I just got a 1979 Ford F150 Ranger lwb 460. And im wondering what i can do to make it faster quicker and more powerful over all! And not spend a fortune! Im new here thanks a lot!
Micah

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Gday. I am not sure what you have done so far so i will just start with external mods and go from there. I am assuming the engine is in good nick and its stock (might be worthwhile to do a compression test before starting). Up grade the exhaust with a good set of extractors maybe pacemaker or hooker, follow that with a matching sports exhaust. If you are not too worried about fuel consumption then upgrade the carbie to a 700 or 750 holly (double pumper or vac secondary). Make sure your fuel pump and filter are in good nick. Include with the carbie a matching air cleaner set up and a good quality air cleaner like K&N. Beef up the ignition, i dont know if you have points or if electronic. If you have points then upgrade to electronic. Go for a Mallory or MSD ignition with matching coil, modual, leads and plugs. Fitting a set of bolt-on roller rockers with a different ratio to standard can give you a bit more lift but I am not sure you can go with a standard motor(valve to piston clearance and valve spring travel and tension) If you can afford to then put a performance intake manifold on it like an edelbrock performer or torker. Take the truck to a good quality mechanic and have the old girl tuned up on a chassis dyno and give it a service with good oil and a quality oil filter. Also make sure the cooling system is up to scratch cause if to runs too hot or cold then that robs horse power as well. If it has an engine fan you could remove it and fit a thermo fan and you could go as far as to fit an electric water pump and controller. All these little things add up to a few more extra horses. But with more electrical equipment like the fan and pump it might be time to upgrade the alternator. From here you can go to internal mods so if you want to here more just let me know.

Happy Hunting
bundy351
Australia

 

One quick thing that you can do is to replace the timing chain set with an older set from a pre '72 engine. Ford retarded the cam timing in the quest for better emissions. A timing set from an older 460 will help restore the proper cam timing.

 

I advanced my Ignition timing on my 77 LTD II with a 351W.....woke it right up, spically on the low end. I advanced it about 5*, I have to run 89 Octane but it was worth it.

later,
Dustin