I bought my pickup in 1995, drove it until 2006. I parked it in the barn because it needed engine work and the gas mileage on that 460 was 8 mpg whether you were towing or not.

I am now retired and want to fix it up. I'd like to put another engine in it. I no longer pull a 5th wheel so power is not a necessity but better fuel economy is.

Can you suggest a better engine for it, or am I stuck with it because nothing will match the transmission?

Thanks

 

I just did a swap the other way.. I went from a 360 to the 460, motor mounts and transmission would need to be changed for sure. Gas mileage hasn't really increased a lot for me. Unless you aren't concerned with the cost end of doing a motor conversion; I would recommend looking at finding some higher gears for the rear end and possibly a transmission swap to an E4od.

 

Well, I had not thought of that. thanks Todd

 

Yes I will be doing it myself. I am starting to remove the original engine to rebuild but just thought about changing it since it's coming out anyway

 

My first 1978 F-250 Supercab 8' bed had a 300 cu.in.6 cylinder. It ran great and never caused me any problems. The truck hauled or towed whatever I wanted. I don't remember the gas mileage anymore as that was back in the Early '80s. It was my daily driver. I would look into getting a 300. I don't know if there's a newer version available, but it's worth a try. Or see about getting a good used one, or one to rebuild. Maybe a whole donor truck for parts. Hope this helps.

 

Donor truck sounds like a great idea...Thanks

 

Not sure of the last year of the 300 inline six, but yes a donor truck as close to yours, for all needs is way to go. It will NOT match your transmission. The back of block 300 bolt pattern same as small block Ford, 266, 289, 302, 351W. NOTE these V-8's are balanced in a different way than the 300-6, you CANNOT use a 300 flywheel on these v-8's. You CANNOT use a V-8 Flywheel on the 300 six. I DON'T KNOW how or if it applies to automatic flywheels and torque converters. As a donor you might consider all you need from an Econoline van for the engine/transmission source if a F series pickup cant be found. Might find combo with an overdrive transmission.