I am being told by people on this board that a 460 with ~174k miles has 1 foot in the grave. Is this correct? What kind of longevity does ones of these things have?

 

For it to have that kind of miles on it ,it must of been taken care of! I seen a motor with 210,000 on it, and we ripped it down and still had more and looked good for it's use.

 

174k is getting up there, if the thing blew up today I'd say it's got decent longevity. But if it's lived a well maintained life the it could go a lot longer, I've read a lot of stuff about 300k 460s. All depends on maintence, if it's been overheated, has it towed huge loads, etc.

 

We have two E350 box trucks at work. Approx 318,000 and 348,000. AFAIK, original motors. Thirsty, but they run fine.

 

We maintain about 30 pickups and unfortunately have a high mileage fleet. 250 to 300,000 would not be anything uncommon for a well maintained 460 even with moderate towing. Maintained not over heated or regularly over revved.

 

I have been told by several engine builders (most of them were Chevy guys)that the 460 Ford is one of the best all around American made big blocks. They will easily run 200k plus, and can put up with a tremendous amount of abuse. A friend of mine has a 95 F350 4x4 srw rclb with well over 300k on the clock, still runs like a top. I have a 460 in my 79 Bronco wheeling truck and I love it.

 

Any engine will last a long time as long as you maintain it. It's like your body. You will usually live a long life if you take care of yourself.

 

True...but just like people, some engines have better genes....