Have a friend who is rebuilding a '78 FSB. He says the engine is a 351M "big block". Regardless, what types of manual 4 & 5spd trannys can you put behind it? He has a 3spd now. Is that RAT?

According to this site it is:
http://www.drivetrain.com/parts_catalog ... l_v26.html

Maybe a T18 would be a good choice?

He's trying to do this as inexpensively as possible and he has a T-case to contend with (205?)

Thanks!

J.D.

That "M" block has been considered a "Medium" block by many, some say big, some say small.

It has the exact same bell housing bolt pattern as a 429/460 otherwise known as the "385 series. I haven't ever thought about this but I would think a guy could go with a ZF5 from a 460/7.5l as well. My 4 speed in my 81 F250 behind that 351/400M is the same that is bolted up to later model 460s up to the 5 speed. I believe its a T-18. I haven't really paid much attention to the case but have owned trucks with both engines with same trans. the difference I have found between the two is the M block has a smaller bell housing and only allows for the 10" clutch. I have to find a 460 Bell housing when I do my engine swap because I want the bigger clutch and that way allows me to do the swap with the right parts instead of using an FE flywheel. Long story...

if you can find a ZF5 in a 460 truck it will bolt in. but if you find that you might as well take the 460 too. just motor mounts and accessory brackets and it'll fit.

Ne'er really looked into what the 351c bolt patterns were. Might have been those odd ducks that had bolt wide and narrow pattern bellhousings. Wide for the trucks and narrow for the cars. I know there were a rare few 351M motors that had both patterns on them too. Most went in to AMCs, IIRC.

JD, any particular reason your buddy doesn't want an NP435? They're plentiful and cheap.

* 351 Modified M-block V8 (Not to be confused with the 351 Cleveland which uses the small block V8 pattern)
* 400 V8 (except some 1971 and 1973 late Windsor-style castings)
simple search, I could find more detailed info, but this verifies (kindapedia) they are different
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Fo ... V8_pattern

Thank the Bronco diety for you guys as this stuff makes my head hurt.

Zack - I think he wants an OD. After having mine, I can't say I blame him...

Shawn - looks like anything behind another 351M, 400 or 460 (maybe even the diesels) would work if it meets his requirements??