351 or 460
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New User
Joined: Feb 2006
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351 or 460
I have a 86 F150 w/a 302. The truck is a XLT Lariat in great shape. only 10700 miles on it. One owner (previous to me) everything works great, except the motor. I have two dead cylinders.(picked it up for 400 bucks). I am contemplating a new 351 rather than a rebuild of the 302. But, I am also considering jumping to the 460. Plans for the truck are to make it a show-off truck for my 4x4 accessories business. I plan on a six inch lift and 36" tires. Any comments on motors or ideas about what I should do would be greatly appreciated. It has a 4 speed with Granny low first. THANKS.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 226
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Well, the 351W would be a lot easier, if memory serves '86 was the first year for EFI so you would have to decide whether or not you are going to keep it EFI or convert it to carb. If you go carb then you should be able to do whatever you want with ease. Keeping in mind the 460 has a different bolt pattern for the tranny then the 302/351W. I would worry a little bit about the 8.8 rear end behind the 460 with 36" tires, but if you are making a showcase for your 4x4 toys with it you are probably going to take care of that anyway.
I don't have any experience with the 351W, but I've had a 302 ('89 Bronco) and currently have a 460, I have to say I really like the 460 for it's excellent power from idle on up. Keep us posted on what you do, sounds like a fun project.
I don't have any experience with the 351W, but I've had a 302 ('89 Bronco) and currently have a 460, I have to say I really like the 460 for it's excellent power from idle on up. Keep us posted on what you do, sounds like a fun project.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 239
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I just finished installing a 460 in my 86, LOVE IT!!!. I had a very stout 351W in it, they don't compare the 460 is great for low end torque and the gas mileage actually got 2mpg better.
The only real issue I had was getting the engine to sit in the truck straight, needed 3in of body lift to clear. This might be because the engine came out of a car, that is what a lot of people tell me, I don't know and don't really care, the truck looks better with more lift anyway.
The only real issue I had was getting the engine to sit in the truck straight, needed 3in of body lift to clear. This might be because the engine came out of a car, that is what a lot of people tell me, I don't know and don't really care, the truck looks better with more lift anyway.
