I have a 79 f-250 4x4. Im planning to replace the 400 with a 460 and was wondering if their was a certain year motor i should look for or stay away from?

 

I suggest a 72-74, 460 donor truck ,that way you'will have everything you need to do the swap.
Otherwise,It is a lengthy and sometimes costly procedure to accummulate all of the parts you'll need.
The 70-73 460's were great.
The 80's 460's I heard are Dogs.

I have a 70 429 that keeps the filling stations in business,it's pretty good engine.

Dennis

78 F-150 429CJ C6 ,Silver w/Explorer Pkge
641/2 Mustang,Pre-World's Fair Car #8092
64 Fairlane S/C waiting for a 390-4spd.
68-Mustang.Sunlit Gold 80,000 miles
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I would look for either a van engine or one out of an 80's truck
as you will need the rear sump oil pan. As I recall, you will have
to either build your own mounts or possibly L&L may have them.

 

'68-71 engines are higher compression (10.5:1)with positive stop rocker arms. I run 10.5 c/r on pump gas with no problems, but I use a conservative distributor advance curve and don't lug my truck in higher gears.

'72-78s are lower compression (8.0-8.5:1) with fulcrum type rocker arms. '72 up heads also have the smog bump in the exhaust chamber. 8.0-8.5 c/r makes for a real dog with the 460, as it does in any natuarally aspirated motor.

Spend the money on L&L motor mounts. They're well worth it.