first truck
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Junior User
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 62
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From: Catawissa, PA
first truck
we have a 1972 F250 2wd camper special and we are restoring it and Upgrading it for my first truck when I turn 16. We want to put a automatic transmission into it and buy a 460 Super cobra jet that produces 550hp and 545ft/lbs of torque. What do you think of for that first truck.
New User
Joined: May 2005
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Why make the mileage any worse?
If you do not have any huge hauling needs, why put in the biggest engine you can find? My 16 year old would not be able to afford gas to keep something like that running. To each their own I guess, but why not fix it up using the existing motor till you find out if you even like driving a truck?
Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 3,613
Likes: 6
From: Coal country
Well, I can understand the 460, after all I put one with a C-6 in my '66 F-100!
However, I think it would not be that great of an idea in an F-250. An F-100, yes, but not an F-250.
The Dana rear in that truck has limited options for gear ratios compared to the Ford 9", so that you won't be able to maximize easily (or cheaply!) the power of that engine.
By this I mean that the 460 can deliver great pulling power with decent mileage, if you have taller gears lke 2.75 or 3.00 to 1. You can use it to make excellent quarter times with lower gears, e.g., 4.10 to 1.
But you do not have those wide options as in a Ford 9", and it is difficult to set the Dana up.
I would consider in your case putting in a Ford 9" rear, and start collecting 9" rear punkins. Put various gear ratios in them, so that one weekend you can race it, and the next you can get decent mileage towing the camper and the boat to the lake.
PS: A Ford 9" rear is the popular in the racing world, because you can change the ratio by changing out the rear center section - and you can do it by yourself in less than 2 hours.
However, I think it would not be that great of an idea in an F-250. An F-100, yes, but not an F-250.
The Dana rear in that truck has limited options for gear ratios compared to the Ford 9", so that you won't be able to maximize easily (or cheaply!) the power of that engine.
By this I mean that the 460 can deliver great pulling power with decent mileage, if you have taller gears lke 2.75 or 3.00 to 1. You can use it to make excellent quarter times with lower gears, e.g., 4.10 to 1.
But you do not have those wide options as in a Ford 9", and it is difficult to set the Dana up.
I would consider in your case putting in a Ford 9" rear, and start collecting 9" rear punkins. Put various gear ratios in them, so that one weekend you can race it, and the next you can get decent mileage towing the camper and the boat to the lake.
PS: A Ford 9" rear is the popular in the racing world, because you can change the ratio by changing out the rear center section - and you can do it by yourself in less than 2 hours.
Junior User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 66
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From: N. Idaho
i was in the same boat as you when i was your age..except i built mine out of an 69 f100 2wd.. but the 460 motor was more than enough(dare i say too much), and yes i did sell it you know why..gas. that motor sucks it down so fast it isnt even funny. and i tried babyin it and never let her get above 2500 rpm on take offs from stop light to stop light for a few tanks to get better milage and the best i got was less than 10 mpg, so be prepared to pay out the yang for gas on that beast, and if you can put a 9 inch in there for the reasons suggested above, dont get me wrong i loved that truck and it was a blast to drive but i wish i woulda put my money in a good hi po small block.. it woulda been a better fit for the truck. and a lot less headache in the end..
