After the 351M died, I picked up a 460 off Craigslist. I've picked up some conversion stuff, like L&L headers and brackets.

Well I've got it just about clean enough to paint it right now. But I'm thinking of dropping in a slightly hotter cam while I've got the engine on a stand. This will not be a daily driver, it will see off-roading and some towing duty. It has DV3E heads, DV1E block - stock internals. I'll be using 780 Holley, Performer intake, and the stock C6 auto. I've got 4.10 and 35" tires.

I've tried using Comp Cams, Cam Quest software, but there's still a bunch of options and was hoping someone had a good suggestion.

Does anyone have a suggestion on a cam shaft? How about a matching torque converter?

I guess while I'm at it...
What should I be checking on this engine? It's used, it's on a stand. So, it's difficult to perform a compression check or a leak down test (as it would be cold). I'm so nervous that I'm going to put this time and effort in this engine and I'm going to have issues. But I don't want to spend more $$$ than I have to.



Parts!


Here's the old girl. I wish she was up and running.

 

Heres a thread I had on the 385 forum that might give you a few ideas.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/7...-f350-4x4.html

good luck with your swap.

 

First thing-get either a 1970 timing chain, or a roller-personal choice, as long as you can set it up at 0 degrees. Everything after 72 I think on the 429/460's stock has the smog timing chain, which retards cam timing up to 8 degrees(negative) for emissions, and it sucks power away like crazy.
On my 69 429 I put in an sae 293/303 duration .518/.544 valve lift cam, with a stock torque converter. It has been ok, and still using it-altho I don't recommend anything over .500" lift for a fairly stock motor-it is just too hard on the valve guides and strains things.
My next cam is a 282/292 .486/.512 slightly less, but more engine friendly-and probably still too much cam for the rpm's I normally turn.

Cam tech has changed alot in the last while, so your BEST bet is to phone a cam tech hotline that any of the good brands have, and the experts will ask you a bunch of questions about your vehicle and help you choose the best cam.
If you win the lottery, get a roller cam, hehe-too bad they are soo expensive for these engines.
Good luck!

 

Hey man I'm in your same situation but I havent decided for sure yet wether to go with the 460 or rebuilt 400. My 460 needs totally rebuilt its a bare block right now, so that will be rather expensive.

How do you like your Goodyear MTR's? I have them also mine are 35x12.5x15.

 

If cost is a concern I would definitely stay with the 400 you have in there. Even if it needs rebuilding it is going to be cheaper and easier than the 460 swap. If your looking for more power and torque go with either a TMeyer type of 400 or consider the 460 swap. There's a lot of little things for the 460 swap. It's not difficult (so far) but little stuff adds up to time and money.

I like the MTRs. They do fairly well here in the desert and the high country, good traction. They're fairly quiet on the road. Just need to rotate them regularly to make sure they wear evenly.

I've decided to go with the Comp Cams Xtreme Energy 4x4, X4262H. Seems like a good cam for a mild motor.