Hey all,

I have an 88 F250 EFI. I am looking to build a motor for it and was wondering how many years the blocks are compatable. I am pretty sure I will have to stay with the same heads. I know of a couple older blocks but dont want o do the work and find out they aren't going to work.

Thanks,

Mike

 

The D9TE block was used for all external-balance 460s and was used from 1979 to 1997. These are the better blocks to use, as they have improved oiling over the older blocks. Any 83+ Ford pickup with a 460 uses this block stock, and it will handle more power than the average person will ever try to get out of it.

 

AWESOME. Thanks for the quick reply.

 

Didn't answer your other ? the other day, but... ANY 385-series head will bolt to ANY 385-series block. But, trucks used the car-spec D3VE head from 73-85, E6TE heads from 86-7 (older head with a larger accessory bolt hole), E7TE heads for Cali 87 trucks and all 88-92 EFI trucks, and finally the F3TE head for 93-7 EFI trucks. EFI heads aren't compatible with carb head parts or vice versa, but both will bolt up to the D9TE block (and were from the factory). Or the older blocks if wanted. Also, as far as truck heads go, the E6TE head is in every relevant way the same as the D3VE head, you could run one of each and your engine wouldn't know the difference.
Older internal balance crankshafts won't work with the D9TE block without machining for clearance, but newer external balance crankshafts will go in the older block no problem. HOWEVER, the older blocks have crummier oiling and some say they're prone to core shift, the newer block holds up better and have somewhat improved oiling. Old block/new block oil pumps are different IIRC, but pumps for the newer block are readily available.

 

Wow Alot of info there, Thank you very much. I figured on keeping same heads (year wise) but had an older block offered to me. I will look for an 83 or newer. Any recomendations on a build? My plans were maybe a lil different cam. I dont tow much more of a driver for a hunting truck. I planned on trying to boost compression some. High volume oil pump. Nothing too crazy. Am I missing something that i must do or be a good idea? This will be my first engine of my own. I have helped assemble a few SBC at a previous job.

Thanks for our help.

Mike

 

With your EFI motor, you are a bit limited by what you can do. But... you can swap the heads/intake manifold from a 93 or newer 460, the ports are larger and the valves a bit bigger, and the lower intake manifold is matched to the heads; you can port it a bit for even more, but don't go too crazy, even with a chip the computer won't like it. Use headers and a dual exhaust to open up the other side. Also there are cams that are computer friendly, look into one of those, and get a double-roller timing set. You can also use the 88-spec pistons with the newer heads for a bump in compression, since your heads have 97cc chambers, the F3TE heads have 92-3cc, like the carb heads, the combo gives you about 8.8:1 with no other mods, you could deck the block for a little more squeeze. Don't go too far or you'll have to run premium.
If you have an automatic and want to stay that way, grab a computer and switch to an E4OD, but make sure it's built right, and put lots of extra cooling on it if you want it to live. If you have a 4-speed stick, switch to the 5-speed, and if you already have the 5-speed, awesome! with a 460 in-town mileage will be about 7-10 mpg depending on your exact set up, highway you can see as much as 13, but usually more like 10-12. Drop that by a 1/3 if towing anything seriously heavy (6000+). More to follow as I think of it, but this should give you a good starting point. Good luck!

 

Know this one is a bit old but wondering what the OP decided to do? Slow day...