1979 Ford Racnhero - 351W or 351M?

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1979 Ford Racnhero - 351W or 351M?

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Ford Forums >> Past Ford Models >> Other Makes/Models owned by Ford Motor Company >> 1979 Ford Racnhero - 351W or 351M?

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1979 Ford Racnhero - 351W or 351M? - 9/13/2008 10:58:07 AM

cycledick

Posts: 1
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Joined: 9/13/2008
Status: offline

I can''t figure out what kind of engine is in my 1979 ranchero. The VIN indicates it''s a 351W, but the sticker on the side of the valve cover says it''s a 351M. It sure looks stock (like it has 30 years worth of grime on it). The guy I bought it from was a mechanic at a Ford dealership for 40 years and told me it was a modified. It''s got all the smog equipment on it. I''ve read some things about an "obvious fin" near the distributor of the 351W, but I don''t see that on mine, or I misunderstand what "obvious" means. Everything except the VIN seems to indicate it''s a 351M.

Does it sound like the engine was transplanted from another vehicle?

Also, since it''s possible the engine isn''t original, according to the sticker my car originally came with the FMX transmission, but I''d like to verify that too. How can I tell what kind of tranny I have?

Thanks a lot in advance.

-Richard