Greetings,

I am restoring a 1978 Ford F250 SuperCab (2WD unfortunately) with a 460. I'm going the bore and stroke route looking at mid-500 cubic inch. I have the 78 block of course but may have access to a 68 and a 71 460 out of a Lincoln Mark III. I am not sure but it seems to be in my memory the older block castings can handle boring better; I will get it sonic checked or whatever else works to ensure it's safe but if anyone knows if I should go with the 68 or 71 instead of the 78 please let me know. The 78 is already here so that's an advantage.

I would like to connect to other Ford enthusiasts; I am very much into 60's Fords, Mercurys and Lincolns and trucks of course. I love the dentside series and Ford trucks are the only vehicle I'll restore from 73 on. I would like a 69-71 Lincoln Mark III or any other classic Ford to wrench on next.

I live in Austin, MN and work in Mankato, MN so would love to connect with any groups of Ford enthusiasts in the southcentral, southeast MN area and Northeast Iowa.

I am sure I'll need advice/parts for my current project. It is frame-off and I have the front clip and box removed getting it ready for frame powder coating in the spring. I intend on buying aluminum heads and aiming for well over 500HP to make a sleeper. My favorite engine previously was a 428 Cobra Jet with dual 4 barrel cards that accelerated unlike anything I'm driven. Loved that engine had it in a 75 F100 and then a 66 Mercury Moneterey.

If you'd like to connect or have leads for local groups around me please feel free to call or text 507-402-2828 or email KennethLHOJohnson@yahoo.com. I look forward to being part of this community; I've always restored on my own and often could have used some wisdom from others.

God bless,

Kenneth

 

Welcome to FTE. Get ahold of your FTE state chapter folks here. MN chapter link. https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/forum86/

Frame off restro...good list here. https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/9...p-by-step.html

 

Welcome to FTE!

 

Welcome to the forum!

Let's see some pictures!

 

Welcome!

. If down to a frame off, it can grow a front axle and transfer case. Donor truck maybe.

 

Welcome.

68 or 71 doesn't make any difference in block strength.
72 i believe Ford added 0.010 to the deck height.
73 added another .010 to that number or 10.320"

Just make sure whatever stroker kit you buy accounts for the deck height you have or get the block decked accordingly.

Earlier blocks (68-71) do tend to sonic thicker than 73 and later blocks.

All 70 blocks are CJ blocks with thicker main webs...some are 4 bolt and some are 2 bolt. The blocks with a cast "A" in the drivers side front have Boss 9 front bulk head so all 5 main caps can be converted to 4 bolt, if only 2 bolt.

At the end of the day, any of the passenger car or truck 385 series blocks can handle 750hp reliably in stock form so unless you are planning to make more than that, don't worry about block choice.

 

Welcome to the nut house!

 

Ken,
Welcome!
Funny I joke a lot about going into Mankato for sugar, flour, and gunpowder! Just a Little house on the prairie thing!
I just looked at a 78 F250 today. Not sure I am ready for one? But it was not too far away and had to go look.
We need some pictures!
Regards,
Chris