I currently have a 351 Windsor in my '69 Mach 1 but my father in law has a 460 that he said I could have for free that makes about 425 hp. I'm wondering if you guys think I shoudl go ahead with the swap or just keep the motor that I have in it. It's not the original motor for the car and it's not a #'s matching car. I know that I would have additional costs in order to make it work ie. headers, engine mounts, etc. but it's a free big block. Also I assume it would fit since I've read that these motors are actually not as wide as what the FE engines are. Let me know what you guys think. Thanks.

 

No replacement for displacement.
-P.

 

the torque will blow you away, make sure you brace everything up and use substancial motor mounts, and frame connectors will be necessary

 

I am in a similar sitiuation, what parts and mods would have to be made to put a 460 in a '69 Mach 1 other than the suspension(It will be reinforced enough).

 

From another perspective.
The down side is the weight added to the front end. This will make it feel sluggish through the turns. Also add, transmission (C6)springs and radiator (for additional cooling).
If I had a car with no engine, that engine would be a heck of a lot of fun in a drag racer. Otherwise, I'd spend the money it would cost to put in the 460 on a 408 stroker kit, have a sweet ride that will still handle the twisties well and be easy to service.
It won't out do the 460 on stump pulling, asphalt ripping, tire stripping, adrenelin squeezing action in the quarter mile, but it will plant your tail to the seat, and pin your eyeballs to the back of your head when done correctly. And it will carry that speed through the twisties.

YMMV,

 

I've thought about the stroked 351 but like I said previously the 460 is attractive to me because it's free. I guess I'm not really concerned about feeling sluggish going through the curves as I've had a mustang get totaled that way. I let my brother drive it and he got on it going around a corner and wrapped it around a tree. I'd love to put a 428 in it but the prices are astronomical and as far as power I think I could generate more hp this way with the proper bolt-ons for a considerable less amount of money.

 

Nothing in life is free...well almost nothing. Sounds like you've all ready made your choice.
Adding more power with more understeer won't keep you away from tree's. Only inteligence can do that.

Good luck,

Scott

 

Actually, the 429s and 460s are wider than the FEs. I believe mustangs started having 429s in 69, so it should fit ok. I have a 68 and I have read that 429s and 460s wont fit without shock tower modifications.

I say go for it. Get the motor and put it in a corner for awhile, save up for the headers, motor mounts, rebuild kit, etc. and install it when you have all of your ducks in a row. Like P Zero said "no replacement for displacement"

Just remember that the bellhousing bolt pattern varies from a 351w to a 460, so mating to you tranny will be an obstacle

 

3 words....


BIG BLOCK MUSTANG

 

Yep, they put the 385 series into the 69/70 engine bays...but only as a Boss 429 and after serious modification to the shock towers.

I agree the 460 would be nice, but unless you want to either add rack and pinion steering or duplicate Kar Kraft's work for the Boss '9, stick with the small block (or wait for an FE).

If I hadn't just finished my '65 F250 with its 390 HiPo, I woulda considered a trade. The 390 HiPo fits in a 69/70 real nice (and tight, but no modification necessary).