1977 Ranchero Gt engine question

Is there an easy way to identify the engine in a 77 Ranchero Gt, I am looking at. The glued on tag, valve cover is gone. It appears to be a small block, 302, 351 ? Thanks Fasteddy

If you are not very impressed with the width of the valve covers then it's a small block. Most of those had 351M/400 motors. What's the VIN? Can you snap a digital pic, even with your phone?

Also look at the block casting #s right at the starter area . It may have had engine change and if so the vin may not work .

302-351w will have the thermostat on the intake manifold, the 351m-400 have the thermostat on the front of the block.

the easiest way to tell a 302 from a 351w is the top two timing cover bolts, the 351 bolts there is enough clearence to get with a socket, the 302 you need to use a wrench.

The thermo is on top of the block, Must me a 351m. Thank all of you for the info. Fasteddy

The VIN is7A485145812. The valve covers are quite a bit wider than my 260 Cu in.

Judging by that vin you sure do have a 351M. It's a decent putt around motor with good torque and should be backed by a C6. If you ever decide to start digging into that motor and want to stroke the crank just remember that the crank journals are 3" (same as a 351 winsor) and you can stuff a 4" stroke in there without thinking twice.

Suggest you might want to check that VIN and see if it is really 7A48S145812 (an 'S' being in the fifth character position). If that is the case the Engine should be a 351M/400 meaning you have the 400 CID variant. Those are good, strong engines that are not well understood in the "builder" community but you can really build up a power house with one of those. Search around, there are a few articles on some builds on those that were inexpensive and very effective.

i'm pretty sure it's the most popular engine in the masters contest? for a reason!

they've got a pretty good article, right here at ford muscle.com. access it on the opening page ,most popular articles..........ray