460 expectations(too high maybe)
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Elder User
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 647
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From: Brumley, MO
460 expectations(too high maybe)
I have a 95 F250 4x4 supercab long bed with a 460 auto, and 3.55 gears 235/85/16 tires. I don't expect the 460 to be a powerhouse of acceleration on par with say the Chevy vortecs(7.4, or 8.1), or either Dodge, or Ford V-10 engines, but I do expect it to be powerful in every day driving.
I am at 1500 rpm at 55mph, and even the slightest hill makes me drop speed real fast. I would expect to be able to give it a little more gas and fly right up the hill without losing speed or any downshifting, but that is not the case. I have to give it quite a bit more gas and the rpms shoot up to around 1700rpm to maintain speed up slight inclines(it doesn't downshift, but I think it unlocks the torque converter). It has to shift down to third, or even second to get up big hills(it does best around 2000-2500 rpm). The truck doesn't inspire confidence in the ability to pull a load, because it hardly wants to pull itself unless I get all over it.
Does this sound like normal behavior for the 460 in a truck like mine(gears, tires, and year), or do I need to get a tuneup or something?
I am at 1500 rpm at 55mph, and even the slightest hill makes me drop speed real fast. I would expect to be able to give it a little more gas and fly right up the hill without losing speed or any downshifting, but that is not the case. I have to give it quite a bit more gas and the rpms shoot up to around 1700rpm to maintain speed up slight inclines(it doesn't downshift, but I think it unlocks the torque converter). It has to shift down to third, or even second to get up big hills(it does best around 2000-2500 rpm). The truck doesn't inspire confidence in the ability to pull a load, because it hardly wants to pull itself unless I get all over it.
Does this sound like normal behavior for the 460 in a truck like mine(gears, tires, and year), or do I need to get a tuneup or something?
Cargo Master
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 3,064
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From: Laramie, WY
At only 1500 rpm you're not into a good section of the power output. Most engines don't come alive until over 2000 rpm, and they usually are doing better by about 3500 rpm. So it's mostly due to your overall drive ratio, the combination of the rear end gears, transmission gear ratio, and the lock up torque converter, and tire diameter.
Cruising down the highway at 1500 rpm saves fuel, rather than cruising down the highway at 2500 rpm wasting power. So don't feel bad downshifting when you want more power.
Cruising down the highway at 1500 rpm saves fuel, rather than cruising down the highway at 2500 rpm wasting power. So don't feel bad downshifting when you want more power.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 113
Likes: 0
From: Elk Creek Virginia
Just a thought but have you checked the catalytic converter to see if it's plugged up? That would really hold her back. But I agree that being that low in the RPM I really wouldn't expect it to pull good in over drive but on the other hand you wouldn't think it would have to down shift at every mole hill either.
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