I am contemplating changing my '66 F-100 from a 352/C-6 and 3.50 open rear plus Doug Nash overdrive to a 460/C-6 from a '77 F-250. I've been an FE man from the middle '70s, so I am venturing into new territory.
The 460 "has a knock" in it and is high mileage. E-Bay item # 7957057387 if you are interested. It is only about 50 miles away from me.

My 352 spun a bearing, so it needs a rebuild. I've only got about $600 - $1000 to spend, so economy with reliability is the issue. Plus, if I make the swap, I'll need to change the exhaust as well - which doesn't need it right now.

My good friend has been trying to persuade me to go 385 for some time now. He recommends I use stock heads and carb, with a '69 - '71 Cloyes timing set to get the timing back where it belongs.

What do you 385 gurus think? I will not use the truck for racing or for very heavy hauling, I intend to restore it completely some day. It is relatively rust free (I just moved north from South Carolina) and I have had it for nearly 25 years.

I have heard that 385 work and parts are cheaper than FEs, but I do have some hard to find parts, like C4AE heads and a truck 390 block/cranks/rods setup I can use to make a powerful 390. So, should I stick with FE or go 385?

All opinions welcome.

 

I checked out your auction looks like you will have everything you need, and if its about the cost then go with the 460. Besides you will like the extra torque. Also there looks like some stuff you can sell of that truck to offset the cost, you have a tough choice that 390 set up sounds mighty fine and also a very good engine.