OK. . .so I have a '79 F-150 that I want to do a full-tube chassis TT-style build on but I'm new to Ford powerplants. . .soooooooo, help me decide on what engine to build. . .

. . .I have a complete 460 at the moment that could be built as a 429 or 460 and I have a complete FE engine that I know I can build as a 428, but I'm also pretty sure I could go the 427 with that block as well. . .

. .. so what would you guys suggest for a desert truck. . .427, 428, 429, or 460???
Thanks!!!

 

For the FE, it all depends on what block you have. If it's a 360/390, it'll probably only go far enough to clean up the bores. It'll never go as far as a 427, and VERY rarely can they go to a 428.

However, you can use a 428 crank in a 360/390 block and make a 410 which makes gobs of torque.

here in FE-land, you're going to be told you don't want that 460, most likely, but ... if it's already there, it's something to think about. The 385-series has a lot of aftermarket support, and a lot of potential. And since it's already in there, it's a lot easier (and cheaper) to keep a 385-series in there.

 

i'll say it.

460. end of story.

 

As said the 360/390 blocks Very rarely can go to 428 bore, and will never go to 427. These were 3 different block castings. The 460 has a ton of aftermarket support and is cheaper to build.
Something to keep in mind, especially in a TT which will be jumping and such, the 460 weighs about 100lbs more than the FE.

 

not to be the original parts guy here, but an FE was never in a 79.
I've had many issues dealing with my non-stock vehicles when I go to the parts counter 500miles from home.

I might get spanked for this one but I gotta do it.....
If you are loosing alot of weight with the tube setup (and whatever else) a 460 is going to make this truck very nose heavy.
For best performance I'd probably want to stroke a 351W to 408, get huge heads and I'd call it a day.
MUCH lighter rotating assembly, much lighter engine, more transmission choices than an FE and just as cheap as the 460.
Of course with you having a 460 already that factors into it.

Good luck, and post pictures when your done!
Drew

 

Thanks guys. . .I'll mull it over some more. . .the intention has always been a built C6 for the tranny regardless of what engine goes in it.

 

An FE with aluminum heads, intake, and water pump weighs the same as a stock 351w. About 505-515lbs. If you've got the $$$, and the stones to tell your ol' lady what you spent, you can get an aluminum block for it and the whole thing comes in at 430-460lbs. About the same as a SBF 289/302.

 

New to Ford engines? Stroke that 460.

FEs were a little different from the "other guy's" engines when they were in production. Getting aftermarket stuff to fit a 35 year old block takes more time, money, and attention to detail than most guys are accustomed to investing.