460 vs 390
Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 3,960
Likes: 5
From: All over Texas
460 vs 390
I saw a post of yours within another thread. You have a fresh 390 that sounds like it is set-up very nicely. Why in the world would you want to drop in a 460? What do you use your truck for?
Mountain Pass
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 132
Likes: 8
460 vs 390
My 390 is great. I didn't know if I could get more torque with a smoother idle. My 390 is smooth, but it is a little lively. I was thinking maybe a 460 would give me the power without as much of the fire. I thought the larger cubic inches could give me the same power with less roughness. Am I way off here? Help me.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 132
Likes: 8
460 vs 390
Forgot to mention. I have a NP 435 transmission with a NP205 transfer case. I am from Florida, but while in Utah attending school, I spend a lot of time in the mountains. I have a hard time when I need to be gentle. I have a lot of throttle response. So, when I'm on some rocks or at a good angle, I've gotta take it easy so that I don't loose control and go falling to my death.
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 962
Likes: 2
From: Collierville, TN
460 vs 390
Swapping to a 460 won't help. Even if it did, that's like using a 12 gauge to kill a house fly. You need to adjust your throttle linkage to allow for more pedal motion with less throttle movement.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 3,960
Likes: 5
From: All over Texas
460 vs 390
Moose, sounds like you need to put your old worn out 360 back in. You built an awesome motor and now must live with it (there are many people who wish they had this problem). If you dropped a bone stock 460 into your truck, it probably would seem a lot smoother, but so would a bone stock 390 or 360.
I agree with Karl, try adjusting your linkage (maybe add a stiffer return spring) and see if that helps.
I agree with Karl, try adjusting your linkage (maybe add a stiffer return spring) and see if that helps.
Trending Topics
Junior User
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 97
Likes: 0
From: Modesto USA!
460 vs 390
Karlsd is right, all those holes in the linkage are great for getting more travel, just mess with 'em to find the right spot. Also try tightning the throtle spring. And check your motor mounts, I once had a broken mount that let the engine raise when I gave it the gas and made her rev even higher!
I lived in Utah 25 year ago when I was 18 or so, and loved the back country! LOL
Mike
I lived in Utah 25 year ago when I was 18 or so, and loved the back country! LOL
Mike
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 780
Likes: 0
460 vs 390
I would not swap the 390 for the 460. The 460 does have more low end torque, but that is not enough reason to swap unless maybe you are always towing a very heavy load. The 390 is a great engine. Fix whatever is bugging you and keep it. Besides the transmission bolt pattern is different. SB 260, 289, 302, 351W,(also 351C)have a common bolt pattern.The I6 240CI and 300CI also have the sb bolt pattern. (For instance a small block C6 from a Van with a 300ci I6 will fit behind a 351W, 289, etc.) FE 332, 352, 390 (including 406,410), 427, 428 have a common bolt pattern. 385 series 429, 460 have a common bolt pattern. The 351M/400 use the same bolt pattern as the 429/460.
Hope this helps. Good Luck with it.
Hope this helps. Good Luck with it.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 132
Likes: 8
460 vs 390
Thanks y'all. I think I'll stick with the 390. I am still interested in knowing whether or not the clutch setup for the 390 bellhousing would work with an early model 460 bell. I understand the bolt patterns on the blocks are different, etc. I am not worried about that. I just want to know how much of a change would I have to make to all my linkage, etc. to get my mechanical clutch to work on a 460 housing. Was there ever a mechanical clutch setup on a 460 in a ford truck. I have seen hydr. on later model 460's. If there is a mechanical setup, can I get it to work with my existing clutch pedal in my 1970 model truck. Thanks. Greg
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 56,980
Likes: 2,735
From: Virginia
460 vs 390
Here's a perfect example of building an engine for the wrong application. But I don't blame the owner. I blame the people who sell all this aftermarket race stuff, not stressing enough what it is designed for: RACING. I knew a guy who had the exact same trouble. And it was a 390 too. It was full race. And boy, it would give goose bumps listening to it idle and run. It had a dual point dist and everything. But he couldn't drive it in the snow(it was 4x4). All it would do was spin. He couldn't get a smooth transition at a moderate rpm because the engine was set-up like an on-off switch. You either had it all, or nothing. If he would have taken the cam out, I think it would have been manageable, but he sold it instead.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
