400 HP is basically a stock rebuild on a 460, but bringing compression up to appropriate levels. You shouldn't expect horrible MPG either, mid teens is what you should expect with such a mild build. For what it's worth my 460 is more torquey and accelerates quicker towing than my 6.9 diesel with turbo. The 460 also holds speed fine up grades while the diesel can't hold speed (EGT reasons primarily, an intercooler would help a lot).

 

If I wanted to build a fun project, I would find me a shortbed f150. Drop the 460 in that. It will be the lightest truck you can start with. Build a 454SS Ford style. Put a 9 inch in the back with 3.73 or 4.10's and a c6. Very simple and bullet proof setup.

 

Just in from the department of obscure information:

One time on full-size bronco.com there was a thread where somebody did a 460 swap and they notched the frame rail. I think for the headers.

Edit: found it

http://www.fullsizebronco.com/forum/.../146180?page=1

 

No reason to cut the frame for headers, there are headers that drop in for under $200. May have been notching to clean the oil filter, the small block crossmember will not clean a 460 oil filter.

 

Could you install a filter relocation kit? Would there be enough room for the adapter between the engine block and uncut frame?

 

That is the standard procedure when swapping 460 into a truck frame that did not come with the "dent" in the crossmember for the oil filter. I think I am right in saying even if you have the "dent" you still need a specific oil filter adapter for the 460 to clear the "dent".

 

See my fun truck is one that handles and with a heavy BBF (460) up front I cant see that happening.
Look at the old Mustangs that had BB motors. Great going straight but try and make a turn and it still went straight.


A 302 w/351 heads or a 351 I think would be a good match for a fun truck.
I don't think it would be that hard for 400 hp from a 351.
Dave ----

 

I bet some aluminum engine parts would bring the 460 close to the smaller engines in weight.

 

What year f150 would you go with? Isnt a 454 a chevy motor?

 

I bought this 1983 one owner 99,000 original mile, 22 factory options, original paint, original 460 4x4 manual trans F250 for 2k from the second owner in Sacramento CA. It had a blown head gasket and was parked for 15 years before I snagged it. Motor rusted and locked up. Brought it back to Ohio and rebuilt the engine. Not a single speck of rust on it.

They are out there. You just have to look.

 

I would suggest being patient just a bit. I picked up my 85 F250HD w/ 460 and 4WD for $1500. There are listings priced pretty high though so maybe keep an eye out for long running ads and do some haggling.

 

Whatever year you like, whatever year you happen to come across.

454= Big block Chevy engine.....460=Big block Ford engine

454SS=special edition shortbed Chevy truck with a big engine.....Your truck would be a duplicate of this but Ford style=Ford shortbed truck with a big engine. Put "460SVO" on the side of it and get people talking.