460 Spf

LwCwb · #1 (**permalink**) 06-27-2004, 02:52 PM

I am just curious to know if anyone has a 460 Ford Crate engine in their Superformance Cobra, I am looking into having this set up in front of a centerforce clutch, and a Tremec TKO II, Any one have any expirience with this engine?

Dan Henery · #2 (**permalink**) 12-23-2004, 06:35 AM

I have SPF w/ 460 - 500HP crate motor hooked to Tremec TKO. After 1300 miles, I am very happy-no problems & great performance- although 7 miles per gal. in town using Sunoco 94 gets expensive.

Tony Aprile · #3 (**permalink**) 12-23-2004, 07:12 AM

Mike
I have a 460/485 crate in my SPF. It's a little sparce in the engine compartment for maintence of plugs but with the torque it makes, it's just a minor inconvience.
The only change I made to the engine thus far was to replace the single 4 barrel with dual quads.
I have a tko with 3.27 first gear and .68 fifth with 3.73's in the rear. With the 460 being a fairly low rpm engine my present gearing could be greatly improved by utilizing a tko-600 with 2.87 first and .82 fifth with 3.27's in the rear. These are changes I hope to make in the near future.
Tony

jrussell · #4 (**permalink**) 12-23-2004, 09:54 AM

Mike,
For what it's worth, I have over 5 years experience and am currently approaching 14,000 miles on my car with the 535 hp. version of the 460. I love the car, and as stated by Tony above, the back two plugs on the drivers side take time to change but it is a minor inconvenience. I had the car built to my specifications and I am very happy with what I have and I do drive it every chance I get...which brings me to my question to you!!
I see from your profile you are 14 years old. Why are you questioning engine choice when you aren't even old enough to drive yet! My son is 15 and will be taking driving in the spring, but you should also know he will not be able to drive my Cobra untill his 25th birthday due to insurance restrictions, not to mention a heavy dose of common sense!!!
Mike, these are very unforgiving cars, and are absolutely dangerous to both the driver and anyone else on the road for the young(or old) and inexperienced. This is NOT a car for the young, IS NOT forgiving and has NO modern safety features (traction control, anti-lock brakes, air bags, side support) that were engineered to save your life.
I understand passion for these cars- all here have that- but your pointed questions lead me to think you might have a thought this might be the car for you. It might be, but you realistically are about 15 years and a "few" other cars away...just as my son is. The ONLY advantage is he will have the opportunity to inherit mine some day, but he faces the same route that you do and I do know he will have gone to a high performance driving school before he gets to drive my car!
Good luck to you, and Merry Christmas!
John Russell

LwCwb · #5 (**permalink**) 12-23-2004, 12:48 PM

John, I was asking on my fathers behalf, I wouldnt let myself drive one without at least 3-5 years expirience, as well as a driving course at a race track or something of that nature. Thank you for every ones responses!

Ron61 · #6 (**permalink**) 12-23-2004, 02:09 PM

Mike,

John is 100% correct about these cars and you seem to be pretty well versed about them. I have driven them since the 60s and the first one I ever drove wasa 1964 289. I have gone to numerous high performance driving schools over my MANY years and am still learning every time I take the car out for a hard run. I did manage to retire a couple of driving instructors with nerve problems though.

I think that of you are where you can get to a high performance driving school that will let you use your car, you should go every chance you get. Going to any driving school is good, but if you can drive your own car with a qualified instructor, you will speed up the learning curve as you will be finding out any pecularities your car has, and they all have their own personal quirks. I have never taken anyone for a ride in any of my cars until I have had them for at least a month and had a chance to find out as much as I can about how they handle. I have a great test area over toward Shasta Dam and I use it a lot. Every type curve and off camber road that you can imagine. I even took the Sergant of our police force for a ride over there once and he threatened to walk the 7 miles back unless I let him drive. Coward!!

Ron

Fitz · #7 (**permalink**) 01-03-2005, 01:35 PM

I did the 4 day at Bondurant and it was a blast. Got to use my car with instructor for some laps and learned a lot. Just do it! It is well worth it.

grease munky89 · #8 (**permalink**) 01-24-2005, 01:47 PM

I'm a Mustang owner, but I am considering a 460 ci swap into my 89 5.0
I was just curious as to what bellhousing you use to put your TKO onto the 460?
Currently I have a World Class T-5 on my Mustang with a Ram King Cobra clutch. Will I need to swap out the tranny and clutch? Can I just get a new bellhousing? Thanks!

jdean · #9 (**permalink**) 01-24-2005, 02:05 PM

grease munky,

a built 460 will make scrap iron out of a World Class T-5 the first time you get on it, especially if the wheels hook up. You would need a built C4, C6 or Tremec 500/600 or a built Top Loader to handle the extra torque. McLeod or Lakewood make bellhousings to fit.

John