1986 - Replace 460 with 351W

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Dec 7, 2009 | 09:49 AM

E30tdf

Thread Starter

Tuned

Joined: Jun 2006

Posts: 363

Likes: 3

From: Graham WA

1986 - Replace 460 with 351W

My 1986 F250 4x4 T19 just let go a head gasket. Have a good running 351W I want to try in the truck. I have acquired the 164 tooth flywheel, block plate and bell housing I need for the swap.

Questions:

1) What do I have to do to mount the engine, just change motor mounts?
2) Can I use the 460 radiator? (there is no oil cooler to deal with)
3) Any big fuel line routing issues? (not likely)
4) How much will the front suspension rise? (less weight)

thanks for the help

Dec 7, 2009 | 01:45 PM

E30tdf

Thread Starter

Tuned

Joined: Jun 2006

Posts: 363

Likes: 3

From: Graham WA

I'm sure this is a pretty common swap. I'm just trying to be aware of the parts needed and the amount of work so I can plan ahead and be ready. Maybe someone who has done this swap can chime in. BTW, I don't tow anything that weighs more than 3k, so I'm not concerned about losing some torque. A little better efficiency with fuel would be a bonus.

Thanks

Dec 7, 2009 | 03:57 PM

Kemicalburns

Hotshot

Joined: Jul 2002

Posts: 14,285

Likes: 12

From: Bend,OR

well i dont beleive the clutch will from the 460. the rad should work, you will need 351w frame perches along with motor mounts. is the 351w complete with all its acessories? your taking a huge drop in power by the way an little gain in mpg in that size of truck. a headgasket is far easier to change out then messing with a motor swap in my opinion.

good luck.

Dec 7, 2009 | 10:38 PM

E30tdf

Thread Starter

Tuned

Joined: Jun 2006

Posts: 363

Likes: 3

From: Graham WA

460 tired

I have accessories for the 351W, but not all the brackets to hang them unless the SB Fords all share the same brackets. I have a bunch of 302 stuff including brackets. I purchased a flywheel and bellhousing specifically for the 351W. Not reusing the 460 clutch.

The frame perch swap sounds like it will be the most challenging parts to find and to install. I guess those will have to come from someone parting a truck or wrecking yard.

Whatever I do it will have to wait a while. We are having an unusual dip in temperatures for Western WA this week. 7 degrees at our place this morning. My shop is pretty darn cold right now. Fortunately, I don't have to have this unit for daily use.

Last edited by E30tdf; Dec 8, 2009 at 07:50 AM.

Dec 19, 2009 | 10:17 PM

chilsam

Junior User

Joined: Dec 2009

Posts: 69

Likes: 0

From: cent il

Id replace the head gasket save the headaches.Good Luck!

Dec 19, 2009 | 10:38 PM

Gale Hawkins

Senior User

Joined: Dec 2009

Posts: 118

Likes: 0

From: Murray KY

Quote:

Originally Posted by chilsam

Id replace the head gasket save the headaches.Good Luck!

I agree and save a lot of money too.

Dec 20, 2009 | 11:39 PM

E30tdf

Thread Starter

Tuned

Joined: Jun 2006

Posts: 363

Likes: 3

From: Graham WA

Agreed

Likely just rework my current engine a bit! Makes the most sense overall!

Q: Since my 460 is not using oil at all (not sure how many miles on the current build), why could I not just have the crank turned or polished and install new main and rod bearings. Wouldn't cost that much. Maybe freshen the valve seats also. Then she may last as long as I need her to! In 11 years I have driven her a total of 25,000.