JFelk
Registered User
This is my first legit post in SCCoA. Glad to be here. I'm sure this will stir up a little with you guys, as most are die-hard 3.8 supercharged (of course). I was in the process of months of research setting up a build for a 3.8L supercharged engine for my 5 speed '90 Thunderbird SC. I have since then figured out that the cost and work going into that project would not be worth it in the end for me. Too many specialty parts, money to hp gain ratio is not as good, and electronic issues. That being said, I have 2 full SC engines in my garage I am parting out to help fund this new project (see my post).
I have done a lot of research into putting a 460 based engine into these cars, and from what I have gathered, it's actually a much easier project. I have seen Pro Street Rich's posts, and I hope he does read this and comments! To start, however, my first task is obviously building the engine. I want to do a 557 stroker (4.5" stroke 4.44" bore as you already know), aiming for about 600hp. The step I'm stuck at right now is whether or not to use a production block, and if so, I'm not exactly sure what year of the 460 blocks would be best suitable to accept a 4.440" bore. Also, if I use a production block with a main cap girdle, would a cast steel vs forged crank suffice? I have considered the A460BB Ford Racing block, since it has the solid cylinder areas, 4 bolt main, and is already bored to 4.44", but from what I read it's really for 700hp+ builds. I would prefer to use a good production block in order to save money, but don't want to blow the whole thing. I do plan either way to run forged H-beams, forged pistons, alloy heads, aluminum intake, etc. My emphasis is more on strength and weight saving, yet shooting for low cost and 600hp. My Dad does have a 1986 F-250 with the 460 (and a 4 speed granny tranny I assume will do nothing for this build) he is willing to give me for free, but it is an 8 hour drive to pick up and haul the truck back behind my Jeep.
I am also planning on (of course) all ARP hardware, Holley carb, and I will be using fox body headers (slightly modified to fit around the steering per Pro Street Rich), a 460 swap fox body oil pan, either a stock C6 or a TCI C6 package, and a custom driveshaft (unless someone has a better idea). Before anyone asks, I have run the math and I can afford this build, and plan at least a year to do it. I have built Chevy 350s and this will be my first BBF build. I will be doing all of this that I can at home in my garage, and working with a few local shops for what I am incapable of.
Any help appreciated! Thanks.
-Jesse
I have done a lot of research into putting a 460 based engine into these cars, and from what I have gathered, it's actually a much easier project. I have seen Pro Street Rich's posts, and I hope he does read this and comments! To start, however, my first task is obviously building the engine. I want to do a 557 stroker (4.5" stroke 4.44" bore as you already know), aiming for about 600hp. The step I'm stuck at right now is whether or not to use a production block, and if so, I'm not exactly sure what year of the 460 blocks would be best suitable to accept a 4.440" bore. Also, if I use a production block with a main cap girdle, would a cast steel vs forged crank suffice? I have considered the A460BB Ford Racing block, since it has the solid cylinder areas, 4 bolt main, and is already bored to 4.44", but from what I read it's really for 700hp+ builds. I would prefer to use a good production block in order to save money, but don't want to blow the whole thing. I do plan either way to run forged H-beams, forged pistons, alloy heads, aluminum intake, etc. My emphasis is more on strength and weight saving, yet shooting for low cost and 600hp. My Dad does have a 1986 F-250 with the 460 (and a 4 speed granny tranny I assume will do nothing for this build) he is willing to give me for free, but it is an 8 hour drive to pick up and haul the truck back behind my Jeep.
I am also planning on (of course) all ARP hardware, Holley carb, and I will be using fox body headers (slightly modified to fit around the steering per Pro Street Rich), a 460 swap fox body oil pan, either a stock C6 or a TCI C6 package, and a custom driveshaft (unless someone has a better idea). Before anyone asks, I have run the math and I can afford this build, and plan at least a year to do it. I have built Chevy 350s and this will be my first BBF build. I will be doing all of this that I can at home in my garage, and working with a few local shops for what I am incapable of.
Any help appreciated! Thanks.
-Jesse