390 vs 460

[DuckRyder]

410.

since you have to replace the crank anyway.

http://survivalmotorsports.com/FEKitTech.html

[convincor]

I actually have a local parts supplier that list a reground 428 crank for $338.With bearings.. Clevite piston set for $207. I have a set of rods.

[ford4x4fun]

I have a 71 F100 Long Bed 4x4, My Dad rebuilt the 390 in it, and it is pushing about 350 HP. In a tight spot, I could break everything in the drive train with a quick tap of the gas peddle. And I still have room under the hood to work. I can put my hands and a wrench on almost every bolt without a big fuss. The 460 sounds cool too, but I know how much power I have, and it is more than plenty! My

[sideoilerfe]

Go with the 390.

The 390 built with the right parts to 350HP and 450 TQ or so is more than enough to break every part in your drivetrain.

If you want to solidify in your head why a 390 beats a 460 in a pre-79 4x4 go work on each of them in a truck. The FE fits. The 460 does not. Well, it does, but not well at all. Headers fit horribly unless you go fenderwells. 460 adds 200+ pounds to the front of the truck

Enough said. Dustin has enough experience to know! My friend has a '72 hi boy and a 460 and my 390 is just as powerful!!! I'd say FE or bust....and it's lighter!
Survivalmotorsports.com .

[F10YRB12118]

Gentlemen,

Great advice from all. Going to a 410 would give me the performance with some respectful torque I'm thinking. With the 428 crank I'd save some $s and under a rand is even better.

I really appreciate all you help. I've never rebuilt an engine and getting ideas from those of you who have is very helpful.

I'll have to post some pics when I'm done!!

Thank you.

[sideoilerfe]

Yeah, i'd sell the 460 to fund your FE build. FE's are respectable work horses.

[F10YRB12118]

Thanks again for all your help.

Here is an image of a what would be my "1st" 4x4 "project." This is from OIF I. I think you all might enjoy.

We called it "War Mule"

Image taken in Jan 04 CSC Cedar II.

Yours,

[RedneckTexan]

COOL! that's a neat "war mule" ya got there!

[Blue2Ghost]

My 2 cents worth: I own a 1984 F-250 4-speed flatbed. I had a stock 390 in it for about 130,000 miles (yes I know it's not original) and then I happened to buy a ultra low miles ambulance with a non-catalyst 460 in it. I thought it would be a significant power upgrade so I swapped it into my F-250. While the 460 is very strong, it actually has a little less power than my 390. I have since put around 180,000 on the 460 with no issues, but I was surprised at the similarity in power, both in acceleration and pulling. And also, yes, I currently have 512,000 miles on the truck. It originally had the 6.9L diesel.

[averagef250]

If it's any help The very mild 390 I had in my 7000 pound 70 F-250 4x4 easily had the respect and praise of anyone who rode in it or had half an idea what it takes to pull serious weight over mountain passes at the speed limit. I've never ridden in a 460 powered anything that could best an FE for brute low end power. I've heard a lot of talk from 460 believers and any one of them shut right up when riding in my 390 powered highboy towing a trailer up a grade. That engine did not notice towing 8000 pounds. It had no problem spinning 35" tires through 3rd and got squirly in direct on the freeway if it was wet.

The beauty of that engine was the simple fact it was put together with what are considered by most to be the "b*stard" FE parts- D2 heads, performer intake, 9:1 hyper pistons, 901 cam.

[F10YRB12118]

Gentlemen,

The 410 sounds like a popular alternative. I'm definitely going with the FE. I like the old school.

As Averagef250 said he didn't see much difference in power between the 460 & 390 in his truck. It would be a lot of work with not much trade.

What do you all think of Cams? Crane hydraulic roller cam or 410 Survival Motors or Edelbrock Performer RPM Cam.

What about a Crankshaft? 390 or 428? Any suggestions?

Yours,

[F10YRB12118]

Friends,

Just to let you know, I have been given a couple of prices to rebuild my 360 into a 390. I am looking at about $1000 to $1500 to rebuild by 360 into a 390 short block.

I thank everyone that offered their advice and experiences. That is what makes this forum so valuable to me. I'm new and trying to learn, with your help it makes my learning curve a lot easier.

Thank you,

[willowbilly3]

I'm lazy so I vote for the least amout of work. But if you just have both engines, you will have to dump some $$ into the 390 to make it pull like a stock 460. Lots of these trucks running around with the big 429/460 engines so don't be scared of that if it's what you want. Forget headers on a 4x4 anyway, my experience with them is high maintainence.

[sideoilerfe]

I vote for the least amount of work.

I agree. so FE is the way to go.

But if you just have both engines, you will have to dump some $$ into the 390 to make it pull like a stock 460.

Not true. The 390 has a 3.78 stroke. The 460 has a 3.87 stroke. FE's have gobs of low end anyway...

Forget headers on a 4x4 anyway, my experience with them is high maintainence.

Highly agree!

[sideoilerfe]