460 vs 390?
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2012
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From: Franklin, IN
The 390 is a great powerplant for a truck in factory form, pulls hard down low and still gets respectable mpg. I have never owned a 460 but from what other people are saying my 390s have gotten around 2 to 3 mpg more then the average joe seems to get from his 460. I have loved every FE motor i have owned, even the 360s that everyone seems to hate
Posting Guru
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From: Alton, MO
The main drawback to the FE that I see is it has not been produced since 1976. You can get whatever you want from any engine. The bulk of "power" comes from the rear gears. Set up with the right gears you will get a tough machine with either. Back in the '80s I liked all the FEs I had as well with exception of oil leaks.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2010
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With the 460 you will probably be able to make more power if you put a little money in it. 460 parts are more available and overall cheaper than the FE parts. Just remember FE stands for freaking expensive.
Stock for stock, 390 probably seems to have more low end torque over the 460.
Stock for stock, 390 probably seems to have more low end torque over the 460.
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2010
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From: Alton, MO
This would vary greatly based on the yr of the 460. A late '70s early '70s 460 will put out a bunch. We then get into grey areas. Would it be considered stock if you put an early timing set in it? Brings the cam back to 0 instead of 4* retarded.
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2007
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From: Colorado
I have a '75 FE 360 with a 428 crank. Rotating assembly is balanced .Billet end and center stands with poly shafts .The valvetrain has been blueprinted. ARP internal bolts. Preformer RPM manifold ported to the heads . 8 quart milodon oilpan .MSR box ,distributor ,and wires . That is just a start .
The FE came out in 1958 . The 460 came out in 1969 as a 429 . That is 11 years of engineering experience . Look at the current lineup .I would like to have one of the recent OHC motors for my Starliner .
The FE came out in 1958 . The 460 came out in 1969 as a 429 . That is 11 years of engineering experience . Look at the current lineup .I would like to have one of the recent OHC motors for my Starliner .
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Posting Guru
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,867
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From: Alton, MO
I have a '75 FE 360 with a 428 crank. Rotating assembly is balanced .Billet end and center stands with poly shafts .The valvetrain has been blueprinted. ARP internal bolts. Preformer RPM manifold ported to the heads . 8 quart milodon oilpan .MSR box ,distributor ,and wires . That is just a start .
The FE came out in 1958 . The 460 came out in 1969 as a 429 . That is 11 years of engineering experience . Look at the current lineup .I would like to have one of the recent OHC motors for my Starliner .
The FE came out in 1958 . The 460 came out in 1969 as a 429 . That is 11 years of engineering experience . Look at the current lineup .I would like to have one of the recent OHC motors for my Starliner .
Freshman User
Joined: May 2012
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From: jacksonvillle nc
ive had almost every v8 that ford has ever made. best running one being the 360 hands down, but my latest one is a 460 in a 76. 250, freakish strong. will put it up against a new 250 deisel any day of the week.
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Junior User
Joined: Aug 2012
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I never had a 390 but iv driven a bunch of 400 trucks and 400 trucks. I like a 400 not many guys do. Im gonna build the 460 in my truck to see if i like it better than a 400. Im sure i will more cubes. Lol
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 117
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From: Thornton, WV
Have had several 460's, all performed well for what I wanted. Just know that the gears you choose are a huge factor. That big motor likes to lug down low and when you spin it, it will use the fuel.
1) 1981 f100 2wd, 460, C6, 3:00 rear gears, mid range cam, moderate compression, 13 mpg and would eat 5.0 (90's era) mustangs for lunch.
2) 1979 f350 single rear wheel, 4x4, 4 spd, 460, mild cam, 4:11 gears, would pull a house but could only managed 9 mpg on a good day.
3) Current ride 1996 F250, 4x4, 460, 4:11 gears, auto/EOD4, mostly stock, high miles, 4:11 gears, still pulls good, but is in the single digit mpg range just like the '79 was.
1) 1981 f100 2wd, 460, C6, 3:00 rear gears, mid range cam, moderate compression, 13 mpg and would eat 5.0 (90's era) mustangs for lunch.
2) 1979 f350 single rear wheel, 4x4, 4 spd, 460, mild cam, 4:11 gears, would pull a house but could only managed 9 mpg on a good day.
3) Current ride 1996 F250, 4x4, 460, 4:11 gears, auto/EOD4, mostly stock, high miles, 4:11 gears, still pulls good, but is in the single digit mpg range just like the '79 was.
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2007
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From: Colorado
The 460 was being produced at the same time as the 429. The 429 was used in Mercurys & Fords. The 460 was used in Lincolns. It started in 1968. The 460 was produced through 1996 making it a 29 yr run. The FE had a 18 yr run. The 429 had a very short life comparatively but is far more famous due to TJ, CJ, SCJ & Boss versions. The 429 was built from 1968 - 1973. The 429 & 460 are the same engine with exception of stroke.
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2010
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From: Alton, MO
