I'd like to build a 460 for my truck, I'm looking to make 400-450 fwhp.
The engine I have purchased is a 1994 EFI 460 with matching ZF 5 speed. I intend to remove the 351m and t-18 I currently have (and hate) and replace them with the 460/ZF combo using a carb. Knowing what I have to start with and what's available, can I use the f3te heads (ported) and EFI intake (ported) with this power range of build or should I move to the c8-d0 heads (or other? Alum heads out of budget) and RPM/Stealth intake? I've been to the "Mad Porters" site and plan to join for the porting info on the heads and hopefully intake and know you can't interchange the efi stuff with the non-efi. Which head would be easier to port for this level of build? Would it hurt to move to larger 2.19/1.71 Stainless valves at that time? I'm looking at the Comp Cams XE262H or Lunati VooDoo 61601 or 61602. I plan to keep compression around 9:1. I will run fender well 1-7/8 or 2" headers with appropriate exhause flanged for whatever head I use.

COMP Cams 34-238-4 - COMP Cams Xtreme Energy Camshafts

Lunati 61601 - Lunati Voodoo Camshafts

Lunati 61602 - Lunati Voodoo Camshafts

The 460 will be for my 5000 lbs 1979 F-150 shot box 4x4. I do not tow, off road or race the truck, it's mainly used for hauling light loads and as a back up rig/toy. Any comments or advice appreciated!

 

i would look for some D3 heads as they are very plentiful (just about every 429/460 from 73 till 86 used these heads), can be ported to support up to around 550hp and because of their larger comb chambers, you have a better selection of pistons to get your 9:1 ratio.

i would get them converted to screw in rocker studs and use roller rockers, but if you don't go too wild with cam lift and duration, the stock rocker arms should be fine. just mock it up first and check for clearance. or you can buy conversion kits to change them to adjustable rockers.

i would definetely go with the larger 2.19 valves, but not really necessary if you do a good blending job on the ports and you are not looking for more than 400 or so hp out of them.

the early heads would be nice as they don't require machining for screw in rocker studs as they already come with them, but are not as easy to find now days and have pretty small chambers. but if you can get a set for a decent price don't pass them up.

but before you do this, find a real good machine shop and get an honest price to rebuild the heads, new springs, new valves, machining, etc. you might be suprised to see that those alum heads are really not that much more expensive, especially if you add your time and effort to port them into the fold. (of course i am talking about quality aftermarket heads like the Edelbrocks, TFS streets or even the P-51's, not the Chinese knockoffs that aren't much better than stock heads) and the aftermarket heads out of the box will outperform even ported stock heads by a country mile. so do your research first so you are not disappointed afterwards.

the efi heads and manifold are probably not a good choice as no one makes an carbed intake to fit the efi heads and you can only get an adapter that mates a carb to the stock intake. and they probably can't support 450hp even ported.

rgds
Mike

 

Mike, thanks for the input. I do have access to some d0ve heads and may go that route, we shall see. I'd love to do with the TFS street heads, just the 80 pounds of weigh shed alone is worth it.