Swapping in a 460

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Nov 4, 2001 | 10:03 AM

NunavutFord

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Joined: Nov 2001

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From: Cape Dorset

Swapping in a 460

Hello this is my first message on this board and I think this is a great way for people like myself who own Fords and are at least slighly mechanically capable but lack the experience to do projects to gain the knowledge they need to get there pride and joy just the way they want it. I own a 1979 F150 Ranger XLT Supercab 4x4 with front leaf springs, a four speed transmission and a 400M. The 400 has quite a few miles on it but it still works good and uses little oil. I still have not had it tested to see what the actual condition of the motor is but would like to know how hard it is to put a 460 in if this engine should ever need to be replaced or if I decide I would like more power.

Nov 5, 2001 | 04:47 PM

dfisher1

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Joined: Jul 2001

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From: Gainesville, FL

Swapping in a 460

Nun,
There is a reason no one is answering this question. Putting a 460 in is one of the most difficult conversions, unless you have a complete donor truck. Your 400M is a good motor and slight investments during a rebuild can render some outstanding performance. Consider headers, they made a big difference for me.
Good Luck, Have Fun,
KingFisher

Nov 5, 2001 | 05:02 PM

79Supercab

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Joined: Jul 2001

Posts: 581

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From: Milton, Wa

Swapping in a 460

I am swapping in a 460, but I have a donor truck that already did the conversion. It is a 2wd and I have a 4wd, so I am going to buy the L&L motor mounts, and get oil pan & pickup from a 460 van. I had a 4spd, but swapped in a C6. I will be doing the 460 swap during the Thanksgiving weekend. The only hard part about the conversion is getting all the accessory brackets. So I would suggest getting a donor car/truck.

Ryan
'78 F250 Ranger/XLT Supercab 4x4
400 (460 soon), C6
Dana 44/60 F&R, 4:10's, 33's
Dark Chocolate Brown

Nov 6, 2001 | 05:18 AM

jcor

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Joined: Mar 2001

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Swapping in a 460

The 400m engines are an ok engine,but your on the right track.(There is no substitute for cubic inches)The 460 swap is a job,but with the right parts,it will be less painful and better for you in the long run.Trying to get performance out of a 400m is can be an issue,with the lack of performance parts,and you cant get much out of them anyway.Not saying it cant be done with the 400m,but for the money,I would want more bang for the buck.

Nov 6, 2001 | 09:11 AM

50yellowbeast

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Joined: Nov 2000

Posts: 131

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From: Antioch USA

Swapping in a 460

I will be doing a similar swap after the holidays... dropping in a 460 with C-6 tranny from a 75 Mercury Marquis into my beast below.. Gonna be fun.. My local parts house has all the parts I need for the swap.. good luck...

49 Ford F-1 on 73 Ford F-250 3/4 ton 360/435/205 4 wheel drive chasis.

Nov 6, 2001 | 09:40 AM

laptopgeek

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Joined: Apr 2001

Posts: 997

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From: texarkana, tx

Swapping in a 460

Nun - I would have to say the swap is a job....I made up a lot of new multi-syllable words during my swap over 3 months ago (everything was done by myself). It was well worth it, though....my truck is a head turner and I get nothing but respect at ANY stop light...people KNOW this truck will P-O-U-N-C-E anytime I just say boo....it's a big change from the 6 quarts-per-day 6 230 CU In 6 that used to be in it. I had to make the transmission fit by modifying the tranny crossmember and get the driveshaft modified as the F100 used to have a C-4 in it....I would say go with the 460....it'll scream.

The LaptopGeek -----
1974 White F100 Custom Fleetside
460 bored .040 over & C-6 automatic 2WD
Lunati cam, L&L Headers / mounts
Holley Avenger 770CFM & Edlebrock RPM
Plush black leather 40-20-40 bench seat
38 gallon JC Whitney fuel tank