M-series engine ?

[simonjrwinter]

Hi there,

Could I scrounge some advice please? I'm in the UK (hence lack of info) and am building a cobra with a ford 302 engine, and toploader gearbox. I need to rebuild the engine but have just been offered a ford 400ci emgine called an M series. The engine has no ancilliaries. My question is is it similar to the windsor 302? will my gearbox/bellhousing/distributor etc fit?
Thanks guys
Simon

ps this has got to be the greatest forum ever. Every time I've posted in the past, I've had excellent advice. Thanks again.

Here's a pic of my chassis

[mrmustang]

More of a work horse of an engine (designed for trucks and full size vehicles), never to be destined to become a high performance engine.


Bill S.

PS: Also known as the 351M/400

[Dominik]

hi simon,

i can seee it is a RAM, but unfortunately I cannot help you with the engine question.

Look out for the lenght of your rear axle arms!
I guesss they are not cut to gie room for wider rims.
I cut mine up to the point that when lifting them all the way up (springs compressed) they hit the chassis.

To give even more room I cut the aluminum wheel bearing housings about 15 mm at the top end.

Are you aware of that?

In addition I may check my old notes to find the correct measurements how much i cut the parts.

I sold the car, otherwise I could just gonin the garage. But I remember at least 60 mm on each side to give room for 9.5" wheels.

I you are able to put the body on: you want 200 mm (8") from the edge of the fender to the wheel mounting flange.

Dominik

[CobraEd]

That engine is based on the Cleveland 351.

[CobraEd]

Here is an article with more information on that engine than I ever knew existed.

http://www.ford-trucks.com/articles/mblock.html

Ed

[wadesdad]

Building one up right now. It is essentially a 351C with another inch of deck height. I have an excellent article from Petersen Publications (Hot Rod, etc.) on an economical build-up if you're interested.

$2,000 Build-Up =
375 lb-ft torque@2,000 RPM
456 lb-ft torque@4,400 RPM
382 HP

All numbers with stock exhaust manifold and all emissions in-tact

The bell-housing pattern is the same as a 429/460 big block. It shares a distributor and heads with the 351C. Pistons are unique, but many other parts swap easily.
I'd be happy to provide more details.

wadesdad@hotmail.com

[poorboy]

Simonjrwinter:
Nothing off the 302 will fit, if you have any speed goodies rebuild the 302. I would build the 302 anyway as parts for it will be easier to get , thats my .02 cents worth.
Poorboy

[CobraEd]

Poorboy is right, they are completely different engines. Way more aftermarket stuff for the 302/351W.

Ed