460 questions

[Chris_97]

I'm currently in the process of doing a 351 swap in a 97 ranger and got to thinking if I'm doing a swap like this why not go bigger? I've built a few chevotas but am new to swapping fords. I have a few questions about a 460, such as steering shaft clearance and how to cool it enough to be a daily driver? I'd like some input from someone who's done the swap and if it's not too much harder than a 351 swap I might as well do it! the swap will be 4wd and the truck will have a 3" body lift

 

[BLOODBANE]

MRE (they have/had a book out on V-8 swaps) did a 460 swap and it entails extensive fabrication. New firewall, frame strengthening, new crossmembers. It would be quite a bit heavier than the 302/351. It could be done, but major work....

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

I'll leave this link here. On my computer it's not showing anything but a picture. It used to have a detailed pictorial and some instructions on how the owner did his swap using efi.

http://www.bigblockranger.com/

 

[Mac]

Might think about doing a 351 stroker if you want more power that's a better fit with less fabrication.
Dave

 

[faststang90]

read this

http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/V8Conversions.shtml

 

[Chris_97]

thanks for the replies guys. I have read the swap article dozens of times now and it's not the power I'm after I just want the uniqueness of having a BB in a ranger. there's tons of small blocks around here but no big blocks. I'm willing to put the effort into this swap

 

[Chris_97]

with that said could the firewall just be bent back? and what about the steering shafts clearance?

 

[faststang90]

this is a fiber glass body on a custom chassis a guy I worked with did it had a 514 ci motor if I remember right. you can see how far back he set the motor so it would not be to heavy on the front.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

with that said could the firewall just be bent back? and what about the steering shafts clearance?

You will probably have to go to a steering box outside the frame. I don't have a ton of room between the steering and my 302.

Probably going to lose A/C and heat too.

It is one of those things where there might be a reason you don't see many of that swap

My little 302 fits like a glove, easier to service than many factory engines in other cars/trucks.

 

[Chris_97]

yeah I was thinking about doing a Toyota box on the outside of the frame and I'm fine with no heat or a but I'd like to keep the power steering. and this will be more of a weekend mud truck than anything. could I make plate mounts like for a 302 swap or would i have to make custom ones?

 

[Needsav8]

You could probably get the mounts out of the rig you pull the 460 out of and mod those to fit, but the flat plates won't work, the bolts on my 460 are at a different angle than the 302.

 

[bobbywalter]

what suspension and axle systems are on the table.?.?



that would be the biggest factor into what i would suggest. and if the stock stuff is on the table then i suggest not to use a big block unless its a stock horse power setup.



i daily drive what is essentially a big block ttb chassis in origination though it a modified leaf sprung straight axle these days and have swapped or participated in swaps mid and big blocks to the platform via most of the big three engines.

 

[Chris_97]

it will be a stock 460 at first and I have a 79 bronco Dana 44 for the front and a 9 inch for the rear of it that will go on after the swap. it had the stock running gear and I was planning on using that till I SAS it

 

[farmer]

My guess is you'd need to SAS first otherwise you're going to fight the stock crossmember trying to make it fit

 

[Chris_97]

would I be able to get by with a 4" suspension lift? that's a lot cheaper than SAS and I'm trying to get the motor done ASAP as the 4.0 in it is going out and don't have a whole lot for extra money