460 FE RV Question
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460 FE RV Question
I am rebuilding a 460 FE for my 26ft Class C motorhome, I have the new engine fresh from Ford in the crate. My question becomes, should I install a RV or mild cam to gain a little performance and fuel economy? If so, does anyone recommend exactly what type of cam and lifters.
What are the things that I must do since I have the engine pulled and ready to build? Please keep in mind the word "economic."
I hope to have the best economic performance I can. The motorhome performs acceptable in the plains of Oklahoma, however it falls on its face when traveling in Colorado.... I am tired of other moterhomes pulling a load and leaving me behind.
Anyone out there who has been in my shoes before?
What are the things that I must do since I have the engine pulled and ready to build? Please keep in mind the word "economic."
I hope to have the best economic performance I can. The motorhome performs acceptable in the plains of Oklahoma, however it falls on its face when traveling in Colorado.... I am tired of other moterhomes pulling a load and leaving me behind.
Anyone out there who has been in my shoes before?
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2002
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From: Atlanta GA
FWIW: The 460 is not an "FE", it is a 385 series engine. I would ask the question in the 385 forum where they build engines. I have never owned a motorhome, so, no recommendations on that front.
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Wow... I had no idea... my Dad ordered the new engine it looks identical to the old engine. So, this could actually be a 385 and not a 460? This could explain why we were disappointed with the performance. If I pulled a 385, I hope everything works back on the 460. I do know it is 1989 FE. I am confused.
Last edited by wfo4me; Nov 29, 2005 at 11:07 AM. Reason: spelling
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2005
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From: Easton,Ks
A 460 is a 385 engine.
The Ford FE engine was Ford's big block V8 engine range sold in the North American market between 1958 and 1976. It replaced the Ford Y-block engine and in turn was replaced by the Ford 385 engine series.
FE series engines powered most full-size Fords, some mid-size and performance models, and many Mercuries from 1958 until 1971, and pickup trucks from 1965 through 1976.
The Ford 385 engine family was the American Ford Motor Company's final big block V8 engine design, replacing the Ford MEL engine and gradually superseding the Ford FE engine family. It was available in three sizes in production vehicles; 370 in³ (6.1 L) in trucks only, 429 in³ (7.0 L) and 460 in³ (7.5 L). A 512 in³ (8.4 L) crate engine was also available from Ford SVO. The engines were sold between 1968 and 1997. They were manufactured in Lima, Ohio. This manufacturing line replaced the Ford MEL engine line in the Lima plant. The FE engines, manufactured in Dearborn, continued in production but saw reduced applications and volume as the 385 engine gradually took over in the Ford line up. The FE went out of production in 1976, leaving the 385 as the only big block.
The Ford FE engine was Ford's big block V8 engine range sold in the North American market between 1958 and 1976. It replaced the Ford Y-block engine and in turn was replaced by the Ford 385 engine series.
FE series engines powered most full-size Fords, some mid-size and performance models, and many Mercuries from 1958 until 1971, and pickup trucks from 1965 through 1976.
The Ford 385 engine family was the American Ford Motor Company's final big block V8 engine design, replacing the Ford MEL engine and gradually superseding the Ford FE engine family. It was available in three sizes in production vehicles; 370 in³ (6.1 L) in trucks only, 429 in³ (7.0 L) and 460 in³ (7.5 L). A 512 in³ (8.4 L) crate engine was also available from Ford SVO. The engines were sold between 1968 and 1997. They were manufactured in Lima, Ohio. This manufacturing line replaced the Ford MEL engine line in the Lima plant. The FE engines, manufactured in Dearborn, continued in production but saw reduced applications and volume as the 385 engine gradually took over in the Ford line up. The FE went out of production in 1976, leaving the 385 as the only big block.
Last edited by subford; Nov 29, 2005 at 12:55 PM.
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Subford, I have been confused for a few hours. I thought I had a FE... thought this was fuel injeted... I am an ingnorant wanna be mechanic!
I am convinced that I have a 460 fuel injected 385 series engine bolted in a 26ft class C motorhome. Now, I would like to know if I should invest in a RV or mild cam for performance and fuel economy. If so, which one should I buy?
Thanks for your detailed help... you are a walking book.
Anyone have an opinion?
I am convinced that I have a 460 fuel injected 385 series engine bolted in a 26ft class C motorhome. Now, I would like to know if I should invest in a RV or mild cam for performance and fuel economy. If so, which one should I buy?
Thanks for your detailed help... you are a walking book.
Anyone have an opinion?
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Joined: Mar 2004
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From: END OF THE OREGON TRAIL
Originally Posted by wfo4me
Subford, I have been confused for a few hours. I thought I had a FE... thought this was fuel injeted... I am an ingnorant wanna be mechanic!
I am convinced that I have a 460 fuel injected 385 series engine bolted in a 26ft class C motorhome. Now, I would like to know if I should invest in a RV or mild cam for performance and fuel economy. If so, which one should I buy?
Thanks for your detailed help... you are a walking book.
Anyone have an opinion?
I am convinced that I have a 460 fuel injected 385 series engine bolted in a 26ft class C motorhome. Now, I would like to know if I should invest in a RV or mild cam for performance and fuel economy. If so, which one should I buy?
Thanks for your detailed help... you are a walking book.
Anyone have an opinion?
I would post this question in the FTE 385 series engine forum, you should be able to get an aswer there. All my 460's have been carbureted. I have a few Fuel injected 351Windsors but no experience with Fuel Injected 460's.
Ford's EFI works great with the right upgrades but needs very specific camshaft to run properly.
Comp Cams make cams for computer controlled engines.
Good Luck
Last edited by 93BigBlackBronco; Nov 30, 2005 at 12:02 AM.
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Joined: Dec 2004
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From: Springfield, OR
This is just me talking, but Id leave the cam stock and invest the money in a good set of headers. Im an RV'er with a 460 and cracked and broken exhaust manifolds are almost the rule rather than the exception. Bank's and Thorley's are the popular brands.
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