Farmall M build questions

[j carter]

Looking at getting an old M running for some low key local pulls. I have an 8060 head that I want to use. Is this head from a SM or a 400? Looking at shaving it .65 to .80. Also is the block bore of the M, with the sleeves removed, the same as standard pistons from a 450 engine ? If so will this head work with the 450 pistons or will there be clearance issues?Also I am confused on the wristpin bushing thing!Will the 450 pistons work on the M rods? With or without pin bushings?Also where is the best place to get those counterbore rings you will need for the block? Any other suggestions appreciated. Jim.

 

[Anonymous-0]

just get a overbore kit, and ive milled .100 off the head and was fine,the block bore depends on witch block u got,few early m's had smaller bores and the 400 n 450 even bigger.

 

[jaxx fann]

Mr. carter head is off of M 450 pistons will work with sleeves removed, everyone advised me not to do that , something about hardness of block. pistons from 450 have smaller pin than your M. Bore block to accept asuper M overbore kit of 4.125. use step head pistons. pin in piston will work with M rods.LOL

 

[north puller]

The 8060 head is a super m gas head. Not as good as a 400/450 head, but not bad

M's and super m's have a larger wrist pin than 400/450's. If you want to use a 450 piston, you will need to have undersized bushings installed in your rods.

Milling the 8060 head is not the best money spent. Seems that .100" is the max you can take off, and it won't make much difference in compression.

If you want 4.125 pistons, look to custom piston shops. Buying M&W style, re-bushing your rods, and milling your head will likely add up to the $800 or so that customs will cost, AND you can get much more compression (ie: power) with custom designs.

Hope this helps, and good luck.

 

[D Slater]

Depends on the suffix after 8060 on the head. DC was used on some of the very last M tractors and the SM, SMTA. Some DD ones were made after that. Lower than DC were used on M tractors.

 

[LCB]

Been runing 2 Ms without sleves one for about 15 plus years on prolems.

 

[j carter]

Thanks for helping clear that up.Haven't been into an M motor. For some reason, I had the idea that the M had a bushing on wristpin and 450 did not but both had same size wristpins!I have a 450 which I did pull with a bit, and was thinking of new sleeves and pistons for it, so would have these old ones laying around, if they were usable. Maybe looking for custom pistons is the best way.I thought close to .080 off the head would make a difference. Jim.