460 manual vs automatic transmission

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Sep 15, 2017 | 03:54 PM

YF22Jet

Thread Starter

New User

Joined: Jul 2017

Posts: 6

Likes: 0

460 manual vs automatic transmission

To preface this I have an 85 F-250 with a 460 and a 4 speed manual that I love to death. The truck has tons of torque and is just a blast to drive but due to the fact that I live in an area that uses salt and that I love that truck too much to take it out in the winter I need a daily driver. I am looking at the 1992-1997 F-250s with a 460 simply because they are reasonably priced and I am less fearful of them rusting out due to the salt. I'm not opposed to a manual and would prefer it but as far as I can tell they are few and far between in good condition so my question becomes would a 460 with an automatic still perform and be as fun to drive as my 85 or should I hold out and try and find a manual?

Sep 15, 2017 | 08:05 PM

Nothing Special

Lead Driver

Joined: Feb 2013

Posts: 5,006

Likes: 72

From: Roseville, MN

Depends on what you want. A lot of people think it's not a lot of fun to fight through the gears on a T-19 (what your truck likely has) or ZF5 (what a '90s truck will have). An E4OD will probably go through the gears quicker and actually be more sporty (I've never driven a ZF5, but I've heard them described as anywhere from similar to the older T-19 to maybe even a little slower shifting).

On the other hand, if you don't like having a trans that shifts when you don't want it to and doesn't shift when you do, no auto will be quite as fun as a manual.

Sep 16, 2017 | 07:45 AM

Briansshop

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Aug 2005

Posts: 1,277

Likes: 89

From: MD

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nothing Special

On the other hand, if you don't like having a trans that shifts when you don't want it to and doesn't shift when you do, no auto will be quite as fun as a manual.

Off the OP's subject,but,Bob here is the key to E4OD happiness: The Quick 4 Transmission Control System

Install it,program it yourself and if it doesn't shift when YOU want it to, it's your fault. Have one in both my trucks, the only way I could live with an E4OD.

You might already be familiar with it, I posted for info.

Sep 16, 2017 | 09:08 AM

YF22Jet

Thread Starter

New User

Joined: Jul 2017

Posts: 6

Likes: 0

I guess on the same note should I be worried about the e4od transmissions reliability because most trucks around me have between 80k-100k miles on them and I don't want to have to get into a transmission rebuild immideitly.

Sep 16, 2017 | 09:29 AM

cbakker

Laughing Gas

Joined: Mar 2011

Posts: 811

Likes: 1

From: West Central Southern MN

I have 220k on a my e4od that has never been rebuilt. I wouldn't worry about one in the 80-100 range, unless you know the po was towing heavy.

Sep 16, 2017 | 11:03 AM

Nothing Special

Lead Driver

Joined: Feb 2013

Posts: 5,006

Likes: 72

From: Roseville, MN

Quote:

Originally Posted by YF22Jet

There are a lot of E4ODs out there, so there are horror stories. The people who have lived them will tell you that the E4OD is a royal pain. But most of us have not had troubles. I guess there were some weak spots early on that were corrected, so a later one might be a better bet. But I wouldn't be too concerned.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Briansshop

I've known there are programmers available, but it's never come up high enough on my budgetary priority list for me to look into any specifically. Most of the time my E4OD doesn't annoy me, just when towing in hills. I still have a pretty long list ahead of a trans controller, but it is on the list. And thanks for the link, I will archive it in case it does make it to the top of the list.

Sep 16, 2017 | 11:23 AM

cbakker

Laughing Gas

Joined: Mar 2011

Posts: 811

Likes: 1

From: West Central Southern MN

Punisher valve body did the trick for me. Not sure if he still makes them, but I told him mine was going in a 250 with 3.55's. works like a champ without the risk of blowing seals with a tuning change.