Tag 460 engine swap

You’re very welcome! It’s totally understandable to have concerns about that swap; these projects can get tricky, but they’re also super rewarding!

Keeping the lighter F-150 frame while using the F-250 components is a good approach, especially if you want to maintain a bit of that nimbleness, but dropping the F-150 body onto the F-250 chassis can be a fantastic option too! That way, you’ll benefit from the stronger F-250 frame, which should handle the added weight and power of the 460 much better.

Here are some things to consider if you decide to go that route:

1. Fitment: Make sure the body mounts line up properly between the two frames. You may need to do some custom mounting or adjustments to get everything to fit just right.

2. Height Differences: Keep an eye on the height of the F-250 frame compared to the F-150. You might end up with a higher ride height, which could affect your center of gravity. Adjusting the suspension could help to level things out.

3. Drivetrain Alignment: Ensure that the drivetrain (engine, transmission, driveshaft) lines up correctly once you drop the body onto the F-250 frame.

4. Wiring and Dash Components: There might be some differences in the wiring harnesses, especially if you’re using components from different model years. Just make sure to document everything for a smoother install.

5. Weight Distribution: The F-250 frame is built to handle more weight, so it should be more stable with the bigger engine. That could enhance your overall ride quality and performance, especially under load.

6. Future Modifications: If you plan to do any further modifications, like adding towing capacity or off-road enhancements, starting with the F-250 frame can provide a solid foundation.

You’re on the right track thinking about these options! Whatever you decide, it’s bound to be an impressive build. If you have any further questions or need advice on specifics, feel free to reach out. Happy wrenching!

That sounds like a blast! Setting up your Bullnose for off-road adventures is such a great way to enjoy your truck. With a solid platform like the F-250 chassis and the 460 engine, you’re already on your way to an off-road beast!

When it comes to suspension, here are some key points to keep in mind:

1. Lift Kit: If you’re planning to tackle some serious off-roading, consider investing in a good lift kit. A 4 to 6-inch lift will give you more ground clearance, which is essential for navigating rocks and rough terrain. Plus, it’ll allow you to fit larger tires.

2. Quality Shocks: Look for high-performance shocks designed for off-road use. They’ll help absorb the impact from bumps and rugged trails. Brands like Fox or Bilstein are popular choices among off-road enthusiasts.

3. Leaf Springs: If you’re keeping the stock leaf springs, you might want to upgrade them to heavy-duty or off-road-rated springs. This will improve load capacity and ride quality when hitting the trails.

4. Sway Bars: If your truck has sway bars, consider adjustable or disconnectable ones. This can help with articulation when you’re off-roading, allowing the wheels to move up and down more freely over obstacles.

5. Tires: Don’t forget about the tires! A good set of all-terrain or mud-terrain tires will improve traction significantly. Make sure they fit within your wheel wells after lifting the truck.

6. Alignment: After making any suspension changes, get a proper alignment. This will help ensure that your tires wear evenly and that the truck handles well on and off the road.

7. Skid Plates: Consider adding skid plates to protect your undercarriage, especially with the bigger engine and any off-roading you’ll be doing. This will help you avoid damage from rocks and uneven surfaces.

If you’re looking for inspiration, check out some off-road builds on the Bullnose Garage YouTube channel. They often share invaluable tips and ideas that can help you with your project.

Once you get that suspension dialed in, you’ll be ready to hit the trails with confidence! If you have more questions or need specific advice as you move forward, just let me know. I’m here to help!

You’re right that the NP435 and C6 both used the same input shaft size in many cases, but the bellhousing bolt pattern is what determines compatibility. The C6 transmission was commonly used behind the 460, so its bellhousing pattern matches the big block.

However, the NP435 bellhousing originally mated to a 300 inline-six won’t bolt up to the 460 without a compatible bellhousing. You’ll need to source a bellhousing either from a big-block setup or one that’s designed to mate an NP435 to a 460.

Here’s a quick checklist:

• Bellhousing: Make sure you have one that fits the 460.
• Clutch Disc: Even if the input shaft splines match, ensure your clutch disc matches both the diameter and spline count needed for the 460 flywheel and NP435 input.
• Throwout Bearing and Linkage: Ensure compatibility with the new bellhousing and clutch setup.

Since minor variances can occur based on production years and specific applications, double-checking these parts will save you hassle down the road. Always good to measure twice and swap once! If you’ve got more questions, just let me know.

Great question! The Bullnose trucks that came with a 460 from the factory have some specific features and considerations that simplify the swap compared to starting with a 300 inline-six. Here’s a breakdown:

Factory 460 Setup

• Engine Bay Setup: Trucks originally equipped with a 460 have engine mounts and brackets specifically designed for the big block right from the factory. This means everything is positioned for ideal fitment with no need for modification.

• Cooling System: Factory 460 trucks come with a larger radiator and appropriate fan shroud. This setup is specifically designed to handle the extra heat generated by the larger engine.

• Exhaust System: These trucks have exhaust manifolds and routing designed for the 460, which ensures proper clearance and fitment. Custom exhaust work is usually unnecessary.

• Fuel System: They come equipped with the correct fuel system setup, often with an electric fuel pump, to meet the demands of the 460.

• Transmission and Drivetrain: The transmission, like your NP435 or a C6, has the correct bellhousing and input setup for a direct bolt-on. Driveshaft lengths and yokes are also set up to work with the larger powertrain.

Differences When Starting with a 300 Inline-Six

• Mounts and Brackets: As previously mentioned, with a 300 inline-six starting point, you’ll need to find or fabricate engine mounts and brackets for the 460.

• General Fitment: You may encounter clearance issues with brake components or steering, which requires some additional adjustment or fabrication.

• Upgrades: Cooling and exhaust systems will likely need upgrades to handle the 460’s requirements.

Other Considerations

• Availability of Parts: Finding OEM parts from a factory 460 truck can be a treasure hunt. Junkyards or forums like the Bullnose Ford subreddit can be valuable resources.

• Cost and Time: Consider the potential for increased cost and project time as you source and adapt components to make everything fit and work together seamlessly.

If you come across a donor truck with a factory 460, it can significantly cut down on the work involved in a swap. But with the right preparation and parts, swapping a 460 into your truck is very doable and can be a rewarding upgrade. Keep the questions coming if you need more info!

Looks like that’s a variation of something we’ve already covered. The change in tire size or setup won’t significantly affect the answer. Let’s dig into a new topic! If there’s something else you’d like to explore, feel free to ask.

I’m not sure if there’s a specific video on Bullnose Garage that covers a full 460 engine swap for the Bullnose trucks. However, I’d recommend checking out the Bullnose Garage YouTube channel for any related content, as they often cover engine swaps and similar projects. If there’s no direct video, they might have content that goes over parts of the process, like engine removal or installation tips. It’s definitely worth a look. If you have more questions or need further guidance, just let me know!