Is a Ford Ranchero '79 is a good car ? How about his 351 ?

Question

Wanna buy one for almost nothing, but is it ok for winter or it just goes on rust like hell ?

Answer 1

Yes the Ranchero is a decent car. They are not as Popular as the El-Camino is but they've been around since the 50's. As for the engine The 351M is a junk motor as everyone else has said. the M actually stands for Both Midland and Modified. The 400 IS NOT AN M the ONLY designation Ford EVER gave to the 400 was 400 that's it. GO ahead READ the sticker on the Valve cover 351M/400 (notice-NO M) the M came about in 1974 when Ford stopped making the 351C The only reason the M, C and W have a letter is to distinguish them from one another, the W and C are both representative of where the engines were produced Windsor, Ontario and Cleveland Ohio. Co-Incidentally the 351M was built in Midland Michigan. Ford could not produce enough engines in the 350 C.I. range with just the 351W. the 351C was killed by smog so they did the next logical step, "M"odify the 400 so that it was in the 350 C.I. range. This was done by using a crank with a 3.5" stroke instead of a 4" stroke and a goofy piston that was half an inch taller that is twice the rotating mass of any other piston out there in the automotive field.

Answer 2

The 351 M is basically a sound engine. They have an oiling problem that can be cured with blocker plates that reduce the flow of oil to the top end. This lets the bottom end have enough oil to stay together (which was the problem). If the Ranchero is not rusted now, it likely will rust driving it as a winter vehicle. If it is clean, you can probably sell it on ebay and make some money on it.

Answer 3

They are rust buckets, as most cars from that era are. The motor, if it is a 351M ( the M=modified) it is junk. They were among the worst motors Ford made. If it is a 351W, that's the good one. Due to the gas crunch and EPA regulation the motors during that time were way underpowered but the 351Windsor can be built for big power, the 351M is good for a boat anchor. It's up to you, if you like the car and are willing to do the work necessary to keep the car running do it. They are far from common. Good luck.

Answer 4

The motor mounts and "stands" will be different. because the 240/three hundred engine became to my understanding by no skill provided interior the Torino/ Ranchero chassis i do not understand what you would might want to do to make a three hundred in advantageous condition. The smaller 240( with regard to the two hundred) instantly six became provided yet good luck searching any of those for elements and so a thoughts as i understand they're incompatible with the bigger instantly sixes besides. you may little question have abunch extra subject matters installation a three hundred besides the very shown truth that it's going to bolt as a lot as your 351's transmission. I really have by no skill heard of everybody providing "carry" or drop spindles on your vehicle. they could exist even with the truth that.

Answer 5

the 79 ranchero is an ok ride
If it has 8 bolts on the valve cover its a 351M and a turd motor , but you can stick in a 400M with out and modifications , the heads & block are the same.( differant stroke )
If it has 6 bolts on the valve cover its a 351W , there OK
The 351C was not an option in this year - they quit making them a few years back.

Answer 6

The 351M and the 400M were both good engines
within their domain.
The "M" is often quoted as meaning "modified"
but it actually refers to the MCC--Michigan Casting Center.

Answer 7

if you are getting it cheap enough , who cares ? put some weight out back and have fun

Answer 8

just have it rust treated then it won't rust.