View Poll Results: What would you rather install on a reliable tow/family rig?
Built 351m upto a 409ish+
4
30.77%
mild 460
9
69.23%
Voters: 13. You may not vote on this poll
Build it, or Swap it??
Thread Starter
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Junior User
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
From: Santa Rosa CAli
Build it, or Swap it??
I have a 1978 f250 crew 4x4 with dana 60 frt and rear, 351m c6 marrried 205
6" super duty springs, rear shackle flip with 40" tires
I have a rod knocking and have been trying to figure out if I should build up the 351 to a 409ish, or swap to a 460
I want something reliable, this is not a wheeler more of a family hauler and a tow rig to pull the quads or boat....so not pulling any real weight.
All my buds have new super dutys so I wanted to be different and i have always loved the original crews.
Whats the best numbers you can get from a 351m done up, compared to mild 460 and what is more reliable??
Thanks in advance
R
6" super duty springs, rear shackle flip with 40" tires
I have a rod knocking and have been trying to figure out if I should build up the 351 to a 409ish, or swap to a 460
I want something reliable, this is not a wheeler more of a family hauler and a tow rig to pull the quads or boat....so not pulling any real weight.
All my buds have new super dutys so I wanted to be different and i have always loved the original crews.
Whats the best numbers you can get from a 351m done up, compared to mild 460 and what is more reliable??
Thanks in advance
R
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,061
Likes: 2
From: London, Ontario Canada
get the 460, the engine you have sounds like alot of work and there is few aftermarket parts for them, and there is not alot of 460 parts either, but the 460 will get the job done, and both engines have good part sources just find someone who has either one and they should hook you up with part sources. i have a 302 so i have no real experience with these engines, except i know that the 460 will get r done and hold its own with those super dutys.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 754
Likes: 2
From: southwest Wisconsin
Considering how you want to use the truck I'd turn your 351 into a 400. All you need is a 400 crank and pistons. Do a search on the 335 Engine Forum and you'll find all the information you need.
BTW, unlike 20 years ago there is now a wealth of aftermarket support for both the 335 and 385 engines.
BTW, unlike 20 years ago there is now a wealth of aftermarket support for both the 335 and 385 engines.
New User
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
I think you'll be ahead rebuilding the 351. If you were unhappy with the power then boost it up to 400. That long stroke will produce plenty of torque for anything you might want to tow. The small block will be about 200 pounds lighter too.
I have the 5.0 in my bronco and now wish I had gone with the 351. I don't think there is too much difference in gas economy.
-Will-
I have the 5.0 in my bronco and now wish I had gone with the 351. I don't think there is too much difference in gas economy.
-Will-
New User
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
I'm not confused, I'm ignorant 
(Grew up a Chevy guy, recently changed make affiliations).
Back to justifying my vote...
If he builds the block he has, which is still lighter than the 460, he wont have to source new parts, just bolt what he has to the rebuilt.
Since I am ignorant, this means no problems bolting up to the transmission too? Or do the 400/460 share bell housing patterns?
(Grew up a Chevy guy, recently changed make affiliations).Back to justifying my vote...
If he builds the block he has, which is still lighter than the 460, he wont have to source new parts, just bolt what he has to the rebuilt.
Since I am ignorant, this means no problems bolting up to the transmission too? Or do the 400/460 share bell housing patterns?
