Thread: Ford engine comparison

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I am interested in the small displacement fords, I am curious on how they compare torque wise. which is a better torquer?
I know more displacement more torque usually, but I have heard Fe makes more torque than other engines I do not know why could one seris have a better deghine for torque, I have heard that the length or stroke determines where the torque curve will fall in the power band , longer stroke lower curve (300), SHORTER Stroke higher curve (302)

352FE 351 w 351 m

360FE 370

390FE 400

Can a 351 modified out torque a 351 Windsor if they are built the same?

I think the 352 FE is about the same weight as the 351 M does one have a better design for torque?

The 360 has a low comp, how do they respond to raised comp?

Are the 370s from the 385 seris good for torque?

can a 390 out toqure a 400 if they have the same build?

More valve lift means more torque, is there a point where it starts to hurt torque?

I think valve lift can confilct with compression due to space between piston and top of combustion chamber, which is better for torque comp or lift?

THis is just going to be a toruqer for a "67-'75 ford truck for hills and mudd all mild and a daily driver to school I do not think I need a big block , I do not need much hp but nice torque and decent hp for traffic and highway pep

thanks for any info....

Simple answer..... 351W (windsor)

the rest will either cost you too much to build or you'll be burried in them by the time you compensate for their downsides.

FYI:

The 352/360/390 are considered big block although they are smaller than 400 ci. These engines belong to the 'FE' family. Also the 410 430 427 and 428 belong to the same FE family.

The 370 is more or less a turd and considered a commercial engine to most. It belongs to the 385 series big block engine group (aka the 429/460) and the engine itself is about the same size and weight.

The 351M is a certified turd with brown stars. I wouldn't waste your time with one. The 400M on the other hand (same 335 series engine family member) with some improvements can be a decent powerplant, but will cost you more than a 351W would to build in the long run.

You can't just throw identical parts at these engines and expect one to out perform another. Each engine family has certain pros and cons as to their design that may or may not limit thier capabilities.

In my opinion, I think the 351W is the best all-around engine for what you want to do. The Windsor family of engines has a great platform, with lots of aftermarket support making them pretty affordable to build. And power to weight ratio versus cost pretty much crowns it the winner.
Of course, another thing depends on the remainder of your drivetrain.... you just can go bolting up any engine to your existing bellhousing. That may make a difference in cost and your limitation of choices right there.

i vote 351 w also. i built 1 for a 85 150 4x4 , with mild cam and 500 cfm carb, it starts right up and idles lumpy and will easily burn the 35s on it. i think it was all together 1200 dollars with my labor. the owner said it gets 18 on the highway,not bad i think. Ives Bradley rdhotfrd

Yaay! schools in!. What about the 351C? Couldnt you build this motor if you cured the oiling problems?

Dollar for dollar, the 400 M could be a very good choice. The old C 6s are solid and still plentiful but a possible concern might be that the choice of modern overdrive automatic and standard transmissions could present a problem. My vote goes with Richard’s post. Also many feel that for 6500 RPMs or less the Cleveland’s oil system is more than adequate. --Just Bench Racing on my part

Rick

If you're looking for torque, put a stroker kit in a 460, they make tons of torque. Oh yeah, fuel mileage wasn't a consideration, was it?????

Shoot, you can make a 521ci 460 for the cheap. Buy the rotating assembly ($1699) from Brian at AD Performance ( http://www.adperformance.com/) and you can put together a 521 for under 3 grand that will make such crazy TQ that you will have to carry kleenex on the first few rides to clean yourself up with. Small blocks are for small dreams, big blocks are for the big dreamers. Dream big, live big.

D ont count out the 300 straight 6 its a mighty torque engine and will take much abuse heck it was good enuff for buses and dump trucks!!I had 1 in my 77 f- 100 big mud tires, low gears ,I would let the air outa the tires ,put it in low and mash the gas to the floor the only time i let up was when I got to the other side of the mud, valves floatin all the way!!never had any probs at all with this motor!!!