Any way was wondering about best way to beef up a 78 tbird, current engine is a 351m and from what i have been hearing not a good engine to build. So was thinking like 351w, or 429-460. Biggest concern is the bell housing on current tranny, will it bolt up if i go with a 351w?

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Originally posted by JCQuinn@work:

Don't forget the later model truck engines have factory EFI on the 460's.

John

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Yes, but they have small port heads and the matching intake manifold is a cast iron single plane with a dual inlet throttle body. It would take a lot of modification to put into a car.

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Originally posted by JCQuinn@work:

Are you sure the manifold is Iron?

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er...no...

I just a$$-u-med...

Let me know if it is aluminum. Mine is on an E-373 and I am too lazy to remove the engine cover. Corporate Blue fooled the old guy...

Not sure what tranny is in it, think it is either fmx or c6. Is there any ez way to tell?

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Originally posted by 78thunderchicken:

Not sure what tranny is in it, think it is either fmx or c6. Is there any ez way to tell?

If i do go with a 460 would i need to beef up front suspension?

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The C6 will be a one piece aluminum bellhousing/main case. The FMX will have a cast iron main case and separate bell housing. The 351M also came with the C4.

The BIRD (and other intermediates of that era) came OEM with the 460 so all you would have to change would be the spring rate (assuming the suspension/steering is in good shape).

It isn't what I'd call a high performance manifold but the motor is real nice driving around. Lots of torque, a car with an automatic would really scoot. My F250 breaks the tires loose easily if I am not careful.

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Originally posted by 78thunderchicken:

Ok so if it is a fmx,c6 or c4 it should bolt up with a 460 either way then right?

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Hopefully you will have a C6. The bellhousing pattern is the same between a 351M/400 and 429/460 but then you run into flexplate/convertor differences. Have you looked close at your trans to see if a tag is attached either to the pan or servo?

You might want to reconsider the 351M/400. It is not such a dog as most lead you to believe. A 351 buildup will save you a lot of work and money (changeover costs).

-351M/400 Buildup-

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Originally posted by JCQuinn@work:

Scratched it, I'm pretty sure it's aluminum or really soft cast iron. LOL

It isn't what I'd call a high performance manifold but the motor is real nice driving around. Lots of torque, a car with an automatic would really scoot. My F250 breaks the tires loose easily if I am not careful.

John

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Thanks for waking me up John. Again I a$$-u-med the intake was iron. But come to think of it, the early 5.0L CFI intake was aluminum. It is cheaper to cast it in aluminum.

I have been participating in an early LINC board and there is a lot of interest in retrofitting the 460. This makes the use of factory FI that much easier as now you can use the stock intake and only have to modify the throttle body so it will fit under the hood of a car. The serpentine FEAD will go with it. Couple it to an AOD and it will make a nice hiway cruiser.

I have read that article as well about the 351m buildup and still not convinced:-(

Anyway based upon the input you have given me i think im gonna start searching for a 460 to build.

-CRITES RESTORATIONS- offers a changeover kit, or;

You will need to find a 1974/76 460 TORINO or TBIRD (the sheet metal is different but the frame is the same). There are brackets that go between the insulators and block. These (with the proper insulators) will allow you to drop it in your TBIRD (LINC also used these brackets in these years).

I would also try to find a C6 to go with it as I am not sure that you can connect an FMX to a 385 Series. (We can worry about this later as the FMX doesn't take as much HP to churn).

One of These Days You Guys Are Going To Get Old Also...

...sheesh...

I will keep you posted as to how it goes.

Thanks.