I am going to be dropping in a 460 in my project here soon. (within the next 2 weeks) I am going to buy a stock long block, reman of course. I am going to do a timing set upgrade. Now my dilemma is, whether to put in a cam ( Comp X4256H) or upgrade the heads to a set of D0VE-C. Let your voice be heard! I am only going to do one (right now), so no votes for both will be counted.

 

I'd say to go for the head upgrade even tohugh I've never done either of them.

 

Cam so you don't have to tear it that far down again

 

My understanding is the D0VE heads have a smaller combustion chamber and therefore will raise your compression ratio (assuming all else remains the same).

So depending on your objectives for the truck and/or the engine you may want to use different pistons to lower your compression ratio.

My take is get the right pistons and head combination now or you'll have a bigger and more expensive upgrade later.

I understand the "can't vote for both" thing but with either option if you later do the other it will cost you more money. For example if you later install a different cam you'll have to replace the lifters too. I'm not trying to be rude but it would be easier and cheaper in the long run to do it right the first time.

 

I understand your point, but with all due respect, I would never change a cam without new (and matching) lifters. The cost (ignoring inflation) will not change between now and then. The idea of the head swap is to bump the compression up. I just don't know what performance gains I would get, or if the cam would net me the same numbers. I know, a whole lot of bench racing here.....

On second thought, that's not true....I would have the cost of various gaskets involved, so I guess you're right. Now, where did I plant that money tree?

 

Some specs on the short block you would be using would help. It is a reman block to replace which engine? What heads would have originally been used on that engine? compression and piston height?

Rule of thumb, you can run 9:1 compression with iron heads and open chamber and mild cam... maybe a bit more. With sustained heavy load like towing and heat buildup, maybe a bit less. If you get into detonation and pinging no fun.

 

I'd buy a mild cam and get the heads you have ported and polished. Do it once and do it right.

 

Gonna buy long block from Napa.

Will be D3VE heads that will be replaced. '72-'78 Style long block. I was planning on replacing/modifying from there. I don't want to custom build a motor, even though I know it would be better. I'm just trying to improve torque a little here.

 

Horsepower TV on Spike did a 460 budget build in 2009. The video is in their archives and viewable and the guys on Trucks! installed a remanned 460 in their Project "Das Bronco". It's worth your review IMO.

Go to their website (www.powerblocktv.com) and check it out.

EDIT: Here is the episode: http://www.powerblocktv.com/player/s..._num=HP2009-04

 

That longblock has 36 months unlimited mileage warranty. Pretty good deal. If you get into it much, no warranty I think. Personally I would use it as is or at most put a mild cam in it.

If you want something much different, start from scratch with a good engine builder. You won't match the cost or warranty but can get more engine.

 

This cam will work with 8to1 compression and no more i know iam taking one out of my truck now.I have about 9.5 to 1 it all my high torque starter can do to tune it over to much cylinder pressure and a lot of pinging.so be carefull if you ever put thoses dove head on with that cam you will be in trouble .Go bigger with am like comp 34-235-4 then maybe down the road put the dove heads on but keep an eye on that compression like hasteranger said do it right the first time

 

Thanks for the link HIO, I had totally forgot about that shootout.

 

Thanks for that info.
Thanks to all for the replies. I think I am going with the cam and lifters i mentioned and stop there. I just want a cruiser, not looking for big power here. I think this is the ticket for me.

 

how much is this 36 month warranty long block anyway??? just curious.

 

My local Napa priced it to me at $1990.00 with exchange. There are less expensive ones if you hunt, but I like buying local in case of any problems.