Installing a 460 with a C6 trans questions

[rcb1020]

I'm going with a 1976 460 and C6 trans , pulling out the 1966 352 with a 3 on the tree. What needs to be changed and what can I keep ?

[jkimbrel65]

Get the motormounts form the 76 and its a bolt in

Mike

[rcb1020]

I got them , Thanks Mike ..that was one of my questions

[jkimbrel65]

Are you rebuilding the 460?

Mike

[rcb1020]

No ... it's done 460 that's bored 30 over . Holley 750, Edelbrock intake manifold and a set of headers.

[William-in-St George]

Sometimes you will need to BFH clearence the cab floor just above the transmission. All new mounts of course. Speed O drive gear change to correct the speed O reading. I use truck or van manifolds, don't like headders. Personal preference. Will need a shift shaft for a truck if you use your 3 on the tree column. This swap is so easy I am surprised more aren't doing it. Post specifics as you go along, we can help.

[banjopicker66]

RCB: Got your PM, but I do not have the receipt on the radiator anymore. I just asked for one for a '76 F-250 with a 460 automatic, and it bolted right up to my '66. Check my gallery for comparison pics of the '66 352 original that served on my 460 for a while, on a '65, and on the 460 aluminum replacement.
William-no-longer-in-Atlanta is absolutely correct; in fact, I followed some of his advice when I put mine in.
I concur on the manifolds over headers, and a new speedometer driven gear is definitely a good idea.
You can use the '76 auto transmission cooling lines as is, they will fit perfect (if original). I added an extra cooler for towing, and I am in the process of mounting it to the hood supports rather than the radiator.
I used a '72 power steering automatic shift column along with the shifting rod between the steering column and the transmission. I had no problem with the wiring for the turn signal switch.
I also changed to an '80s oil pan, because the oil drain plug is to the rear rather than on the crossmember. This meant also that I had to change the oil pump, pickup tube with special bearing cap bolt, dipstick and dipstick tube.
I had to move the transmission cross member back just a bit, I only redrilled one hole.
I had a single driveshaft made, and used a conversion U-joint at the pinion.
You will need the Ford adapter kit for the Edelbrock, and I think you will need a kickdown adapter kit for the C6 as well. These are to make the '66 accelerator cable and the factory kickdown rod to fasten to the Edelbrock carb.
Oil pressure sensors are on the top rear of the engine, but the coolant sensor is in the front, just like on a 352.
You will need a custom upper radiator hose (not molded, I couldn't find one that worked), but the stock '66 352 one will do just fine.
Grab the electronic ignition for a DuraSpark II upgrade! Don't cut any wires except the two from the 2-wire plug - and cut those two far enough into the wiring harness to splice them into your truck's wiring.
If you get lucky, use the serpentine belt system from a later 460. It will bolt up to your heads and block. You can use the '76 alternator and water pump by swapping pulleys. You will have to change the '76 power steering pump and it's pressure line for a '78 pump. You'll also need a later A/C compressor and line connections (or a dummy idler pulley if you do not have A/C.

[rcb1020]

Thanks for all the info guys , I'll have the 460 at my house on NYE weekend , All your info guys is much appreciated , any suggestions on a shifter for inside the cab ?

I'll post pics of the motor and trans when it arrives ...thanks again !

[William-in-St George]

I use column shifters. I like to chop up Ford Tilt columns and shift on the tree. Just personal preference. As for shifter conversions LoKar makes the best IMHO! I'd like to see neutral start and backup lights but I"m picky. Keep in mind that without over engineering this it is a 100% bolt in deal using all Ford parts. Nother site you might be interested in is at 460forddotcom. Mostly racers but lots of really good info and parts swap. BP rocks but you already know that!

[6166 Junkyard Dog]

Not to off topic,, But william in st george I did not realize but your in Utah My mistake, for some reason I thought in Canada Tom

[rcb1020]

What are the pros and cons of using the 1966 original 3 on the tree transmission with this 76 460 engine ? Good idea or stay with the C6 that comes with the 460 ?

[banjopicker66]

Bad idea, in my opinion. I think the 3.03 3-speed is too light for a 460. If I remember correctly, you won't find the correct bellhousing to put it behind a 385 as well.
However, there are some excellent 5 speed overdrive transmissions out there designed to ride behind a 460, and will boost your mileage.
The challenges to using one will be installing a hydraulic clutch for it though, but others have done it. I chose to stay with the C6 because of the hydraulic clutch and the added expense of buying the 5 speed, since they came together.
Others here on the board can confirm or correct these thoughts.

[rcb1020]

I'll be keeping in touch with you along the way Banjo , I'm planning on removing the front clip in one piece also , how bad was it to remove ? I'm going to repaint the frame , firewall and front clip while it's off the truck.

[banjopicker66]

Removing the front clip isn't hard at all, but plan on two people to safely handle it due to its size. Are you going to replace the core support and all as part of the repaint job? I would, if I were you, or at least make sure the rust on the original is stopped and covered. I found an air ratchet to be a great time saver to disassemble the front clip!

[rcb1020]

My core support is in great shape , any hidden bolt on that clip I need to know about ? The entire front clip and core support will be painted , along with the firewall and inner fenders

[jkimbrel65]

There are 6 bolts per side holding the inner/outer fenders to the cab and 2 for the core support.

Mike

[rcb1020]

Thanks Mike ! after reading some post about removing the grill , core support ect .... , I decided to remove the clip as one piece. I've seen several pictures of trucks with the clip off and that looks a lot easier than removing everything piece by piece

[rcb1020]

Going to pick up my new motor and trans tomorrow 490 cubic inches with a C6 trans behind it.

[totten]

I used a B&M shifter z-gate model in my 66. Works well. Mines hooked to cruiseamatic transmission. Good luck and great information. Tony

[rcb1020]

Thanks for the info totten , I'm leaning towards the 23" Lokar , the factory 4 speed stick in my other Slick measures 26 inches. I don't want it too high and not crazy about leaning down to shift. Just got the engine , trans and rolling chassis back today along with some extras.