A 400 in a 1980 Stang

gunslinger8200 · 02-20-2002, 12:22 AM

I have a 1980 mustang, it has a 302 bored .040 over in it right now, but I keep blowing head gaskets in it. My friend has a rebuilt 400 and I would like to put it in my stang, but I am not sure how well it will fit and how much work it will be to get it to fit, also I am not sure if I can keep my tranny w/ that engine. Anyone's input would be very appreciated.

BowTie Eater 5 Liter · 02-20-2002, 12:56 AM

it is the 400m small block? i think(dont quote me on it) that it is a stroked 351, so it will go in like a 351 would if that is the case

good luck

tireburner163 · 02-20-2002, 08:39 AM

Are you talking about the 400M? If so, I would not do the swap. The 400M isn't exactly know for it's performance.

LX XLR8R · 02-20-2002, 10:46 AM

i had a 400m in my 79 f-150..good motor for a truck but no real potential..i tink its closest to the clevland family..it had BB bellhouse if i rember and diffrent exhuats flanges for the headers..so no it ist worh it..find out wat is amatter with yours or go grab a junked 302

Stang Runner · 02-20-2002, 01:16 PM

Why is the head gasket Poping off??? you running Forced air or NO2 even with it should not do that to much if done right

gunslinger8200 · 02-20-2002, 07:19 PM

I think it is a 400M, and I don't know why the head gaskets keep going. Maybe the head are shot or something, but I still don't think that should do it, I do have 351 heads on it, but from what I was told by a few ppl, it shouldn't affect it any.

nitrousdave · 02-20-2002, 08:47 PM

The 400M has a big block bellhousing pattern so your tranny would have to be changed. Swapping to the 400 would be a big pain in the butt so I would figure out what is wrong with your 302. I had 351 heads on my 302 with a 175 shot, stock head gaskets, heads milled .020 and had no problems. It sounds like the heads and/or block are warped if you keep blowing gaskets. Hope this helps you.

02-20-2002, 12:22 AM	#1
gunslinger8200 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 7	A 400 in a 1980 Stang I have a 1980 mustang, it has a 302 bored .040 over in it right now, but I keep blowing head gaskets in it. My friend has a rebuilt 400 and I would like to put it in my stang, but I am not sure how well it will fit and how much work it will be to get it to fit, also I am not sure if I can keep my tranny w/ that engine. Anyone's input would be very appreciated.

02-20-2002, 12:56 AM	#2
BowTie Eater 5 Liter Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Maple Ridge B.C. Canada, The Best Place In The World Posts: 871	it is the 400m small block? i think(dont quote me on it) that it is a stroked 351, so it will go in like a 351 would if that is the case good luck __________________ 1984 Bronco II, 36" Michelin Military Tires, 95 EFI 5.0, NP435 Tranny, NP208 Doubler, NP205 Transfer Case, Fill Size Solid Dana 44 Front End, WH Progressive Rate Rock Crawling Coils, Bronco 8.8 Rear, Skyjacker Softride Leafs, 5.13 Gears, Detroit Locker. Final Crawl Ratio Of 175:1 88 GT Best 60ft. 2.181 Best ET 14.350 Best MPH 98.01 ~WRECKED!!!!~

02-20-2002, 08:39 AM	#3
tireburner163 It's a lot like a race car Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Meridian, MS Posts: 4,130	Are you talking about the 400M? If so, I would not do the swap. The 400M isn't exactly know for it's performance. __________________ 1987 Buick T-type 1998 HD Electra Elide

02-20-2002, 10:46 AM	#4
LX XLR8R Dirk Diggler Join Date: Feb 1999 Location: SLOATSBURG, NY Posts: 1,931	i had a 400m in my 79 f-150..good motor for a truck but no real potential..i tink its closest to the clevland family..it had BB bellhouse if i rember and diffrent exhuats flanges for the headers..so no it ist worh it..find out wat is amatter with yours or go grab a junked 302 __________________ 95 undecided cubes, AFR 185s,undecided cam, undecided intake, and a 150 hit 89 "turbonotch" 2.3T You might want to hold on..i saw this on a cartoon once

02-20-2002, 01:16 PM	#5
Stang Runner Registered Member Join Date: Jun 1999 Location: Walker, MI, USA Posts: 1,202	Why is the head gasket Poping off??? you running Forced air or NO2 even with it should not do that to much if done right __________________ Engine: steel mounts, Under drive pulleys, K&N, GT-40 Intake ported Lower, No power steering, No A/C, Mac cold intake, 65MM TB, 255 Fuel pump, 24's, AFR 165 58cc, Rocker Arms 1.7with the stock Cam, 1 5/8 short headers, offRoad X-pipe Drive Train: 3.55, T-5 with a Pro 5.0 shifter 12.656@107.71MPH See It at www.T-racing.com/mustang.htm

02-20-2002, 07:19 PM	#6
gunslinger8200 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 7	I think it is a 400M, and I don't know why the head gaskets keep going. Maybe the head are shot or something, but I still don't think that should do it, I do have 351 heads on it, but from what I was told by a few ppl, it shouldn't affect it any.

02-20-2002, 08:47 PM	#7
nitrousdave Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: south bend, indiana Posts: 24	The 400M has a big block bellhousing pattern so your tranny would have to be changed. Swapping to the 400 would be a big pain in the butt so I would figure out what is wrong with your 302. I had 351 heads on my 302 with a 175 shot, stock head gaskets, heads milled .020 and had no problems. It sounds like the heads and/or block are warped if you keep blowing gaskets. Hope this helps you.

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