I'm ready to take the plunge and swap my tired 460 for a reman or rebuild. But, here's the back story:

My truck had a 400 from the factory, and somewhere along the way was replaced with a 460. The 460 is leaking oil out the rear main seal, and has an odd smoking problem. https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...r-warm-up.html

So, I have some decisions to make. Basically, I just want to replace the engine with something that takes advantage of a new carb/manifold and possibly headers. And here's where I need advice:

400 vs 460 - should I even mess with the 400?

Rebuild vs Reman - pros/cons

New carb/manifold - what's the best setup for a daily driver? Would like to pull the smog gear at the same time.

Heads - anything special here? Stock ok?

Headers - how hard is it to get headers tucked in this truck? Will I really need to weld/bend/fit these in? I'm ok using the stock exhaust manifolds.

Resources - Any shops in the Austin Texas area to recommend?

Mechanically, I can bolt stuff together, but I'm not technically capable nor do I have the tools to do the rebuild on my lonesome. All this, and I don't want to spend money on overt performance. I just want a little boost with the items I'll have to or should replace anyway.

Thanks for looking - this forum has been super!

 

400 is a great engine, I like the 460 better


Look for engine machine shops in your area. Find the most experienced one and pick his brain whether to buy a crate/ pay to rebuild yours.
You'll be surprised on the results. Sometimes they have everything to slap together a 280-350hp engine at their shop.
Also get ready to open up your wallet, it may quickly go past your budget; not sure what it is. Many peoples swap/ budget rebuild gets to be 3 or 4 times more expensive.


Intake carb suggestions (budget): look for a used edelbrock performer/ performer RPM or a torque 2 intake. They have good reviews. If you cant find used then buy new.
Carb, I wouldn't go below 750 CFM and on a budget I have read good things about the summit racing brand. Edelbrock are good too. (check out FiTECH for a fuel injection for not much money under 400HP)


Headers- headers specifically for these trucks are not cheap. I have read only do fenderwell exits because of crossmember issues on 4WD. I went with fenderwell headers that were supposed to be a direct fit. I did lots of trimming and cutting


Heads- it seems that the D0VE heads are the most desired head from the factory. I looked for a few months with no luck, turned around and got trickflow heads.


If you can install the engine, bolt on the alternator, starter, powersteering, pullys, hook up throttle linkage etc etc then you'll save yourself a few hundred bucks.

 

Thanks for the quick turn - funny, I just read your build page last night! Nice work, and am envious of your shop. . .