I'm getting ready to put together a 460 for my crewcab. What kind of compression ratio are you 460 guys getting away with and at what elevation? What's the octane rating of the gas you are using and did you have to retard the timing any?
Thanks
Todd

 

My dad is running 9.5:1 on 92 octane around 1000ft with 36-38degrees advance. To be honest we never tried running cheaper gas, never had a ping so far.

 

I'm thinking about going to 9.5:1 also, Elevation here is around 2800ft and just goes up from there. I didn't want to have to run premium in it though, so I'm not sure if I could get away with 9.5:1. I can't seem to find anyone running 9.5:1 around here. Most people that I find running a 460, it's either stock, or they have no idea.
Thanks
Todd

 

I'm running about 10.7 in my 460 on 93 octane gas. As far as elevation, I'm not sure. I'm in SouthWest Michigan. I haven't had any problems with pings, I'm running about 6 degrees at an idle, I don't know about total advance. I think I'm gonna back mine off to about 5, maybe 4. It's running very good as it is so I may just leave it. I'm not sure. Good luck.

Rob

"Stuck with a m*par, Settle for a ch*vy, Happy with a Ford!!!!"

 

Run a consevative 9.5-1 comp. at just above sea level, about 200ft. up to 3500ft. or so. Total advance is in the 36-38 deg. range but comes in quicker with lighter springs in dist., only run 92 or better with nothing but more power than I thought I would have! Engine is .040 over with mild Crane cam(204-216 dur. @ .050, lift is .487 and .518), roller rockers on D0VE-C heads(lightly ported) and stainless steel valves(stock size), Offy dual-plane 360 deg. intake(should have gotten a Weiand Stealth, hint, hint!!), Elde. 750 carb and Hedman Elite fenderwell exit headers with Jet-Hot coating, and a pair of Flowmasters with a cross-over just past the collector rounding out the affair. Have yet to hear a ping or even a hint of one with just over 1.5K on the engine @ 6-7deg of intial timing. Also run a C-6 with conv.(TCI unit) stall speed around 1800-2000 rpm.

 

Thanks for the info.
I will probably go with the 9.5:1. I just don't think I will have any problems at the elevation I'm at.
Have you ever tried to run 87 Octane to see if it pings?

I have heard nothing but good things about the Stealth manifolds. I still have to buy one and couldn't decide between that one or the Edelbrock Performer. I found a comparison some guys did among many intake manifolds on the 'net and the Stealth ranked higher in horsepower and torque over the edelbrock performer.

Apparently, you are also a believer in the Stealth manifold. I am starting to lean towards getting the Stealth manifold.

As far as cams go, I have a couple in mind, but they have a little more duration than the one you are running. I'm thinking about using a cam that has around 218 to 220 degrees duration at .050" (intake side).
Thanks
Todd

 

Hey Todd,
Never tried 87 octane, would imagine if you pulled the timing back a little, don't re-curve and of course leaned it out for your lofty elevation, should do just fine. Forgot to mention, run a Jacob's ignition(found this to be very, very good at "masking" knock and/or ping-just lose power!), still playin' with plug gap, doesn't seem to make much difference-have run anywhere from .55 up to .75 gap(now at .62-.63) on #45 autolites. Mine is set-up for low-end, Yeah, yeah, I know, D0VE-C's are more performance oriented! Wanted PI's, but couldn't find a set that I could afford! Don't rev that high, although I think it will do just fine up to 5k or a little beyond with the cam(haven't been there quite yet, although it keeps feelin' stronger and stronger!). This is in a '79 F-150 4x4, used the Offy for bottom end, but, the Weiand is also a 360 degree dual-plane. Went back and forth with this for a while and thought the stealth might lean towards a little more top-end than what I was lookin' for-BBF wasn't even started with the "shoot-out" when I decided(bummer!), I just couldn't wait! I should try the 87 octane, just put $66 in the tank this weekend! Of course it holds 44 gal. and took almost 40! Good luck with your project-Hope it goes as well as mine did or even better!! So far, gettin' a solid 12-13 mpg, but been takin' it easy!

 

where did you see this comparison (url please ) I've been debating the Performer/RPM vs. the Stealth for my 460 build-up. if the both perform the same I'm going with the stealh becuse it can get it 20$ cheaper. I'm working on a cheap speed project (trying to get a 4000lb. custom 2x4 ford bronco into the 13sec range)

 

Bog'n,
Check out the intake shootout comparison at
www.suitemre.com/bigblockford/shootout.html
Todd