My current 460 is sitting on the floor waiting for the engine project to start.
It is a 1979 E350 460.
My local jy brought in a 12/73 F250 4x2 Lariat XLT with a 460. Should I grab the D3VE heads off of the 12/73 460 or stay with the 79 heads?

My plans for the engine arr to swap it into my 79 Bronco. I'm not looking for big power but a respectable 350-400 horse. Will the D3VE head raise the c/r better without as much machining work? Or not enough performance increase for the cost?

Thanks to all that have shared their knowledge.

 

I think the heads are the same. Others will either agree or bash this opinion.

R.

 

Heads are functionally the same. And to be honest neither...... Source a set of D0VE's

 

 

Yup totally agree, the exhaust ports on the 460 are horrific and should be addressed even on a stock motor it is worth some ponies. The 400's handicap is crap cam timing and bad cams and only ever offered in a 2BBL. The 400's bottom end (rods ) are actually stronger than the late 70's 460's.

 

Thanks guys about the heads. I knew the exhaust side had a bump that needd to be worked on. I didn't know about the 400 con/rods being stronger. If its not to much more work to break 425hp and about the same money, then I will go that route.

 

To put things in perspective of the untapped power potential off the 400 in 1971 the 351C with a 4V carb and heads, with 9.0:1 compression ratio was rated at 285 hp @ 5400 rpm, and 370 Ft Lbs of Torque at @3400
Where as the 400 with a 2 BBL carb and the 2 BBL heads and a milder cam with a 9.0:1 compression ratio was rated at 260 hp @ 4400 rpm. and 400 Ft Lbs of Torque at @2200 RPM.

The 400's original heads will need some porting work to make 425HP. I would try to source a set of early 2V heads either Cleveland or 400 any Pre D5 head, in 75 when the 351M was introduced the 2V casting was changed to a more restrictive exhaust port.

 

Any head can be modified for better power output, but I agree, I'd hold out for some D0VE heads. I have those on my 460 powered Bronco and they're awesome. They do have the Thermactair bosses in the exhaust port, but you can rip those things all the way out of there with a grinder and not even come close to any water jackets.

 

Anyone have pictures of the offending bump and where/how much to grind away? I remember seeing a pictures years ago but didnt that much attention because I wasn't looking for that. Just reading to take up time back then.

 

 

Exhaust port cross sections ford 460 iron heads

Here you go.

You can see how restrictive the 385 Series port really is and it is bumps, the thermatic and the side wall.