Not only does it use the 460 head, it also uses 460 pistons. They were good engines. They were made from 1976 to about 1989-90. Mercury marine used Ford engines (only 302 and 351 V8s) for MerCrusier power packages from 1971 till 1979. OMC and Volvo Penta used Ford engines up until the mid 90's! Its funny at work were all Ford guys and are stuck working on Chevys all day!

 

Consider it job security!

 

you guys need something to work on, rite??

because we all know fords never need repairs, just routine preventative maintenance.

 

Thats right Tom,

I have never had a blown up Ford Marine engine in my shop, they just come in for tune ups and winterization!

 

2.3 Fords seem real popular in boats, saw one rated at 140hp.......pretty healthy for a Pinto motor.
The most I have EVER seen a 2.3 rated at for HP by Ford was actually the 2.0 version assembled in Germany for the Pinto/Capri in 73' at 120hp.

 

My buddy had a German Capri with an Offenhauser cam and intake in highschool.
That car was fast!

 

speaking of ford marine engines, ya ever see a 7.3 idi marine??
those things are rated at close to 300 hp, without a turbo!!

 

I knew a kid who had a Pinto with 2.3 with a Comp cam, Offy intake and 32/36 Weber, and hooker header, backed by the 4spd gearbox, that thing was fast too!......He spanked another kids 78 Z28 Camaro, kid was so embarrassed, he did not drive the camaro to school for a month.

 

I saw a 460 as an irrigation pump recently.

 

One of my relatives, I think a cousin on my step-mothers side, used to work as a missionary in some 3rd world countries, I'm not sure where. He is a diesel mechanic and his job was maintenance and repair on 7.3L International DI turbo diesels that were used for electrical generation and to power water pumps. Apparently it's a very common application in 3rd world countries where missions are taking those engines over and putting them to that use.