Stroking A 460 Engine: Is It Possible And Worthwhile?

The Ford 460 engine is a popular choice for car enthusiasts, having been the heart of fast cars and tough trucks in the golden age of muscle. The 460 first came out in the 1968 Lincoln Continental and was added to Mercury vehicles in 1972. The engine was manufactured at Ford's plant in Lima, Ohio, and has a stock cylinder bore of 4.36 inches and a 3.85-inch stroke.

There are several options for stroking a 460 engine, including using a stroker crank or offset-grinding the stock rod journals. The cost of stroking a 460 engine can vary, with some kits available for under $2000, while others can cost upwards of $4500. It is important to consider the vehicle's weight and intended use when deciding whether to stroke a 460 engine, as well as the quality of machine work and the compatibility of different brands.

The 460 engine was first introduced in 1968 and was used in Ford vehicles until 1998

The Ford 460 engine was introduced in 1968 and remained in production until 1998. It was first introduced in the Lincoln Continental Mark III, where it produced 365 horsepower and 485 pound-feet of torque.

The engine was manufactured at Ford's plant in Lima, Ohio, and was part of the "'Ford 385' series of V8 engines". The 460 engine was a big-block V8, with a displacement of 7.5 litres.

In the early years of its production, from 1968 to 1972, the 460 engine produced substantial power, with a max horsepower of 365 and max torque of 388 lb.-ft. However, in 1972, Ford made changes to the engine's design, reducing the compression ratio and making other alterations that negatively impacted its performance.

Despite these changes, the 460 engine remained popular and was used in various Ford vehicles, including the Torino, Thunderbirds, Econoline models, and trucks. It also found a niche in motor homes, boats, and industrial vehicles.

The 460 engine is known for its ability to generate high torque, even when equipped with emissions equipment in the 1970s. This torque made it well-suited for powering large vehicles like trucks and SUVs.

While the production of the 460 engine ended in 1998 due to tightening emissions restrictions and the rise of smaller, more powerful engines, it still has a dedicated following among engine enthusiasts. Its durability and performance have ensured its longevity, and it remains a sought-after option for those seeking a powerful and reliable engine.

The 460 engine is a popular choice for budget drag racing

For budget drag racing, the 460 is a real consideration. The 460 weighs in at 720 pounds, while the 302 engine is between 440 and 460 pounds, depending on the year. The 460 engine has a torque of 485 lb.-ft. at the flywheel.

There are several options for those looking to build a 460 engine for budget drag racing. One option is to go with an offset-ground stock crank and a stroker kit, which can increase the displacement to 502 ci, 521 ci, or even 545 ci. Another option is to look for a junkyard 460 build, which can be found on YouTube for under $2,000.

When building a 460 engine for budget drag racing, it is important to consider the oiling system and the exhaust flow on the heads. The 460 does not incorporate priority main oiling, which can be an issue if you're looking to make a huge amount of power. Additionally, the factory heads have problems with exhaust flow, so it may be worth considering aftermarket heads.

The 460 engine is also a good choice for those looking to swap engines in their vehicle. The engine can be swapped into many Ford vehicles without too much difficulty, and there is a lot of information online about these swaps. The 460 engine has also been swapped into the Bronco, the Fox body Mustang, and many of the F-150's.

In summary, the 460 engine is a popular choice for budget drag racing due to its power, torque, and ease of modification. With the right combination of parts and tuning, a 460 engine can be a reliable and scary-fast powerplant for any drag racing enthusiast.

The 460 engine has a stock cylinder bore of 4.36 inches and a stroke of 3.85 inches

The Ford 460 engine, introduced in 1968, is a big-block V8 engine that was part of the "Ford 385" series. It was manufactured at Ford's plant in Lima, Ohio, and featured a stock cylinder bore of 4.36 inches and a stroke of 3.85 inches. This engine was known for its high torque ratings, achieving 388 lb.-ft. of torque from 1968 to 1972. The 460 engine block could easily handle over-boring and was often stroked to increase displacement and power output.

The 460 engine's OEM heads had a mixed performance impact. On the positive side, the intake side of the head provided a cross-sectional oval port, contributing to the engine's high torque ratings. Additionally, the valve sizing of 2.19 to 1.76 for the early years of production allowed for greater horsepower.

However, the exhaust ports on the 460 heads were extremely narrow, restricting the engine's ability to exhale and limiting its performance. The poor exhaust flow was further exacerbated by the addition of a larger cam, which would choke the engine and result in poor performance across all RPM ranges.

The 460 engine was used in various Ford vehicles, including the Lincoln Continental, Mercury models, Ford Thunderbird, Torino, and Econoline. It also found popularity in motorhomes, boats, and industrial vehicles due to its torque and reliability.

When it comes to modifying the 460 engine, there are several options available. One common approach is to increase the displacement by stroking the crankshaft or over-boring the cylinders. The 460 engine can handle a 0.060-inch increase in bore size, resulting in a 472 cubic inch engine. Additionally, the stock 2.500-inch rod journals can be offset-ground down to 2.200 inches to accommodate big-block Chevy pin sizes.

Another modification option is to upgrade the cylinder heads. The 1969 "C9VE" cast and 1970 "DOVE" cast heads are considered the best stock OEM cast iron heads for the 460 engine, offering the best factory flow. Aftermarket aluminum heads, such as the Edelbrock Performer RPM heads, can also be used to improve performance and reduce weight.

The Ford 460 engine has a rich history and a dedicated following among engine enthusiasts. With its impressive torque and horsepower capabilities, it continues to be a popular choice for those seeking a powerful and reliable engine, despite its weight and fuel consumption drawbacks.

The OEM heads on a 460 engine have a mixed performance impact, with good intake but poor exhaust

The Ford 460 engine was introduced in 1968 in the Lincoln Continental and was subsequently added to Mercury vehicles in 1972 and Ford full-size cars and trucks in 1973. The OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) heads on the 460 engine have a varied impact on performance.

On the positive side, the intake side of the head features an oval port design, which contributed to the engine's high torque ratings. This, combined with a valve sizing of 2.19 to 1.76 in the early years of production, allowed for increased horsepower.

However, the exhaust ports on the 460 heads are extremely narrow and restrict the engine's ability to expel gases effectively. This design flaw can result in the engine being “choked out” and performing poorly at any RPM range if a larger cam is added.

The 1969 "C9VE" cast and 1970 "DOVE" cast heads are considered the best OEM cast iron heads for the 460 engine, offering the best factory flow. The 1972 model heads are considered the worst due to a poor design of the quench area, which led to explosions.

Overall, while the OEM heads on the 460 engine provide good intake capabilities, their exhaust design falls short, impacting the engine's overall performance.

The 460 engine has been swapped into modern vehicles such as the Bronco and Fox Body Mustang

The 460 engine is a popular choice for swaps due to its simplicity and power output. It is a direct bolt-in swap for the Bronco and Fox Body Mustang, with the engine fitting directly into the engine bay. However, some modifications are necessary for a successful installation.

For the Bronco, a common donor vehicle is the 1978 F150 4x4 with a 400 engine, which can be swapped for a 460 engine from a 1989 F250 2-wheel drive. This requires engine mounts, a new cross member, and modifications to the transmission and driveshafts.

For the Fox Body Mustang, a tubular K-member is recommended for ease of installation and to accommodate the larger engine. Motor mounts, headers, oil pan, dipstick, pickup tube, and spacers are also required. A manual brake conversion is often necessary due to potential interference with the valve cover, and a custom driveshaft may be needed.

In both cases, a C6 transmission is a popular choice and may require a custom bell housing and flexplate spacer for a manual transmission.

Frequently asked questions