351 vs. 460
Fleet Owner
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 21,437
Likes: 76
From: Gilbert, PA
FWIW, the main reason I bought my previous F250 with a 351 was because I really just wanted a half ton 5 speed that wasn't the M5OD, especially since I had owned a half ton before that with that tranny and had blown it up. Since that was never a factory option, I stepped to a F250. F250s with the 351 are cheaper, but still gave me everything I needed out of a truck (Home Depot runs and the occasional UHaul trailer).
Mike
Mike
I can kind of see your paint about the trans, but I have seen plenty of the mazda 5 speeds goo 200k+. Then ,if it goes, just put in a ZF, they are a direct bolt in. If you beat on something, it will fail. Hell I have seen zfs come apart with under 100k on them from abuse.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 7,868
Likes: 9
From: Rhode Island
You can do more with a truck then just tow stuff.
Fleet Owner
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 21,437
Likes: 76
From: Gilbert, PA
Never said you had to tow. But F250 has a 8800lb GVW which means you can haul approx 3000lbs in the truck. i would like to see a 351 haul 3000lbs with out struggling in a f150, f250, or f350.
The simple fact is that a small block in 3/4 ton truck is NOT the best decision. YES it will get the job done, but the not most efficient way. A F150 w a 351 is not too bad since the F150 is at least 1000lbs lighter to begin with vs a similar F250
The simple fact is that a small block in 3/4 ton truck is NOT the best decision. YES it will get the job done, but the not most efficient way. A F150 w a 351 is not too bad since the F150 is at least 1000lbs lighter to begin with vs a similar F250
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 215
Likes: 3
From: oo-tah
While I would be fine in a 1/2 ton, i'm having a hard time finding a truck at all so i've widened my options to a 3/4. also I like the stance so I wouldn't have to lift it, and the availability of a 351, 5 speed.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 7,868
Likes: 9
From: Rhode Island
Never said you had to tow. But F250 has a 8800lb GVW which means you can haul approx 3000lbs in the truck. i would like to see a 351 haul 3000lbs with out struggling in a f150, f250, or f350.
The simple fact is that a small block in 3/4 ton truck is NOT the best decision. YES it will get the job done, but the most efficient way. A F150 w a 351 is not too bad since the F150 is at least 1000lbs lighter to begin with vs a similar F250
The simple fact is that a small block in 3/4 ton truck is NOT the best decision. YES it will get the job done, but the most efficient way. A F150 w a 351 is not too bad since the F150 is at least 1000lbs lighter to begin with vs a similar F250
There have been a lot bigger trucks with far less horsepower that have done just fine.
Elder User
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 757
Likes: 0
From: 7th realm of hell, Va.
Here is my take on this issue. I bought the F250 w/ 351W. I only need a 3/4 ton when I load up my my truck camper. An F150 could possibly handle the truck camper but I am not comfortable overloading trucks. The rest of the time I don't need an F250 but I am not going to own 2 different trucks. So the majority of the time the 351 does great and gets better fuel economy than the 460.
As fa as truck prices, in my area F150's command the same money if not more than the F250's and F350's. Unless it is a diesel, then the diesel commands more wayyyy more money then the gassers.
Matt
As fa as truck prices, in my area F150's command the same money if not more than the F250's and F350's. Unless it is a diesel, then the diesel commands more wayyyy more money then the gassers.
Matt
FTE Legend
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 54,118
Likes: 2,449
From: NY and VA
I have both. 1986 F250 SC 8' bed, 351W, 4V Holley, C6, 4.10L gears.
1987 F250 SC 8' bed, 460 , 4v Holley, C6, 4.10L gears.
Both have dual air pumps and A/C
Traveling back and forth between NY and VA, fully loaded, usually hauling car trailer loaded with car or small back hoe. The 351 would get around 8 loaded, 12-14 empty (prior to E10) would really bog down on some hills. You would wonder if you were going to make it to the top. The 460 gets 6 mpg loaded, 10mpg empty, slows down on some hills but not as bad as the 351.
1987 F250 SC 8' bed, 460 , 4v Holley, C6, 4.10L gears.
Both have dual air pumps and A/C
Traveling back and forth between NY and VA, fully loaded, usually hauling car trailer loaded with car or small back hoe. The 351 would get around 8 loaded, 12-14 empty (prior to E10) would really bog down on some hills. You would wonder if you were going to make it to the top. The 460 gets 6 mpg loaded, 10mpg empty, slows down on some hills but not as bad as the 351.
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FTE Legend
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 54,118
Likes: 2,449
From: NY and VA
I've also got an 85 F250 SC 4.10L gears, C6, 4v Holley that I bought for the 460 engine to put in my 86.Does that count?
For what it's worth---friend had a 460 in his 79 F150. Replaced it with a 351W HO from an 86 F250 to get better mileage. Wrong....no desired improvement.
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 1,179
Likes: 1
From: Pueblo, CO
Parts trucks don't count. But project trucks do.
Darn, back to 2, both licensed. But have a 54, 78, and 79 project trucks.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 226
Likes: 1
From: IA
This is interesting stuff. I don't mean to hyjack, but I have been considering upgrading to a 351 in my 88'. I plan on a 6" lift and at least 35" tires. I am will also be regrearing to probably a 4.56 gear. Do you guys think i am wasting my time with the 351 and should just jump to a carbed 400 or 460?
Fleet Owner
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 21,437
Likes: 76
From: Gilbert, PA
This is interesting stuff. I don't mean to hyjack, but I have been considering upgrading to a 351 in my 88'. I plan on a 6" lift and at least 35" tires. I am will also be regrearing to probably a 4.56 gear. Do you guys think i am wasting my time with the 351 and should just jump to a carbed 400 or 460?
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 1,179
Likes: 1
From: Pueblo, CO
This is interesting stuff. I don't mean to hyjack, but I have been considering upgrading to a 351 in my 88'. I plan on a 6" lift and at least 35" tires. I am will also be regrearing to probably a 4.56 gear. Do you guys think i am wasting my time with the 351 and should just jump to a carbed 400 or 460?
I think you should really think about what you want to do with your truck, do some searching here on the forum and elsewhere online and start a thread here if you still need advice.