I've been reading quite a bit here lately and decided I'm about ready to start my 460 build. What I have is a D1 block with D3VE heads that is all std yet with a Edelbrock Performer intake on it. It will be going in the truck in my pic. It will need to be able to handle the 40" tires and 4.10's which the 390 really doesn't do bad at.

What I had planned was to use the D3 heads with some pedestal mount Scorpion roller rockers. For a cam I was thinking Comp Cams xtreme 4x4 256H. As for the intake I was planning on using what I have which probably isn't too bad for something like this. If I was to use this setup can I use more of a flat top piston to get the compression up? It's more of a toy than anything but if I didn't have to run premium that would be nice.

 

What comp. ratio are you looking for ?

 

Would 9-9.5:1 be unreasonable?

 

There are a handful of guys on here that know how to build a 460. I only know enough about cam characteristics and their intake and valve train dynamics to get me by. I don't want to send you away, but more builders frequent 460ford.com and will give you more and possibly better advice.

Also consider this a bump, and maybe someone better in the know will chime in.

Sounds like a worthwhile project!

 

I've been lurking over there for quite some time too but haven't joined. I wasn't sure about asking them since it seems like most are more focused on high strung car motors or mud boggers.

 

There is a ton of information on here for engine building but the problem is that it's mostly just people's opinions. I started out with my 87 crewcab project planning on doing a FI 5.8 and zf5 trans swap and dumping my 460 4spd. After spending a month on here going through all the threads with different builds. I ended up buying a rebuilt 460 roller motor and now I'm scratching my head wondering how I went from wanting better fuel mileage and losing a little power, too a built 460 that I'm pretty sure Is going to get worse mileage and is going to be a little impractical for my needs, But it will be faster! And sound really cool! I guess all I can suggest is to do a fair amount of research on here and the other Ford forums as well. This seams to be the best site for big block ford trucks that I have found. Good luck with your build and try to remember what your goal is along the way.

 

That's funny but I see how it is possible for it to snowball.

What I've decided on doing is using the D3 heads that I have and a conversion roller rocker and be done with it. I've been working on plugging the holes in the head and smoothing out the exhaust bumps. I'm not going to go too crazy just having some fun trying something new. I'm soon taking the block to machine shop to get this underway.

 

Spending money on a longer throw crank will do a lot more to help than raising the compression ratio. Raising the compression ratio does not give back as much power as having a longer throw on the crank. Plus you end up need more expensive fuel. The longer stroke will give you the torque you want for those large tires.

Don't forget about the rear differential and housing...you are increasing the load on it. It would be wise to beef up the housing.