I have a 460 out of a 1979 E350 Econoline. Does anybody know if this engine would have the 'smog' heads with the lower compression and horsepower, or is this going to be an older style engine because it was in a heavy duty vehicle? I just got the engine for free and it ran good with 150,000 on it. I am looking to rebiuld it but I don't know if it's worth gettinh power out of it or just getting an older engine. I don't really know much about the 385 family, mostly been playing with FEs Thanks.

 

it will have (assuming it is original) D3VE heads, yes they are the "smog" heads, this is such a misnomer and I have been trying appearently to no avail for sometime to convince people that they are not any worse of a cyl head then any other expecially if you are going to rebuild the engine. You can waste your money on a set of early heads if you choose but all you are going to gain is the bragging rights to say you have the early heads. about the only difference is the combustion chamber size, and your heads will have a 95cc nominal combustion chamber, the early heads have a 75cc approx chamber, so they will raise your compression by approx 1 full point, but since you are rebuilding it you can do the same thing by sellecting flat top pistons instead of dish pistons, and having your block square decked to bring the pistons to zero deck or no more than .010 into the hole. heck with a little work you can gain so much compression you will run premium at a minimum. The flow numbers for both sets are within 10 cfm unported and ported, and the "smog" heads ported actually seem to have better high lift flow than the early "hi performance" heads. If your looking for performance, either have them ported or do it yourself paying particular attention to the exhaust port, as all the BBF heads have a poor exhaust flow, and for even better upgrade to 2.19/1.71" stainless valves.

 

Just made the conversion from FE power to 460 in my truck. Plenty of good advice here and these engines make really good power. Take your time, ask for advice as you go along and building one of these engines is easy and fun. You should visit the 460 site for tons of really good performance information. The people over there are mostly racers. By using the Van engine you already have the manifolds and oil pan and most of the other parts you will need. Watch e-bay for a set of truck engine mounts (6 pieces). Take a look at the 460dotcom site for loads of info. I bought a set of "budget ported" D3VE heads, Eagle rods and Silvolite KB137's. The rods and heads are cheaper this way than reconditioning what you have. Zero deck the block and do all the regular stuff to the crank. I used a X4262H clone camshaft and lifters from Scotty the "Mad Porter". Good quality stuff and fair prices.

 

Headers are a must!!!!

 

definatly headers. I thought the heads would be ok to use. I am taking my time and getting all the info to build a reliable 460. When it's done I'm gonna be using the truck for truck pulls, mud runs and off roading but she's still gonna be my daily driver also, so I'm not going too crazy. (More of a toy, my work is only 8 miles from home ) Thanks for the info. As this build moves forward I'll prolly have much more questions. I like listening to people who have actually had experience with the engine cuz there is way too much misinformation out there on these 385 series. Found that out with the FE's also. Thanks again.


One more question for now. The 460 is externally balanced, has the weight behinf the crank pulley. Will the flywheel, clutch assembly and bellhousing out of any truck newer truck than '79 with a 4 speed work? Or do the flywheels different between external balanced engines? Thanks again.

 

Keep the balance of the engine you start with. Converting an external balance rotating assembly to internal balance is problematic. When you get the engine dissassembled research the PN's and determine if you have all the correct pieces. Find a good machine shop that will work with you and then check their work. Fairly priced parts are available that are better than refurbished stock components. Eagle rods come to mind. But you can do anything you would want to do with these engines. Just like our old FE's! If you want specifics on my build, PM me.

 

with the weight behind the crank pulley that means it is externally balanaced, right? I meant I need to find a flywheel for the engine the way it is now