390 reliability vs 460
11-11-2011, 07:47 AM
#1
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: SC
Posts: 16
390 reliability vs 460
Besides letting my bro-in-law get me interested in his late model Mustang... I have a thing for the old big-block stuff.
I know 460s are easier to find, probably cheaper to build, I kinda like the FE engines. 390 and 427.... They make nasty low-end grunt, thats comparable(to the 460)?
Lets say its swapped into a streetable\daily driver
Long term reliability vs. nostalgia?
I know 460s are easier to find, probably cheaper to build, I kinda like the FE engines. 390 and 427.... They make nasty low-end grunt, thats comparable(to the 460)?
Lets say its swapped into a streetable\daily driver
Long term reliability vs. nostalgia?
11-11-2011, 08:47 AM
#2
2nd Gear Member
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Nebraska
Posts: 475
Both being carbed then the reliability will be equal between them. The reliability will be dependant on the quality of the build, maintenance and driving habits. The 460s advange will be that it can be easily and cheaply converted to fuel injection. This is the reliability advantage that the 460 will have.
If you are planning on sticking with a carb and dont mind spend the extra money for a FE build, long term will be the same between the two engine families.
If you are planning on sticking with a carb and dont mind spend the extra money for a FE build, long term will be the same between the two engine families.
11-11-2011, 08:49 AM
#3
2nd Gear Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Ontario
Posts: 493
Well I would say FE motors for nostalgia..They are also very cool looking engines with tons of factory performance parts.....In stock form they are probably both very reliable..As power levels increase the 460 is by far the better motor.
11-11-2011, 11:07 PM
#7
2nd Gear Member
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Western KY
Posts: 479
I've got a 1970 429 in my 67. It's a mild build but tons of low end torque. I had a stock 460 in there in the early 90's but the 429 has been in since 99. I have driven the car in 11 different states, on the Hot Rod Power Tour twice and countless other long trips. The car has been very reliable and I built the engine with a PAW kit, Holley carb, Edelbrock intake, MSD ignition, custom headers and motor mounts, etc. All less than $5,000 for a 450 hp BBF. And it looks pretty cool in there
11-12-2011, 12:08 PM
#9
I've got a 1970 429 in my 67. It's a mild build but tons of low end torque. I had a stock 460 in there in the early 90's but the 429 has been in since 99. I have driven the car in 11 different states, on the Hot Rod Power Tour twice and countless other long trips. The car has been very reliable and I built the engine with a PAW kit, Holley carb, Edelbrock intake, MSD ignition, custom headers and motor mounts, etc. All less than $5,000 for a 450 hp BBF. And it looks pretty cool in there
Is it a muscle car or a pony car? I want to pop the hood have some big nasty 400 something in there taking up all the space that I have available. I would like a 428 but if I have to would settle for a 460. I'm in Hawaii so my options aren't that great. I miss all those red neck boys in North Carolina where I've been for the past four years. I would go to peoples back yards and they'd have all kinds of blocks out there...
11-12-2011, 01:41 PM
#10
2nd Gear Member
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Western KY
Posts: 479
Well it's pretty hard to feel sympathy for you in Hawaii with such a beautiful Mustang! Just kidding, I bet it is a pain to get stuff over there. I live in Kentucky and only paid $500 for a running 429 to begin with! The 460 I had in there first I paid $50 bucks in 90 or 91...
