427/428 versus 460
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427/428 versus 460
I don't want to start any fights, but I'm thinking about my '48 F5 that somebody stuffed a 400m in and have decided pretty much to junk the 400m (anybody out there want it?) and go with a different big block. I'm looking for opinions as the pro's and con's of going with a 385 series 460 versus an big FE.
This is a big truck and would need a HUGE amount of torque.
Peter
This is a big truck and would need a HUGE amount of torque.
Peter
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,600
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From: Iowa
Well first, it is always going to be easier to make more torque with a larger displacement engine. However, they are vastly different engines. I suggest you learn as much as possible about both before making a decision.
FE's have such features as an extremely strong crankshaft, block and rods. They are also about 100lbs lighter than a 460. This though might not be an issue in a big truck. FE's will take a lot of compression before pinging. This means more output from the motor, in the form of torque and horsepower.
Having never researched the 460, I cant say too much pro or con. I do know they have a two bolt block and no deep skirt like the FE. I've also heard the rods and crank aren't as strong. I have heard the crankshaft is externally balanced, but I could be wrong on that one. Just something to keep in mind...
In years later than your truck, they put in a variant of the FE, also called the FT. Bulletproof motors built for torque.
FE's have such features as an extremely strong crankshaft, block and rods. They are also about 100lbs lighter than a 460. This though might not be an issue in a big truck. FE's will take a lot of compression before pinging. This means more output from the motor, in the form of torque and horsepower.
Having never researched the 460, I cant say too much pro or con. I do know they have a two bolt block and no deep skirt like the FE. I've also heard the rods and crank aren't as strong. I have heard the crankshaft is externally balanced, but I could be wrong on that one. Just something to keep in mind...
In years later than your truck, they put in a variant of the FE, also called the FT. Bulletproof motors built for torque.
FE "Freakin Expensive"
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Smith Mountain Lake, VA
Well Bottom Line is to get the kinda Torque out of the FE short of a stroked 427, I'd hands down go with the 460...they make good Tq right out of the box...
I have 2 blocks both 2 bolt main, D1VE wide pan rail blocks...and upon build both stock blocks would be able to handle 600+hp without issue's....and with splayed 4 bolt mains upward of 900hp..
But your not looking for hp just alot of Tq, My old Motorhome had a 460 in it...and weighed 10,000 empty and loaded for Camping around 12,000lbs and pulled a 4400lbs bayliner behind it.....and you didnt even know you were going over Mountains inless you saw the sign...the only thing I changed was, I put an Aluminum intake on it, and a holley 750 Vac.sec. and a set of cheap headers... And it would run 80mph all day long and pull anything..JMO....
~Russ
Edit: and still get 10mpg doing it!
I have 2 blocks both 2 bolt main, D1VE wide pan rail blocks...and upon build both stock blocks would be able to handle 600+hp without issue's....and with splayed 4 bolt mains upward of 900hp..
But your not looking for hp just alot of Tq, My old Motorhome had a 460 in it...and weighed 10,000 empty and loaded for Camping around 12,000lbs and pulled a 4400lbs bayliner behind it.....and you didnt even know you were going over Mountains inless you saw the sign...the only thing I changed was, I put an Aluminum intake on it, and a holley 750 Vac.sec. and a set of cheap headers... And it would run 80mph all day long and pull anything..JMO....
~Russ
Edit: and still get 10mpg doing it!
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2003
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From: Ohio
"I have heard the crankshaft is externally balanced, but I could be wrong on that one. Just something to keep in mind..."
NO...they are internally balanced. That is why aftermarket steel wheels fit either motor(FE/385). The only big block that was external was 428. Once you get an aftermarket wheel for a 428 you either balance it for motor or internally balance the 428(which is what I do). That allows freedom for changing and not affecting balance.
I guess you need to decide what you are going to pull with the F5. Either the 428 or 460 will work. The 460 will do it will LESS money. A stock motor without a doubt makes better torque then a 428. Cheaper to purchase too! Heck, find a early 70's lincoln and swap motor/tranny and be done for a few hundred bucks. Won't do that with an FE.
That truck only had maybe 150 hp when new...so a stock 460 will make it FLY!
NO...they are internally balanced. That is why aftermarket steel wheels fit either motor(FE/385). The only big block that was external was 428. Once you get an aftermarket wheel for a 428 you either balance it for motor or internally balance the 428(which is what I do). That allows freedom for changing and not affecting balance.
I guess you need to decide what you are going to pull with the F5. Either the 428 or 460 will work. The 460 will do it will LESS money. A stock motor without a doubt makes better torque then a 428. Cheaper to purchase too! Heck, find a early 70's lincoln and swap motor/tranny and be done for a few hundred bucks. Won't do that with an FE.
That truck only had maybe 150 hp when new...so a stock 460 will make it FLY!
Last edited by Freightrain; Dec 1, 2005 at 08:54 AM.
Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2003
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From: Spokane WA
460s were externally balanced after 1979 
D9TE blocks were the first externally balanced 460s, they were internal up until then.
I think this is my first post in here, I read in here a lot lately trying to learn about my brother in laws 390, first FE in the family
My 2 cents is that either one is gonna make torque and horsepower, want more out of either engine, get your wallet out
That said, Id go with the first one of the two that you come across a good deal on thats in good shape
D9TE blocks were the first externally balanced 460s, they were internal up until then.I think this is my first post in here, I read in here a lot lately trying to learn about my brother in laws 390, first FE in the family
My 2 cents is that either one is gonna make torque and horsepower, want more out of either engine, get your wallet out
That said, Id go with the first one of the two that you come across a good deal on thats in good shape
Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,068
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From: Central Texas
Go with the 460. Why? For reasons previously mentioned and the fact that you don't have to jack with the tranny. 400's and 460's used the same tanny bolt pattern. So what you have will work with the 460 making the swap somewhat simpler and cheaper.
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Thanks for the info the tranny - that's a great point. The C6 (I think) attached to the 400 looks to be in good shape and I'd like to keep it.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2005
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go 460.. cheap cheap cheap!!! and if it grenades they make a cast stroker kit for it pretty cheap... notice how i led the conversation to strokeers so quickly? LMAO
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Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2004
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From: Union, Washington
A stock 460 will out torque a 428 which will out torque a 427 all at low RPM and that's what you need for your truck. I would say the 460 makes more sense in your case and there are alot of them out there, mainly because they quit making the FE a long time ago.
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