'75 Country Squire Engine and Trans?

James · Post by **James** » March 15, 2008, 1:50 pm

After 9 months of deciding what to do about the drive train in my '66 I HAVE to make a decision!

I have an opportunity to purchase a 1975 Ford Country Squire Wagon with 27 000 original miles on it. Has the 400 mated to an auto trans.

What are the thoughts of installing this in my truck? Would the 400 out of the car be equivalent to a truck 400?

As per usual I very much appreciate the help I receive from this group and I hope to someday be able to reciprocate.

James

ICEMAN6166 · Post by **ICEMAN6166** » March 15, 2008, 2:00 pm

400 makes fine boat anchors. i would not have one in a car or truck.

best to find a 429/460 to bolt up to the trans on the torino if you want a 385 series engine.
otherwise if the deal is good, buy and drive the wagon as is until the 400 takes a dump then put a 429/460 in .

sorry if thats not what you wanted to hear.

Brent · Post by **Brent** » March 15, 2008, 4:09 pm

The 400 is an under rated motor

They can be made to run pretty good

One of the most inportant things is the timing chain
the car 400 had a retarded timing chain among other things to lower emissions
Install a timing chain for a 351c
A different cam, four bbl carb,and a recurved dist would help too

The difference between a car and a 2wd truck should be the pass side exhaust manifold and motor mounts if I rember correctly.

Hoofbeat Racer · Post by **Hoofbeat Racer** » March 15, 2008, 6:18 pm

400 makes fine boat anchors.

I was just about to say the same

Of course anything can be improved with time and money, personally, if 400 cubes plus is what you are after, plenty-o-wagons came with 460s too

Then again, I am a wee bit biased

Post by **Greg D** » March 15, 2008, 6:26 pm

Yes the 400 can be made into a "decent" engine. I'd still go with a 429-460 too, they will likely get better fuel mileage and have more power "out of the box" than the 400 will make even with mods.
If you can however verify the 27K on it change the timing chain to a good one and run it. When it reaches the day it needs an overhaul though, switch to a 460 instead. If you have to do more than the timing chain to be happy with it I wouldn't bother.

oldtrucks · Post by **oldtrucks** » March 15, 2008, 6:44 pm

James
Go ahead and get the 400 install it and drive it till it gives you problems. In the mean time get a 429/460 and get it ready for an engine swap. The 429/460 will drop right in where the 400 was and you will have already done everything needing to be done in preparation for a 429/460. Do change the timing chain while the 400 is easy to get to. Pull all the smog stuff off and clean up a bit. You won't regret doing it the power and driveability gains will be worth it.
In any event do a google search on the 400 engine there is a lot of good info out there to help you make a decision

FORDMANLCRACKEL · Post by **FORDMANLCRACKEL** » March 15, 2008, 8:23 pm

I agree with Greg D and oldtrucks.

Lonnie