Ford 400 Bellhousing

The 400 came with a C-6, not the C-4 which has the same pattern as our ZF bellhousing. SOME 400 blocks has cast in bosses for both bellhousing patterns. Keeping in mind you need to drill the smaller C-4/ZF pattern VERY precisely, this would make the swap pretty easy. Otherwise, I believe the 400 C-6 pattern would be the same as the pattern found on the 460 big blocks, which are now being swapped and used with the ZF. I'd call Steve Wilkinson for advice on this adaptation. 562-634-3434, California. Likewise, motor mount bosses may need some addressing, but this is not as critical as getting a bellhousing centered.

Just my 2¢

Larry

Thanks Larry,

I am going to get the 400 out of storage this weekend. It's stuffed in a warehouse for a day like today. Hopefully I can start breaking it down a little this weekend to see what I have.

Gary

Gary,

the 400 has the same bellhousing bolt pattern as the 429 / 460 (385 series motor). Precision Proformance has installed a few 385 series motors in Panteras, so they'll have the info & parts you need for the conversion. Your conversion will be easier because the block length is no greater than the cleveland, but the motor mounts are different.

there was one 400 produced one year only, I forget which year that was, its known as the fmx block, that has the small block (351C) bellhousing pattern cast within the big block pattern, creating a cavity in the back of the block. Its not likely this is the block you have, they are rare.

didn't we cover this topic once before, or am I experiencing de ja vu?

George

quote:

Originally posted by george pence:

didn't we cover this topic once before, or am I experiencing de ja vu?

George

We did, but it is more than theoritical now. I am getting the engine out of storage to start the project. I think I am getting a lot of blow by in my current engine as my oil temps are going up and up and up. We went to the drive in last night about 40 miles away. I had to bring it back at about 50mph to keep the oil temps from rising any higher than 260.

Time to get serious about the 400!

Sorry to hear about your motor, bummer.

Curious that oil temps are going up, but you didn't mention the coolant temps going up. I would think that indicates some major friction in the reciprocating assembly.

Anyway I can help, I will.

George

Coolant temps are ok. I would really question the oil temps except it is a trend which is getting worse and worse. The bummer is the engine is a great runner. I think the previouse owner ran it hard and put it up wet so to speak.

Anyone ever mess with the moduler Bellhousings by Mcleod? They may not have the back plate for a ZF but that may be easy enough to fabricate? Yes? NO?

You may want to try Advanced Adaptors. I think it will be cheaper than the current P-car vendors. It uses a 429/460 transmission adaptor for the Ford small block transmissions (ala ZF!). I was going to do what you are doing and attempted to carve out an old C-6 tranny for the bellhousing. There were too many fitment and dimensional issues to continue. FYI! Cal #2428

I found a 400-ZF bell housing, thanks.

Gary

Gary,

Okay. Where did you find the bellhousing, how is it made/adapted to fit the ZF, and what did it cost?

Inquiring minds want to know ;-)

Larry

I bought it from an individual but from where it came no one knows:



Some think it may be an old CanAm bellhousing. Don't know where you can find another one like it. No markings.

Gary