Best way to start building a 460/503?

AmericanPie · #1 (**permalink**) 02-21-2002, 11:47 PM

Newbie Here!
I was referred to this site last week by some local Cobra guys, and first of all I must say. . .you guys ROCK! (I just had to say that.)
I've been bitten by the Cobra bug and am starting to plan the buildup of a 460, possibly to a 503. From the info I've gathered about the factory crate motors there are some things I don't like (they all have 2-bolt mains, for example) so I'm wondering what is the best foundation for a really special Ford big-block.
Should I use the factory siamesed-bore block (#M-6010-A460) or one with full water jackets? Or rather than building the motor piece-by-piece, would it be far more cost-effective to purchase a crate motor (521?) and discard the parts I don't want?
And how about heads. . .are the factory ones (#M-6049-C460) the heads of choice or are there better ones available in the aftermarket? Should I buy bare heads and use aftermarket hardware?
Please be patient with me; I've had plenty of experience building big and small-block Chevies but know very little about Fords. I'm beginning to remedy that situation with your help. Thanks!

Larry

bmalone · #2 (**permalink**) 02-22-2002, 10:18 PM

Larry:

IMHO, the crate motors are a good buy if you plan to use them as is. In other words, once you start tearing them apart and replacing parts, you might as well build a custom motor.

The new 460 and 512 (c460) use eagle rods and this corrected a defect in earlier motors (weak rods). The basic 460 block design is good (one of Fords better motors) and even with two-bolt mains, they are plenty strong.

THe 535 HP motor has hydraulics and a less aggressive cam. The 512 uses solids and a more radical cam. Either way at $5500 and $7300 retail, a lot of bang and torque for the buck. Sorry to hear about your chevy affliction.

Bill

FOCS · #3 (**permalink**) 02-23-2002, 05:23 AM

You may want to consider the date of the block for when it comes time to register your car. I am not up to date on all the CA laws but hopefully some of the CA guys can give you some input on this subject.

Brian

4ACES · #4 (**permalink**) 02-24-2002, 05:38 PM

American Pie

You can use a stock 460 block with 2 bolt mains for up to around 600 Horsepower as long as it's not supercharged or has alot of nitrous. Add main studs and a stud girdle and you are ok to about 800+ horsepower. If you internally balance your engine there will be less stress on your main journals. Also try to get the weight of your rotational assembly as light as possible. Your engine will rev faster, and the rod and main bearings will last longer. There are several manufacturers of lightweight rotational assemblys. Try www.scatcrankshafts.com and www.crower.com another cool site is www.roadsters.com. Hope this helps.