How is the port match up?
>

You need adapter spacers and a 351C-4V intake. I used Weiand spacers and an Edelbrock Performer intake. The spacers match a 2V port, but I tapered them to match the 4V port and the Performer intake.

Due to the position of the intake, the Ford distributor will not fit. A Mallory Unilite will, I am not sure about any others.

Dan Lee
'53 F100
400C-4V

 

Price Motorsport 812-546-4220 has an extention for your dist. so you can use it with the plate an intake set-up..

ShaZam

 

Thanks for the help so far,

Does anyone know or know where to find the measurements for exactly how wide the 351M/400 engine is at it's widest point. Trying to decide if I can make this work in the mustang, and I can't afford the Mustang 2 suspension on top of the engine. It would be cheaper to build up a smaller engine.

If the 351C fits between the towers, then I should only need to make a couple more inches to make the 400 work right??? Suppose I could find one somewhere and measure myself if I have too.

Also, machining these days is a bit expensive. Was looking at an overbore, valve job, milled heads/block, ground crank, and balance. Are all of these necessary for a 400+ horsepower engine. Can I skip something, or do I need more??? So many ?'s, but that'll do for now. Thanks again...

-Steve