Small vs big block?
Cargo Master
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,954
Likes: 64
Personnally I like the feel of a big block with a stick. even with my 390 I can be rolling in traffic at 20mph and accellerate without down shifting when the traffic starts moving. ANd I generally drive it as a 2 speed, start in 2nd and shift to 4th.
If you like to play around and get some revs you'd like the small block better.
Hotshot
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 18,423
Likes: 9
From: iowa
A big block CAN rev (my 528 was set to shift at 7600 with a 8000rpm rev limiter) But you better be putting dang good parts in them.
For seat of the pants feel no small block is going to touch a big block just do to the torque a 460 makes. You can make power with a 302 but remember a smogged up stock 460 mades 230 with no mods. an earlier NON smog 460 was over 300hp factory, takes some work to get a 302 up to that level.
Just something to consider.
For seat of the pants feel no small block is going to touch a big block just do to the torque a 460 makes. You can make power with a 302 but remember a smogged up stock 460 mades 230 with no mods. an earlier NON smog 460 was over 300hp factory, takes some work to get a 302 up to that level.
Just something to consider.
Junior User
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
From: Charlotte
The 460/ 429 are best if your going to tow or for cool factor. If your going to build power over stock you will need components like heads, intakes, headers maybe pistons ect. Those components cost more for a big block. The small block is difinate best choice for if you want the truck to corner / handle. You say fuel economy does not matter but I'll bet that is something you will come to reconsider when see how much fuel a souped up v8 uses on a road trip. The small block will rev up quicker and just be more quick and agile. The big block will make the truck kinda Either lumbering around or blowing the tread off the tires and beaking drive line parts if you get it to hook. I have built numerous small and big block Ford trucks and cars so I know.
Junior User
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
From: Charlotte
If you change engines from a 302 to a 460 you will have quite a bit of issues to deal with like the drive shaft and engine/ trans mounts. Don't do it unless your like me and just like working on stuff and a challenge. For most people just stepping up the engine you have is challenge enough. I've seen too many ambitious guys tear stuff apart with big plans and never get it done. I'm not trying to discourage you just a word of caution. You can build a super strong small block that will bolt right in without the trouble of messing with all the details of changing to a big block. I did it 20 years ago for the first time and trust me the devil is in the details! The details took way longer than I thougt it would and trust me it will for you too. I need to post video I have from 20 years ago of me changing 6 cylinder in my 67 F350 to a 460! That was before youtube or anything like that!
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