360 to 351M

[F100camperspecial]

I have a 1972 F100 4x4 and I want to put a rebuilt 351M in place of the shot 360. I also want to swap in a married 205 xcase and lose the Spicer 21 xcase. I have the 351M,4x4 435 trans, and the 205. The F100 had the 435 2wd trans with the Spicer 21 bolted to it. What do I need for this swap?
I've heard that the 351M and 460 share bellhousings, so would a set of 460 engine swap mounts from L&L do the trick? Figure there has be someone that has done this swap before. I know... I know.. rebuilding the 360 would have been the easy way out!

[heep70]

Can't answer if the 460 towers interchange with the 351. best bet would be to call them. YES, the 351M bell has the same bolt pattern as the 460, but you can not use a 460 flywheel and clutch with the 460ci/351bell combo.


I do have a question on the 435. Are the output shafts the same length from a regular 2wd as the ones that are married to a Tcase?

[F100camperspecial]

Got ahold of L&L and their mounts will work--so they say--they ought to know.
While Novak makes no mention about a difference of length between the 2wd and 4wd 435, there must be a difference. The adapters used are different lengths. If you run a tape from the forward face of the adapter to the rear face of the adapter there is a difference of 1" between the 2wd 435 and the 4wd 435 adapters.

[heep70]

I use the L&L towers with my 460. They bolted in without a hitch. Life is easy when things are designed right. Although they were a little on the pricy side it was worth it.


I have seen both the 2wd and the married tranny version, but not side by side. I was thinking that the 2wd version output shaft was longer.

[F100camperspecial]

Well the plot thickens, L&L emailed that the mounts would work. This morning I call them on the phone and they are not sure if they will. I guess the only to tell on the 435's would be to tear them apart and compare.

[heep70]

Now you are talking work. I'll just let the output shaft thing be a question in the back of my mind. I was just corious.

That is funny they would question their own product. I would call them again and just ask them if the sell the towers you need without refering to the 460.

I would think the the towers are different being the blocks are not the same in size.

[F100camperspecial]

The mounts should arrive on June 7th. L&L double checked and said the towers will work. Now if I could find a choke heater for the 2150 carb! Just hope I don't have to drill out the tranny crossmember rivets--ain't it always something?

[F100camperspecial]

The L&L mounts showed up, fit the frame and I found some choke heaters at work. The next thing will be to see if the motor fits the mounts. What would the best way to get rid of the rivets that mount the tranny crossmember? Air hammer and chisel?

I saw a '74 F100 4x4 auto at work and that had a factory bolt in tranny crossmember. It also had a divorced 2 speed xcase--did not look like a 205 though. The stick shifts must of got the riveted crossmembers. I'll relay more as the saga continues

[Heavenlyfire]

Enough enough enough, , just put in a 460 and get it over with , good luck to ya

[FORDification]

On removing frame rivets I tried cutting an 'X' across the head and then using an air chisel to remove them...still took a long time, but doesn't leave any marks (well, hardly any). If you don't mind a few inevitable scrapes on your frame, I'd suggest a cutoff wheel in an angle grinder. Just cut the head completely off and then use a hammer and punch to pop out the rest. After replacing the rivet with a bolt you can always use spray-bomb paint to hide the scars.

Every time I see this thread has a new reply though, the first thought that goes through my mind as I'm opening the thread is "He's going to hate that 351M in his truck". I've heard nothing but unfavorable reports from those who have done this, mostly about lack of power. I agree with Greg...go for the 460. However, I'm still interested in how this turns out. Good luck!

['75-4x4guy]

I would like to comment on the 351M
I had a 1978 bronco with a 351m-c6-np205
the 351 had a holley 600cfm 4bbl ,a little bit better cam set of headers and duel exhaust .
THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE 351M !!!!
I also had a 1978 F150 4x4 with a 400 600 cfm holley ,headers,duels ,c6 tranny and a np205 transfer case the truck had torque to spare and was very dependable.
I think it has a bad rap due to the stock cam timing which requires a simple timing set change .
With a little work the 351m can be made to go. I think you can (ALMOST) compare them (351m) to the FE 360 that too with a little work can be made to go .

F100camperspecial SEE this site http://home.earthlink.net/~bubbaf250/index.html

[F100camperspecial]

Well the mounts do work. The 351 block, 4x4 435 4 speed, and the 205 xcase are bolted in. I did not have to cut the rivets as I was able to install everything from the cab. It's nice to have a buddy with a shop and a lift! Without Dave's help this project would not be this far. The exhaust system is installed except one hanger. Since the the 4x4 435/ 205 setup sets further back, we sandwiched a plate between the tranny mount and the frame crossmember to pick up the rear two bolts. The tranny hump cover from the '77 fits the cab and lines up with the shifters. The drivelines from the '77 dropped in.

After I beat this damn cold I have, it's time to attach the carb, bolt in the rad, plumb the fuel pump, etc, etc. I also want to wire in a DuraSpark setup using the TFI coil. I keep starring at the EGR plate and wonder if it would make a good spot to introduce water alky injection. Jon, Bubba's site is what convinced me that the 351M was worth running--that and I work at a wrecking yard and spotted a '77 150 with a ton of parts on it. Take it easy and I will keep you all posted on the progress.

[F100camperspecial]

Well, the truck runs now, but I have so many leftover parts that the truck is riding low in back. If any body wants a torn apart 360, it's theirs free if they pick it up. Since I threw my back out at work, I can't unload the truck--UGH!! The DuraSpark went in easy and it starts on the first try now. With the my back the D60 rear swap and eight lug disc conversion up front is on hold. Bye

[F100camperspecial]

Latest news is the truck went up the Lewiston grade doing 3000 rpm, 70mph, fourth gear, 190 temp, 50 psi oil pressure, and no ping.