global247

I have a 1979 F-150 Shortbox. I am currently mapping out everything that I want to do to it, but am having a hard time deciding what the best motor is to put in the truck. It currently has a 351m with a C6 tranny. Everything runs ok, but does need some work. There are just so many options so I want some opinions on what you all think. I just want to make this truck a bad *****, go anywhere truck. Thanks

2001stu

460= more weight

jared hoffert

if the 351m works good it should go great i had one and it took a crazy beating (mud burnout hooking up to chevys climbing hills) it was awesome in a 250 my bro. had a 80s f150 with the 351HO that had even more power than the 351m but if you have the m id keep it but that HO was badd,we put a holley 750 double pumper on it and headers and suprisingly it burned all the gas from the 750 to much power to pull other trucks on pavement.

F-150 King Ranch

351 Windsor

FOMOCO466

OK, this is coming from a guy who's built all three of your options!!!
First thing first
you've got a 351M/400 Big Block C-6
BB C-6 = 351M/400- 429-460
351W = SB tranny needed = 289, 300, 302, 351W, 351C
351W= cheaper parts, less weight, lots of HP potential
460 = @700 more for parts, more weight, awsome power, torque monster!
351M/400 good power, med weight, problems with detonation( low comp to keep under check unless you run high test)
351W is what they ran in the Lightnings!
Here's what I han on my 460
punched .30 flat top trw pistons, decked heads and block, edelbrock performer 460 intake with 750 carb, Roush Racing wires, L&L nickel plated fenderwell headers, stainless ARP bolts, Head work to use 1.73 roller rockers with 3/8 screw in studs and guide plates. see pic!

Then was my 351M/400 punches .30 to a 406, flat tops, 543 cam, edelbrock intake, edelbrock 650 cfm carb, headers, accel super coil, had spark knock issues while towing unless I used mid grade or better.

351W punches out to 358 dubble roller chain, E303 camshaft, headers, vic senior heads and intake, ran 9.90 with 75 shot in a 83 mustang convertable with 8.8 3:73's and 28" slicks, c4 with manual valvebody.

I love the 460.... but if you went with a built 351W... besides having to get a different tranny you'd be better off...... I also have a set up to put dual electric fans on a 79 for under 50.00 with thermastat contolled on and off switch.

Moose08

My friend has a 250 with 6inch lift and 38s with a 351W in it with mad power, he has no problem roasting the tires, he rebuilt it for quite a cheap price. But ive also seen some bad *** mudders with 4.6L and 5.4L with mad power and taking a beating.

mcaldwell

If you have more money than you know what to do with, build up a 460 and watch the other kids in the sandbox drool.

If you want the best practical smallblock, build up a 351 windsor.

If you have a more reasonable budget in mind, freshen up the existing engine and put that cash into making the rest of the drivetrain bulletproof.