1979 F250 460 NEEDS HELP
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2006
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1979 F250 460 NEEDS HELP
Have a 1979 f250 2wd cc with c6 and 460, 129k miles. My question is how can I add power, performance and at same time add mpg if that is possible at all. Motor is all stock except for a holley carb with exact specs as original carb. Thinking heads, timing chain, dual exhaust, k&n air cleaner, msd ignition. Will add that help? Should I go to a 2 barrel stock carb, intake?? Also 460 has factory smog pump still installed. Need help...............
Thanks.
Thanks.
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 2,322
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From: Dairy, OR
Throw the smog pump in the trash to start with 
If done properly up to a point increasing horsepower does increase mileage, problem is most of us still get worse mileage because we can't keep our foot out of it with all that extra power! A good dual exhaust and improved air cleaner will help on both fronts. Unless you have a problem or plan to rebuild the engine I would opt to leave the heads alone. I run the msd ignition and police interceptor timing chain, both give good horsepower gains. I am not a big fan of 2 barrel carbs... a properly tuned 600 to 750 cfm 4 barrel is what I prefer.
If done properly up to a point increasing horsepower does increase mileage, problem is most of us still get worse mileage because we can't keep our foot out of it with all that extra power! A good dual exhaust and improved air cleaner will help on both fronts. Unless you have a problem or plan to rebuild the engine I would opt to leave the heads alone. I run the msd ignition and police interceptor timing chain, both give good horsepower gains. I am not a big fan of 2 barrel carbs... a properly tuned 600 to 750 cfm 4 barrel is what I prefer.
More Turbo
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 538
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From: Great N/W
A Free flowing air cleaner (K&N) and true dual exhaust will really help. MSD ignition is an definate improvement over stock, but may not help in the mileage dept. a lot. Changing out the timing chain may help greatly, IF the old old unit is sloppy. After market t/c's allow you to advance the cam, which will help the low end. This will allow the engine to make better power downstairs, which will require less throttle, equalling less fuel comsumption. A 600cfm Holley, properly jetted, will help...IF YOU CAN KEEP YOU FOOT OUTTA IT (good luck with that!!!).The cylinder heads have a very restrictive exhaust port. Some die grinder work will help the heads flow freely, which will help use less fuel.
Tire sizing, proper engine tune, and driving habbits can really make a difference. BUT, these trucks aren't gunna see 18mpg w/a 460 and a C-6 no matter what you do.
Tire sizing, proper engine tune, and driving habbits can really make a difference. BUT, these trucks aren't gunna see 18mpg w/a 460 and a C-6 no matter what you do.
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 2,322
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From: Dairy, OR
Good question! I am not sure on that one, dad put in the first one when he did the big rebuild back in 82 so when I freshened it in 2005 I just went with what he had, never really asked him exactly what it changed.
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