The 460 Small-Block Engine: A Spooky Surprise from Ford

Photo Source: Ford Performance

By the late 1950s, American customers sought more affordable and compact cars. Ford answered this call with the Falcon and Comet in 1960, featuring lightweight six-cylinder engines and later, V-8 powertrains. To further expand its offerings, the automaker introduced the midsize 1962 Fairlane model. Even though large-displacement drivetrains have admirers, small-block engines have consistently proven their worth. 

Their lighter weight allows for more agile and responsive vehicles, and their smaller size makes them ideal for a variety of engine bays. The small-block’s size, weight, and cost benefits have made it a versatile and popular choice. It’s understandable why there are so many different versions, some of which have larger displacements than their big-block counterparts.

The distinction between small-block and big-block engines is often determined by the distance between their cylinder bores. While there’s no strict definition, engines with a bore spacing exceeding 4.62 inches typically fall into the big-block category, as exemplified by the Ford FE V-8.

The Inception of Ford’s 460 Small-Block Mill

The small-block V-8 engine is an iconic part of Ford’s muscle car heritage. Over the years, the Blue Oval has used these engines in numerous vehicles, from luxury sedans and work trucks to high-performance supercars. For example, the 460 was manufactured in 1968. It resided under the hoods of many automobiles, but the powertrain found its way to the Ford Thunderbird in 1972. Indeed, the engine remained a standard feature of the Thunderbird through 1976.

Ford’s Small-Block Engines

• The 289 and 302 cubic-inch variants are legendary in pony car circles. However, they aren’t the largest options. 
• The 351 cubic-inch engine is another popular small-block offered in Cleveland, Windsor, and M configurations.
• The brand also has a 460-cubic inch small-block available as a Boss crate engine.

The Ford 460 crate engine has a 4.25-inch crankshaft stroke, 4.15-inch cylinders, and an array of high-performance components. Despite its larger size, it’s rooted in the Ford 351 small-block architecture, though its connecting rod length, deck height, and exhaust ports differ from standard 351 specifications.

Is the Ford 460 a Reliable Engine?

The Ford 385 engines were renowned for their longevity. The powertrain was offered in only three displacement sizes during its three-decade production run. The name “385” was derived from the largest engine, the 460, boasting a 3.85-inch stroke. The 460 represented the benchmark for the entire 385 line. From the beginning, it was a formidable, large V-8 engine capable of producing 365 horsepower and 485 pound-feet of torque. 

The 460 mill was discontinued in 1997 but remains a solid choice for inexpensive drag racing. With proper modifications, the 460 small-block can power a classic 1966 Ford Mustang or a track-day car. Enthusiasts could drive a fully street-legal roadster and have a blast on the track, churning out approximately 575 horsepower and 575 pound-feet of torque.

Celebrate the Blue Oval’s Performance Legacy at Sunrise Ford!

The 460 V-8 was robust from the start and continues to impress. Discover if this engine can withstand your demands by viewing our service specials and ordering parts through us.