Which Engine Should I Choose?
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New User
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 23
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From: Burley, ID
Which Engine Should I Choose?
I have a 78 F-150 without an engine and would like some suggestions on what engine to use.
-Regular cab
-short bed
-4x4
-Auto
It originally had a 400, but since my project wasn't progressing, my brother transplanted the engine into his 77.
I'm not building a show truck, and I'm working on a budget. But I do want some increased horsepower, a cackling cam, and I don't want to be afraid of getting it muddy. (I want to use it)
I'm leaning towards the following: 351(confused about W,C,M) or 390. Maybe even a 429 or 460. Any other suggestions?
-Regular cab
-short bed
-4x4
-Auto
It originally had a 400, but since my project wasn't progressing, my brother transplanted the engine into his 77.
I'm not building a show truck, and I'm working on a budget. But I do want some increased horsepower, a cackling cam, and I don't want to be afraid of getting it muddy. (I want to use it)
I'm leaning towards the following: 351(confused about W,C,M) or 390. Maybe even a 429 or 460. Any other suggestions?
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 8,261
Likes: 15
From: Big Sky Country
I won't deny my bias but an FE is the way i'd go, if you're not concerned about mpg's a 390 in these trucks is hard to beat, i'm not a big fan of the 335 series motors, with an aluminum intake, headers and a few mods a stock 390 really wakes up and will serve you well, see how many 351's you find in the salvage yard, they're everywhere, then go look for a 390, there's a reason they're not readily available.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 5,378
Likes: 3
From: nebraska
Definitly 390 is the way to go. But finding one is adifferent story. 460s would be much easier to find because they were in to production so many years. From 1978 to late nineties almost twenty years. The aftermarket is huge for the 460 because off shear numbers.
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 8,261
Likes: 15
From: Big Sky Country
The 460 is much better supported in the after market as you stated, the FE has a devoted following but it's much smaller then the 460 crowd therefore meaning higher prices in the aftermarket.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 796
Likes: 1
From: Minnesota
I see your trucks a 4X4 with auto trans. I would go with the 460, it will bolt right up to your existing transmission if its still there and companies like L and L make it an easy swap. Parts are more available and cheaper than the 390.
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Hotshot
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 18,423
Likes: 9
From: iowa
Why not a 390? because they were never put into a 78 so NOTHING would fit easily. either go back with a 400 or switch to a 429/460 based motor. Going to any of the 351s wouldn't be a really good choice either since the W and C would require different complete motor mount and frame perch assembly plus a different bellhousing and accesory mounting brackets you are not gaining anything by going that route instead of going with the more powerful big blocks to start with (plus there is aftermarket support for putting a 385 series engine in that truck but NOT for any of the other swap choices, you would hve to do the junkyard route )
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Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 5,378
Likes: 3
From: nebraska
If your short off 460s come to Nebraska. Lots off irrigation wells have been converted to electricity. An lots off those wells had 460s on them. I just bought another one here the other day for a spare for my irr well. I am running two now. One we bought new in 1989 an has over 15,000 hrs on the clock an running perfect yet. The other motor is a bit newer. All in all Im real impressed with 460s. Really tough built motors that hold up under harsh conditions. I have some deep wells an the 460s handle it with ease.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,354
Likes: 1
From: America
if you had $25000 or so, you could get a boss.
the answer to your question can't be answered until you tell us how much you are willing to spend. not how much you are dreaming about spending, but how much you can really afford.
cheapest-stock 400 2 barrel replacement
middle-build a good 400 4 barrel, cam, headers and drop it in
most expensive-429/460 with l&l kit. you probably will have $1200 in just the kit and then how ever much you have in the engine.
the answer to your question can't be answered until you tell us how much you are willing to spend. not how much you are dreaming about spending, but how much you can really afford.
cheapest-stock 400 2 barrel replacement
middle-build a good 400 4 barrel, cam, headers and drop it in
most expensive-429/460 with l&l kit. you probably will have $1200 in just the kit and then how ever much you have in the engine.
More Turbo
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 703
Likes: 6
From: Butler Pa.
go fine a 73 thru 79 4X2 ford truck with a factory 460 auto,so u will have the torque converter, x-tra large radiator, and call Summit Racing for motor mounts, like 80.00 dollars, you then have everything you need to bolt it in except exhaust, local shop will bend it in a few hrs and your done. If your lucky like I was it will run just fine and u will be very happy.
ARMSTRONGFORDTRUCKS
ARMSTRONGFORDTRUCKS
Thread Starter
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New User
Joined: Aug 2008
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From: Burley, ID
Oh wow... the BOSS and Cobra Jet are definitely out of my budget.
I was hoping to spend around $3,000 on the engine. I researched some 460 parts locally and can get a rebuilt 460 for $900. Then I can get DOVE-C Heads and DOVE-C intake for $350 and headers for $300. That sounds like a deal to me. Non rebuilt 460 engines for $150-$400.
I'm going to use the truck for wheelin around on the farm, mudding, camping in the mountains, sounding cool, increasing my carbon footprint, and racing my brother... the one that stole my 400.
If I did go with the 351C, I'd have to fab, right? What would have to change? What's the mpg difference?
No replacement for displacement. I like that.
I was hoping to spend around $3,000 on the engine. I researched some 460 parts locally and can get a rebuilt 460 for $900. Then I can get DOVE-C Heads and DOVE-C intake for $350 and headers for $300. That sounds like a deal to me. Non rebuilt 460 engines for $150-$400.
I'm going to use the truck for wheelin around on the farm, mudding, camping in the mountains, sounding cool, increasing my carbon footprint, and racing my brother... the one that stole my 400.
If I did go with the 351C, I'd have to fab, right? What would have to change? What's the mpg difference?
No replacement for displacement. I like that.