if you stick with the 302 like i am i'm going to run a comp cam computer cam its good for 25HP at the rear wheels on a stock engine. the rpm range is 1200 to 5200rpms comp cams claim good gas milage and vacuum. get a set of march pullies and you will see 35 hp ar the rear wheels thats almost respectable horsepower!!

 

I wont be sticking with the 302 thats for sure, i love it when my truck is empty, but it aint got the ***** to move the big stuff, i think i will aim for an F-250 351, 5spd 93-96. Thanks for the advice guys!!

 

It depends on what you want.

Loads over 8,500 lbs -- go with 7.5L (460)

under 8,000 - I would go with 5.8L (351)

Look in Ford Towing Guide, they break it down real nicely based on GWVR, rear axle ratio, engine, and so on.

I originally wanted 351 but got 460 only because I got a good deal on it.

Both engines are very thirsty. 460 is more or less 11MPG. Old trucks from 70's will get more like 8 or 9 - and that's empty on highway. 351 - probably 2-3 more. But, 351 has a fairly impressive HP/torque chart, on paper it looks almost as powerful as 460.

 

according to my chilton the last time i looked the 351 has 210 hp @ around 3800rpm and 325 ft/pd of torque around 2800 rpm, and the 460 has 240hp and like 375 ft/pd of torque around the same rpm.

if you go with the biggest you can get then there will be no mistake in the future and you wont be saying well i should have put the 460 in. i have the 351 and am very happy with the motor and there are tons of parts for the 351 compared to the 460 but money talks. youll need to beef everything up with the 460 if your gonna be puttin it in a half ton.

 

Oh, i am not replacing the engine in my truck, i am selling mine, and getting a completly different truck, i want to go to a 3/4 ton.

 

I have an 89 F250 with the 460. I pull a 4500 lb fifth wheel, and the truck doesn't even break a sweat. Steep hills....no problem. Around town if you drive it easy, gets around 14 mpg around 16 on the highway. Towing is another story...around 10 mpg.

Better to have the power and not need it than need it and not have it.

 

I guess Im going to have to change my driving habits, I always get 10 MPG unless I am towing then it goes up to 12 MPG.

 

Go 460 definitely. The 351 in my f150 is very disappointing. Crappy milage, marginal power. I mean CRAPPY milage. Like 8-9mpg with being easy on it, fresh tune up and all. Also 8-9 city, highway, towing whatever. Even at 55-65. It does have a ton of power with the skinny to the ground but just watch that gas needle fall. In short go 460 and be happy.

Mike

 

Seems like i am getting a real mixed response!!

 

I have a 351 in my 87 F-250 it has plenty of power. BUT, I have the itch, drove my buddy's w/ a 460 and no comparison. I'm in the middle of doing a 351-460 swap and I can't wait till it gets done. Find a 460 that way you'll never be wondering. Dan

 

Zinfinity -- I was in the same boat as you and I ended buying a '94 F250 with the 460, mainly just to "try" a big block. Power is effortless, but I'm happiest 'cuz I've had zero engine problems in 90k miles. In fact, it doesn't even leak a drop - I've never before had a 10 yr old vehicle that doesn't "mark it's territory" everywhere I park! Regarding MPG, my saying is it gets 10 - 13 MPG fully loaded into a headwind, and 10-13 MPG empty in a tailwind. 460 Hop-up parts are pretty limited and quite expensive. That's where a 351 would give you a lot more options. 351 trucks are more common too, I found the 460s tended to be worn-out commercial trucks. Took a long time for me to find one with A/C, cruise control and low miles! Good luck!

 

I have a 1986 Ford F150 XLT Lariat Short Wide 2WD Fuel Injected 302 with a C-6 3 Speed Automatic. The 302 has decent enough power to spin the tires when accelerating from a standstill. But not quite the power the 351W or 460 have. The gas mileage is more in favor of the 302 I might add seeing as from the factory settings on the Fuel Injection system for me at least, I get 10 in the city and 17 on the highway. Although I would like to see if someone can answer a question I have regarding an engine swap. Does anyone know if I can rip out the 302 and cram a 460 under the hood? Yes I'm aware I'm going from small block to big block and of course motor mounts aren't going to fit, exhaust manifolds etc. I'm prepared for cutting and welding stuff back in place if needed. Eventually I'll be using my truck as a drag truck. But she's still a project for now.

 

Yes a 460 will physically fit. The frame and engine bay dimensions for a F150 are the same for the F250HD/350. The F250HD/350 has a thicker frame.


Why? Source your parts from a F250HD/350. You will also need the transmission from a 460 equipped donor.


Everyone can dream! Just be sure to set a real world budget and goals before starting.


FYI: you do realize you resurrected a thread that was almost 15 YEARS old.

 

With outrageous power claims for a 302 mods lol