460 swap, help
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Trailering
Joined: Mar 2023
Posts: 21
Likes: 1
460 swap, help
So my 1978 f150 2wd, 351m, c6 recently spun the rod bearings. Still chuggin along though
A local junkyard I've been using for years has a 1985 460 out of a E350 camper with 72,000 miles for 500$. I'm not looking for power just something reliable because it's my daily. Does anyone know if the oil pan will work and also what other parts I need besides for engine mounts. The junk yard engines complete. Thanks for the help.
A local junkyard I've been using for years has a 1985 460 out of a E350 camper with 72,000 miles for 500$. I'm not looking for power just something reliable because it's my daily. Does anyone know if the oil pan will work and also what other parts I need besides for engine mounts. The junk yard engines complete. Thanks for the help.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 1,661
Likes: 1,062
From: Montana
Unless you have heard the JY engine run, how do you know if it's in better shape that what you have now? Typically "reliable" and JY part, especially something like an engine, aren't in the same sentence.
If it requires a rebuild, I would keep the engine that you have and rebuild it. At least with that you have known issues and all the components necessary for it to work in your rig.
Regarding the engine swap, having a donor vehicle that you can get accessory brackets, exhaust manifolds and all the other little doo-dad's and gizmos that you will learn need to be swapped during the process helps a lot. Regardless you will need engine mounts to fit the 460 to the frame brackets in your truck. Not sure about the oil pan, since you have a 2wd it may work okay. You will need to double check for clearance though.
If it requires a rebuild, I would keep the engine that you have and rebuild it. At least with that you have known issues and all the components necessary for it to work in your rig.
Regarding the engine swap, having a donor vehicle that you can get accessory brackets, exhaust manifolds and all the other little doo-dad's and gizmos that you will learn need to be swapped during the process helps a lot. Regardless you will need engine mounts to fit the 460 to the frame brackets in your truck. Not sure about the oil pan, since you have a 2wd it may work okay. You will need to double check for clearance though.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 1,661
Likes: 1,062
From: Montana
If it doesn't include accessory brackets you'll need to find some for a 460. Exhaust manifolds or headers will be needed. Already mentioned the motor mounts. The oil pan may or may not work. You'll need to confirm whether the flexplate from the newer model will work with your starter. I am not sure if there any differences in tooth count. If it doesn't have a flex plate you'll need to get one of those too. Any other accessories on the front that are missing such as damper, pulleys, water pump you will need to find.
About the only thing that will interchange between your 351M and a 460 is the distributor and the starter. You can use the same alternator and p/s pump provided you get the correct brackets. If you have a/c that is another bracket you will need to locate. The bell housing is the same for 351M/400 and 429/460 engines.
Once you add in time and cost for all the things needed to swap plus the purchase of the engine, you might find it is more economical to tear down the engine you have and see what it would take to rebuild it.
About the only thing that will interchange between your 351M and a 460 is the distributor and the starter. You can use the same alternator and p/s pump provided you get the correct brackets. If you have a/c that is another bracket you will need to locate. The bell housing is the same for 351M/400 and 429/460 engines.
Once you add in time and cost for all the things needed to swap plus the purchase of the engine, you might find it is more economical to tear down the engine you have and see what it would take to rebuild it.
Hotshot
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 10,762
Likes: 2,590
From: The Shenandoah Valley
You have a 2wd, once you get the 351M out, if money and time are short, might pay to just roll it over, pull the pan and take a look at the lower end, might just need bearings, might need a crank and bearings. If it was not smoking, etc, you wouldn't necessarily "have to" rebuild it all. Crank would be easy to look at, inspect, take out and have turned or polished as needed. Certainly be easier / faster than a swap to a 460.
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 2,238
Likes: 299
From: Kenner,La.
460 swap
If you go with the 460 double check the counter bore where the converter mates up. Ford changed in 78 and it may not be the same as the M engine. With JY engines no telling what the engine came from, it may have been from another truck and was installed in the present doner. Hopefully they are compatable. Good luck.
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 7,847
Likes: 2,353
Converting a 2wd to a 385 series is pretty easy since they were a factory option. 4wd takes more effort.
If you have the brackets they may or may not work. but they're easy to find if you need them. the exhaust will need modified. your durashart ignition system is a direct drop in for the 460 so don't worry about that.
obviously the 460 is a far better engine than your 351, but only you can decide if the conversion is a better option than fixing your junk engine.
If you have the brackets they may or may not work. but they're easy to find if you need them. the exhaust will need modified. your durashart ignition system is a direct drop in for the 460 so don't worry about that.
obviously the 460 is a far better engine than your 351, but only you can decide if the conversion is a better option than fixing your junk engine.
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