Classic Mustangs (Tech) Technical discussions about the Mustangs of yester-year.

390 reliability vs 460

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Nov 11, 2011 | 07:47 AM
  #1  
Jeepguyp's Avatar
Jeepguyp
Thread Starter
 
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 16
From: SC
Question 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?
Old Nov 11, 2011 | 08:47 AM
  #2  
rtintwo's Avatar
rtintwo
2nd Gear Member
 
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 475
From: Nebraska
Default

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.
Old Nov 11, 2011 | 08:49 AM
  #3  
frdnut's Avatar
frdnut
2nd Gear Member
 
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 493
From: Ontario
Default

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.
Old Nov 11, 2011 | 09:54 AM
  #4  
rmodel65's Avatar
rmodel65
Yukon Cornelius
 
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 11,812
From: deep in the heart of dixie GEORGIA
Default

stay with a small block and build a big inch stroker like a 427 windsor....
Old Nov 11, 2011 | 12:18 PM
  #5  
eZ's Avatar
eZ
5th Gear Member
 
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,258
From: So. California
Default

Man get a 460 and stroke it like its your &)*, put some John Kaase hemi heads on it and be a GOD!
Old Nov 11, 2011 | 02:37 PM
  #6  
Couper's Avatar
Couper
2nd Gear Member
 
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 299
From: Nawlins, LA.
Default 460

Stock 460 ,w edelbrock top end kit 514 hp, cc built and documented this n an old article
Old Nov 11, 2011 | 11:07 PM
  #7  
tarafied1's Avatar
tarafied1
2nd Gear Member
 
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 479
From: Western KY
Default

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
Old Nov 12, 2011 | 09:23 AM
  #8  
Jeepguyp's Avatar
Jeepguyp
Thread Starter
 
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 16
From: SC
Default 390

Thanx!
Old Nov 12, 2011 | 12:08 PM
  #9  
musnicki's Avatar
musnicki
3rd Gear Member
 
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 959
From: Bangkok, Thailand
Default

Originally Posted by tarafied1
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
The last statement alone makes it worth it. My car goes fast (325~350hp) and it has a nicely dressed up motor (302) but when I pop my hood there is only a little wow factor. Especially at a car show, just another small block v8 with some dressing on it.

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...
Old Nov 12, 2011 | 01:41 PM
  #10  
tarafied1's Avatar
tarafied1
2nd Gear Member
 
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 479
From: Western KY
Talking

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...



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 04:33 AM.