460 vs. 454
Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 2,736
Likes: 1
From: The County
I bought a 74 Thunderbird with a 460 in it for my 65.My question is ,are there many versions of the 460,such as are the older motors much different than the newer versions?Or is a 460 pretty much the same up through the years?This thread made me currious as to how much power I might expect from it.We also have an old ambulance with a 460 in it,though it's a bit newer.I believe it is in the 80's.
Super Moderator
Joined: Apr 2004
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Try this:
http://phystutor.tripod.com/stang/engines/big.html
Not sure how many versions of the block, but I think they are all 2 bolt mains.
Heads and manifolds are in abundant supply.
Do a google under "429 & 460 Ford" and you'll find plenty.
http://phystutor.tripod.com/stang/engines/big.html
Not sure how many versions of the block, but I think they are all 2 bolt mains.
Heads and manifolds are in abundant supply.
Do a google under "429 & 460 Ford" and you'll find plenty.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 5,378
Likes: 3
From: nebraska
The 460 is hands down more durable than the 454. There is no comparison. Ive got two 460s on irrigation wells right now. Ive had no problems whatsoever with them. One has 15,000 hrs the other 1200. Its 2 years old. A neighbor of mine bought a 454 at the same time. It started taking quite a bit of oil. Just plain woreout. Its shot hes not using this motor no more. A mechanic that works on both motors says when you rebuild the Ford once youve rebuilt the Chevy twice. If your in to truck pulling nothing beats a 460. It has gobs of torqe down low. A stock 460 will out torque a 454 thats a fact. Fords always built motors with torque down low. A guy I know has a 460 in a old 70s truck used fro pickup pulling. Hes won many contests with that truck. Hes never touched the motor. That motor was pulled to the max. Other than the 300 6 the 460 was one of the best motors Ford made. There a tough motor too beat. A neighbor of mine got a 496 big block chevhy for his irrigation well a year ago. Guess what this year hes broke down. No oil pressure. Dont know what the problem is. Typical Chevy motor you cant depend on them.
Last edited by 150ford; Aug 30, 2004 at 11:52 PM.
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 2,161
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From: Prince George, B.C.
I have to say that we test drove a 97 460 powered crewcab, neither me or my father were impressed, we had my mother in the '95 dodge van w/360 and when we got to a passing lane we got beside the van and both punched it, from 100 Km/h to 140, the van was 5 carlengths ahead. 230,000 km van vs. a mint 87'000 km ford. BUT, we do now own a 90,000Km 1990 F-250 S/cab with a 460. Same performance as the '97 but we actually tow with this one and it has good power once loaded. So we are all quite happy with this Ford. It could use a but more power though.
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 938
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From: North Carolina
7.3L is King
Originally Posted by Mattsbox99
Emissions regulations coming up here vey soon will require even more efficient diesels. The 6.0L is an awesome engine, it pulls better than the 7.3, its cleaner and more efficient, its quiet, it has awesome acceleration and even pretty good low end torque. The 6.0L is better than the 7.3L. I know because my dad has both and I drive them regularly.
Lead Driver
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 8,140
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From: Oak Harbor, OH
351M, the 460 is not a race engine, and the 360 will rev higher, so why even try? You want to help the acceleration on your ford, throw a set of 4:10 or 4:56 gears in it. I'm willing to bet it shipped from the factory with 3:73s.... the 460 is a great motor for haulin a trailer, but not for speed in stock form.
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 2,161
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From: Prince George, B.C.
Nope, it came with a 4:10 Limited slip, the van spanks it but when it comes to towing it definitly does a good job. I know the 460 ain't a race engine, I really don't expect it to be but what happened to the 460 that threw you back in the seat like the '70s ones? These engines should have alot more power than this in stock form.
Lead Driver
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 8,140
Likes: 4
From: Oak Harbor, OH
What trans? Is it an auto or manual? If it's the auto it probably need a fluid and filter change.. I couldn't believe the difference in mine.
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Posting Guru
Joined: May 2004
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From: Prince George, B.C.
E4OD, dealer showed us the records from it, all service had been done, It seems to do more revving than moving but we might do another oil change on the tranny and install a shift kit.
Lead Driver
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 8,140
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From: Oak Harbor, OH
If it feels like it's revving then you may have a bad/goin torque converter, my 351 will run at 2000 at 55 until the trans gets warmed up and tells the tc to lock up, then it drops 500 rpm...
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 2,161
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From: Prince George, B.C.
I should have mentioned that it only does that when we punch it, 4000 RPM and very slowly speeding up, even compared to our 6.9 C6 dually with same rear gears. It runs about 2300 RPM at 62mph i think. Haven't really payed attention to it in awhile. I know it runs 2700 with O/D off. Almost the same as the diesel. Diesel hits 3000 at the same speed.
Lead Driver
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 8,140
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From: Oak Harbor, OH
That's about right. If I punch the 'ole 351 in the **** at 55 it downshifts to second, and then pulls real hard to 4600 when it shifts, then gives you whiplash and does it again through 3rd, by the time it hits 4th you've buried the speedo.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 1999
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From: Everett, Wa
I driven both and at the bottom end they both have gobs of torque for gas engines. But the 460 stock stop breathing in the low 4000. I don't know as much about the 454 because it was a work truck and I treated my employers equipment with care because I was only 16 at the time.
As far as the 460 not being a race engine talk to the guys that race them. They make great engines if you know what you are doing and you can rev them to 6500-7000 with just the 2 bolt setup.
As far as the 460 not being a race engine talk to the guys that race them. They make great engines if you know what you are doing and you can rev them to 6500-7000 with just the 2 bolt setup.