Ford 460
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Senior User
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From: Michigan
Ford 460
Arite so me and bucks77ford were talking earlier and we both thought that it would be cool if someone invested the time and money into a 460 to see what could be done to it mpg wise. I am up for the challenge and my question is what would you guys like to see in a 460?
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
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From: NorCal
I think this is a cart before the horse...The engine is but one compenent of the drivetrain... what rear gear, tranny, tires, and vehicle model and test weight? What is the distance of the test loop? It has to be run with every change as identically as possible.
I suggest doing this experiment in stages and then running the test loop after every mod:
I suggest doing this experiment in stages and then running the test loop after every mod:
- MPG with stock 2 bbl, intake, exhaust, rear gear.
- MPG with headers and upgraded exhaust
- MPG with headers, exhaust, plus 4 bbl intake and carb.
- Now change the rear gear -up or down, doesn't matter. What is the result from that change?
- ....etc.
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2008
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From: Dixon, IL
first things first, what kind of budget we talking?
no matter how you go, I would:
Headers with free flowing exhaust
Electric fans
aluminum wheels and tall skinny tires
Budget matters for anything else
no matter how you go, I would:
Headers with free flowing exhaust
Electric fans
aluminum wheels and tall skinny tires
Budget matters for anything else
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Kasson, Minnesota
To add to the suggestions already, if running a non-EFI system (basic Carb), I'd also install two O2 sensors and wideband gauges to really tune the carb. I will be doing this with mine at some point. Even the slightest mistuned carb that will run fine can consume more fuel than needed. I'd also run no less than 92 Octane fuel.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
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From: NorCal
Horsepower (on Spike TV) did a two-stage 460 build a few years ago. The first time around they pretty much did budget performance rebuild and then dyno'ed it (378 hp/492 tq) for $2300. The second time around they upped the ante and threw on some performance parts like aluminum heads. I think it's worth a look.
A hyperlink to the episode along with other online articles is provided the 429/460 section of https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post12560261
A hyperlink to the episode along with other online articles is provided the 429/460 section of https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post12560261
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From: Michigan
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i aggee with all that was said so far plus getting the rpm down to about the 18 to 2000 rpm on the highway my f250 with the 502cid with 3.54 rear end/c6 and gearvender o.d. gets an honest 15 to 16mpg at 70 mph [110kmh] i am looking at installing a ford 9" with 2.75 or 3.00 ratio and see how that works with the o.d. worst comes to worst i can always switch it back but with the 500 or so h.p. it shouldnt be a problem
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Cargo Master
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From: starship enterprise
Fourwheeler magazine did this in 1999. Check this out http://performanceunlimited.com/proj...ine_series.pdf
They had some pretty impressive numbers here, they might not have been totally reliable, as some of the mags have some imbelishment within, but it is good info for 460 potential.
They had some pretty impressive numbers here, they might not have been totally reliable, as some of the mags have some imbelishment within, but it is good info for 460 potential.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
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From: NorCal
EDIT: But wait.... there was more research done so read the next post!
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
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From: NorCal
Well, my assumption may have been premature for these trucks but I did more research and you ought to know (or correct commonly assumed knowledge) that Ford apparently DID offer two-barrel 460s according to factory 2 barrel intake on a 460 - 460 Ford Forum
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
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From: Simi Valley, CA
REALLY? ! ...
Well, my assumption may have been premature for these trucks but I did more research and you ought to know (or correct commonly assumed knowledge) that Ford apparently DID offer two-barrel 460s according to factory 2 barrel intake on a 460 - 460 Ford Forum
Where's the proof? It's just what a coupla people claimed, proves nothing.
Well, my assumption may have been premature for these trucks but I did more research and you ought to know (or correct commonly assumed knowledge) that Ford apparently DID offer two-barrel 460s according to factory 2 barrel intake on a 460 - 460 Ford Forum
Where's the proof? It's just what a coupla people claimed, proves nothing.
1973/79 Ford Light Truck Parts Catalog / Section 95, Pages 44 & 45 ~ 460 Carburetor Application Charts.
1973/79 Ford Passenger Car Parts Catalog / Section 95, Pages 71, 72. 73, 74 ~ 460 Carburetor Application Charts.
See if you can find one 2V carb listed for a 460. Lotsa luck, cuz there isn't one.
Mikeo0o0o0 has these catalogs on CD's, ask him to scan/post these pages.
I read thru that thread, people claiming 1972 Merc 460's w/a VIN engine code of A came with 2V's is utterly ridiculous.
1968/78 Passenger Car VIN engine code A = 460 4V
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 20,678
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From: NorCal
So you're saying the Ford Master Catalog is never wrong and that the participants in that thread are lying. That is a stretch.
I know, I know... too much of a reputation with over 60 years of experience as a parts guy to admit it. No problem. We can move on.
I know, I know... too much of a reputation with over 60 years of experience as a parts guy to admit it. No problem. We can move on.