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Topic: How possible? Pics of block and trans....3/18/09 (Read 13160 times) previous topic - next topic

How possible? Pics of block and trans....3/18/09

I bought a 460ci crate motor with 16,000 miles and tranny out of a econoline 350 sleeper\hauler van for $300 i was told it can fit in my 88 xr7, i just wanted to know how much will have to be done to swap these motors....shorter driveshaft ect....Thanks !
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Just enjoyin the ride!!!!

How possible? Pics of block and trans....3/18/09

Reply #1
I would say start with an aftermarket K-member for header clearance and motor mounts (Mustang)
1987 TC

How possible? Pics of block and trans....3/18/09

Reply #2
It ain't exactly a weekend swap...

A few here have done it and I sure will chime in...

Was a guy here locally the had one(stockish 460) in a Stang and it only run mid 13's... My aluminum headed 5.0 TC would out run it...

How possible? Pics of block and trans....3/18/09

Reply #3
I dont really care about time, my tranny is really torqy, i just like smoke shows and take off!!!! probobly wont do much 1/4 mile!!!!!! the block is getting bored T least 30 over and a new crankshaft..so it wont be completely stock! ; )
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Just enjoyin the ride!!!!

How possible? Pics of block and trans....3/18/09

Reply #4
So what's your "torqy tranny" got to do with this engine swap?? Won't bolt up to the 460... If it did, the big block would stir it guts like they were in a blender...

I wouldn't touch a any engine that had only 16,000 miles(assuming it hasn't been damaged)... .030 over bore ain't going to make another 5-6HP on a 460, and the stock cranks are plenty tough...Need to think about heads, intake and exhaust system if you want to make real HP...

How possible? Pics of block and trans....3/18/09

Reply #5
If it's this one: just dump it in and don't open it up.
88 Thunderbird LX: 306, Edelbrock Performer heads, Comp 266HR cam, Edelbrock Performer RPM intake, bunch of other stuff.

How possible? Pics of block and trans....3/18/09

Reply #6
i dont have the specs on the tranny yet but the truck its coming from is pretty much made to haul stuff so the gear ratios are tall and slow im only  worried about blowing out my driveshaft cause for now its going to be my stock one shortend,, and looking for a posi,.,.,.,and my block is definately not that pretty obviously,,, and the covers dont say racing but it does have a holly 4 barrel and the same type of intake manifold,,, but it has the stock exhaust manifolds,, its probobly just a stock replacement motor with some add ons..im in the process of pulling it now....the things a beast!!!!!
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Just enjoyin the ride!!!!

How possible? Pics of block and trans....3/18/09

Reply #7
a bbf motors are heavy extremely heavy......... ur going to need stiffer front springs unless u plan on bottoming out .id go to a bare minimum of 800lbs front springs and those are going to be very soft for a bbf and c6(assumption) if its a overdrive trans i would start with 900. they sell swap kits for the mustang but it really is a bd idea if u ask most i mean bad mileage in the best case scenario, more nose weight, makes changing spark plugs a trick houdini would cringe at. when u can build a sbf cheaper anyway its smarter.


How possible? Pics of block and trans....3/18/09

Reply #9
Its a pretty straight forward swap,just use the mustang swap parts and swap to an aftermarket tubular k member for header cleance.You will have to do some light wiring and modify a few things but it isnt that bad if you have the mechanical skill.
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How possible? Pics of block and trans....3/18/09

Reply #10
Quote from: midget28;226544
a bbf motors are heavy extremely heavy......... ur going to need stiffer front springs unless u plan on bottoming out .id go to a bare minimum of 800lbs front springs and those are going to be very soft for a bbf and c6(assumption) if its a overdrive trans i would start with 900. they sell swap kits for the mustang but it really is a bd idea if u ask most i mean bad mileage in the best case scenario, more nose weight, makes changing spark plugs a trick houdini would cringe at. when u can build a sbf cheaper anyway its smarter.


i see you built one before( yes that;s sarcasm)

stock 5.0 tbird springs work fine.

poor mileage? your kidding,right? you don't do this swap for mpg's.

spark plugs are easy to get to.

use the factory k unless it's an 87-88 tc,swap mounts,swap pan, good headers(the hookers suck, i used a set from pro mustang, fit like a glove),alum rad and a good e-fan. an 8.8 works fine.

it's a good swap and it won't dissapoint you.
86 thunderbird elan

86 mustang coupe

How possible? Pics of block and trans....3/18/09

Reply #11
my trucks got a stroked 460 in it(545ci) and makes 550rwhp 598rwtq through a manual toploader.  times are in sig:D

88 t-bird tc - 14.97 @ 90  IHI 18 psi + k+n filter...so far - NOW HX-35 @25psi - 12.75@112    348rwhp/395rwtq
78 F-150 - 11.61@120 on 175shot N20 - 12.55@110 on motor - 5200# race weight:hick:

How possible? Pics of block and trans....3/18/09

Reply #12
I have done the BBF into Fox swap 3 times. The last was by far the hardest. (87 Turbo Coupe)

While I will say the "cool" factor is nice, the "I can't drive it on the freeway" factor sucks.

Will I do it again? Hell no. Not with 700 HP Windsors too common now.

That being said: That 87-88 k-frame will work, however you are on your own to make motor mounts. I made solids for my 87 TC.

The D5 exhaust manifolds will work if you want to save hundreds of dollars.

If you lower the k-frame with spacers, you can avoid the tranny hitting the floor pan while at the same time giving more hood to air cleaner clearance.

Front 87-88 T.C. coil springs work fine.

Lots more info on http://www.460ford.com as posted above.



My 87 TC w 460 and my first 460 swap (83 T-Bird built in 1993):






Alan Mackin--Semi Professional Ford der
83 T-Bird 460
83 T-Bird Heritage 5.0
84 T-Bird 5.0
86 T-Bird Turbo Coupe NHRA Stocker & Super Stocker
87 T-Bird Turbo Coupe
88 Bronco II Drag truck 302
95 Mustang GT auto
2004 F-350 CC Dually V-10

How possible? Pics of block and trans....3/18/09

Reply #13
love the 385 series big blocks
remember it easier to fix them, than to find them after they been crushed.

V6 = juvenile delinquency!

How possible? Pics of block and trans....3/18/09

Reply #14
Quote from: 83-88T-Bird Guy;229644

Will I do it again? Hell no. Not with 700 HP Windsors too common now.


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