Reply to "Ford 400 Build"

When this post suggested "use a 400M", to me that meant a 4"b by 4"s tall deck M block, with open chamber 2V 335 series heads, because that's what they were. I beieve all of my comments were fair in this regard. I also believe saying that the peviously mentioned mods is no big deal is a bit of an "arm wave" at what I would consider to be a fair amount of work, but that's all relative. I think the same amount of work yields more potential in other combinations but that's just my point of view.

I have a 9.5 deck Dart block with high port Brodix BF301s in my Pantera have done the mods, and it was a lot of work,... and I could use my mounts and bell housing as is. I also have IR fuel injection. The bottom end and block are built in a manner that are suitably durable to routinely take advantage of accessing the HP potential of my combo.

If you are talking about economical performance engine builds, and bang for the buck, bolting on and/or fabricating whatever you can, than that's quite a broader subject. No doubt you can build a good street performance engine on a 400M block.

Let's face it, talented engine builders and tuners have embarrassed deep pocketed check writers many a time.

I generally agree that the 400M block is merely a tall deck Cleveland and in as much is no better or worse than the C in most regards, but there's also no magic there. Yes it will provide slightly better rod ratio than the same stroke in a 9.2 deck Cleveland but you don't need it to gain those cubes. Be advised that there were many M blocks that were prone to breakage. Don't recall the problem but if you search this site and the 335 series forum you can read all about.

The M also has the larger Windsor mains, which again would not be my choice for a high performance or race engine, but again, no worse than a Windsor.

I also agree with the comment about cubes. Given the choice of a large CI engine in a high state of tune over a small CI, I'll take the cubes.

Not really sure what we're talking here, but if you are talking about economical performance engine builds, and bang for the buck, bolting on and/or fabricating whatever you can, then that's quite a broader subject. The 400M block still wouldn't be my choice and I'm not quite sure how aftermarket aluminum heads or IR fuel injection applies to the category of economy or bang for the buck. Good stuff, but not cheap. Figure $4-5k for the IR FI hardware, ECU and ancilliary equipment. $1400 for bare aluminum heads then add machine work and valve train. Why would you put this stuff on an M block?

I have tooled and cast IR intakes for high port and CHI etc, heads. The runners are ball end milled interiors and are very nice stuff. If you cut one of my intakes and make a valley pan as you described (3-piece intake), you're there. I can help you in this regard but modding the lid for the 400M is up to you. This would be similar to the old Doug Nash set ups for Inline Autolites.

If you're fond of the M, that's fine with me. I'm actually a big fan of the 335 series engines. Just my views.... no offense intended.

Kelly