New member here from West TX. A big HOWDY to the forum. Ever since my ’77 F150 Supercab 4x2 (built 400) caught a’fire years ago due to a leaky Edelbrock, I’ve intended to find a replacement. I am currently looking for a ’76 - ’78 Super or Crew cab, 4x4 and I would like the forum’s advice on a 460-521 stroker. My original idea was a Cummins 12 valve, but I believe the expense of building one to reach the power-levels I want and finding a qualified mechanic to perform the swap would be cost-prohibitive, not to mention the myriad of problems involved with such a swap.

The truck will be used off-road, on the street and highway for long road trips, and for occasional towing duty. I would prefer a pump gas compression ratio. I am not interested in racing, so high RPM is not entirely necessary. I would like ~500 HP, a somewhat lopey cam, and as much torque as reasonably achievable. I know this is probably wishful thinking due to the massive cubes & HP we’re talking here, but it seems to me that modern build techniques & components could provide ‘reasonable’ mileage in a big block– possible? - feel free to tell me that’s an idiotic expectation (I’ll try and keep my foot out of it). I would also like all USA manufactured components and parts, high reliability, and minimal maintenance requirements.

The mechanic I have in mind for this job is a pseudo Bud and I am free to help with all the work. He has a lot of rebuild/racing experience and he’s always steered me right, but he’s never built a Ford big block and I don’t really have anyone that can advise me on this build. I have no problem sourcing all the necessary parts and a D0VE block, but I’m not sure which one and what parts – likewise, gearing, suspension and tranny/gearbox to handle the power. I intend to run 35" - 37" tires - probably 35" on 16" wheels. Would a crate engine or crate engine/transmission combo be a better bet for me? Crate motors are not cheap and I don’t know how much I could reasonably expect to save if I elect to have my mechanic Pal complete the build.

In decades past I have rebuilt 2 Studebaker 289 blocks (R/1 & R/2), and a ’73 Maserati 3.0, but I had professional/experienced help, so I am not a rank novice, but a novice nonetheless.

Since this project represents a significant investment for me, I want to do this correctly the first time. Any advice or recommendations would be appreciated. Thanks.

I've been looking at this crate motor: https://www.jegs.com/i/ATK+Engines/0...iABEgKPufD_BwE

 

No one has any recommendations?

 

460 cook book. The site is all 460 all the time.

https://www.460ford.com/threads/460-...-24-09.119213/

You have conflicting desires.

500+ HP and reliability. Lumpy cam but lower RPM power. A custom build with minimal maintenance.

You are looking at a fairly huge sum of money, enough to buy a newer truck.

 

85e150: Thanks. I realize some of my requirements will be difficult to attain, which is why I was looking at crate engines. Any opinion on the ATK I linked to in my OP?

 

The ATK motor will be thirsty, and will want the high priced stuff.

It also has a flat tappet cam, about which they give you a paragraph or two about break in.

Why do all the automakers have rollers now? CAFE, sure, but warranty claims. Buttery cams, oil with the wrong oilyness, high spring pressure = cam and lifter fail which will wipe out your oil pump and if you are really lucky, bearings and maybe more.

So if you buy a motor like that, step up to a roller cam. More money....

Sorry about the cornflakes.....

 

Why not look into a Godzilla crate engine? Or even a Coyote kit?

 

85e150: Good info. Thanks. My conflicting requirements is why I was initially considering a 12V P-pump, but that will likely take considerably longer and will undoubtedly be a good deal more expensive once all is said and done. I don’t necessarily need 550 HP and I am willing to compromise – with a more reliable 460 crate, if I can find a suitable one.

kenny_nunez: I want to minimize electronics, such as the ECM and the issues associated with integration into an older truck.