I am starting the Planning Stages for the new to me 89 F250 with 460, C6 4:10 rear with 67K original miles. Goal is to increase power, make the ride a little more comfortable, and keep the appearance of a normal working truck with as much original as I can but will sacrifice a smog pump. Since I am mechanically inclined, ret USAF Crew Chief, but not a true motorhead, would love some input on what I can do. I do know a bit about engine building but that is from the 90s so it is a bit fuzzy in my mind. Although this engine runs very good considering it is the original plugs and wires.

The motor is stock, original everything down to the plugs.... currently working to replace all the rubber hoses, belts, plugs wires cap and rotor. But what can I remove (emissions not required here) an how to go about it. EFI motor with stock air intake. Exhaust is original too. I don't mind a bit more noise but glass packs maybe not so much... And there maybe nights I don't want to wake the spouse when I come in a bit late.

Trans is still working great. Only plan here is to have fluids changed and inspected at AAMCO or equivalent. The C6 really sucks fuel wise on the highway but I normally just use it around town...

Tires will be replaced next year but so far thy aren't cracked or bubbled. Probably heavy ply sidewalls but nothing in the monster truck range, it is a two wheel drive anyway. I want to stick to the stock rims unless a really smoking deal comes up with tires included.

Looking for Shocks and Airbags for it cause again, these are the original shocks. Ride is fair but can be better. I am using it for fairly heavy loads like pavers and rock so being adjustable is a plus.

Bed... planning to have the fifth wheel mount holes welded and after a rough sanding doing the bed with a roll in liner... no cap but looking for a full length truck rack for kayaks and ladders.

Got a small leak in the cab but know where it is and will be fixing it soon but am taping it in the meantime. The rest of the body looks fair with the normal dings and small dents working trucks have but no rust and no major damage.... no accidents on its record. I would love to have it repainted as the very last thing after I bang out those blemishes.

Well looking forward to all the suggestions. Thanks

 

Best upgrade you can do to a 460 is to swap the heads out, the stock EFI heads are garbage (honestly, any stock head, other than CobraJet, or D0VE heads, for the 385 series are garbage).

 

So, not worth working on them, port and polish? Is the valve size lacking?

 

I wouldn't bother, myself. The combustion chambers are a bad design, and the valves are tiny. They're designed to get the 460 to pass emissions, not build power.

 

Well that is that... I will start shopping for heads. Thanks! The Speed shop I worked in pulling engine and breaking them down was focused on heads for increased power with port and polish work, oversizing valves and milling down the head to increase compression. but if it is that bad a design then that would be expensive to just get some aspiration going. Not so much on the bottom end unless it was to stroke or destroke... Doubt I will do more than heads unless I see cylinder wear.

 

I have an older 460, 1972-1976, that I rebuilt myself, new rings, bearings, did very minor port work on heads(my first port job 20 years ago).
I put a performance cam, recommended by speed shop with RPM Performer intake and a 650cc-700cc carb(can't remember, 20 years ago).

My original intake was cast iron, so the aluminum is a weight saver.
Same would be with aluminum heads.

Iron Heads were stock rebuilt from previous owner, the thing has massive torque in a 1964 M100 short box.

It drank so much gas, the mechanical fuel pump couldn't keep up, it would run outta gas at about 4,000 when flooring it.
I never had a tach on it, after I put a tach on it, I barely ever revved over 2700. Then with the tach brought it up to 4,800 no problem, other than the feeling issue.

Intake and carb may all you need to wake it up.
While the intake is off, might as well put a cam in it.

Really wake it up, buy the Edelbrock RPM Performer Power Package, depends on your budget I suppose.

 

As far as heads you can easily get your hands on, your best bet are probably the Edelbrock Performers, or the Ford Racing Super Cobra Jet Aluminums. You might be able to save some money finding some original cast iron D0VE or CJ/SCJ heads, but it's a matter of finding them.

 

I got time... going to start on it after this summer. but now is the time to shop for parts. I also have a Honda Element in need of a suspension rebuild and head work. That Honda is my next project. Already got the parts and just need the space in the garage. Almost ready to start on it. It will be ambitious but I want to finish the Honda and the 460 by next Feb so I can get the sailboat and a few kayaks in to reglass them and modify with cup and rod holders, some running led lights and a cooler. Well maybe the cooler first. The sailboat needs a new rudder and keel board, a mast cleaning and rerigging but the sheets are clean and the seats are fine.

The advantage of time is I can really look around for parts here in the PNW. We RV a lot in rural areas and I poke around those junkyards. But there is also the suspension on the truck that needs attention soon so I can haul more stuff.

 

Well the budget is not too big a worry, but I am seriously considering the Cam and Heads. How do you eat an elephant? one bite at a time.

 

Banks headers into the 3"exhaust, and a magnaflow cat did wonders for my truck. But it was also rebuilt .030 over, with a slightly hotter comp cams.
Enjoy the elephant. Bbq-ed, or roasted? 😆

 

Are you keeping this EFI or going with a carb? You might be surprised what you can do with the stock EFI heads and manifold. You should look into Scotty J “The Mad Porter” on Facebook.

 

My German buddy's dad says that all the time, lol.
"There's only one way to get it done. Do it!"

I forgot, my 460 has the D0VE heads.

 

Kansas City BBQ... Dry rub with sauce on the side... NC BBQ has too much vinegar

 

Planning to keep the EFI...

 

Hahahaha. Keep us posted. Lots of experience here. I have thoroughly enjoyed my 460 rebuild.