1957 ford with 460 engine

[Ray Adams]

does anyone with 57 ford running a 460 engine if so do you have headers on it also are you running power brakes and power steering. just checking before i start. Ray in ky

[gasman826]

I've done it.  I wouldn't do it again!  I like 460s and I like '57s but not together.  Custom engine mounts, custom transmission tunnel, custom headers, custom core support for bigger radiator.  My 460/557, 830HP has Ford Racing heads, custom fender-well headers, Milodon 8qt oil pan with mechanical fan, PS, hydraulic boosted PB, and Vintage Air.  Converted to power R&P.

If a budget build and you have a running 460, the stock front sump pan will fit but the splayed, road-race oil pans will wrap around the lower control arms like it was made for it.  Stock starter and right OE cast exhaust manifold will clear but the left manifold won't clear the steering box. I ground on the manifold and steering box as well as moved the engine to the right but clearance was minimal.  The '58 and up box are slightly smaller and helps with clearance.  I've heard rumors that a left CJ manifold will clear but I got tired looking for one and can't confirm.  A C6 will require tunnel modifications.  I had a 460 to C4 bell housing.  The C4 required little to no tunnel mods but the bell housing required tunnel mods.

I've don't a budget 460 swap, a high-end 460 swap, and a Windsor swap.  The Windsor swap is the easiest, cheapest, and uses mostly off-the-shelf parts.  The Windsor swap was 351/408 550HP with AOD using '64 Galaxie 289 mounts (might require some shims) and 1st Gen Mustang headers (last two PICs).  It had '64 Galaxie box and PS, Vintage Air and 200 amp alternator.  Easier, cheaper and lots of fun to drive.

[Gene]

I have heard a 390 is the way to go.   Just what I heard, if you want to go bigger than the 351

[mustang6984]

I have heard a 390 is the way to go.   Just what I heard, if you want to go bigger than the 351

Both of my '57 Couriers had 352 engines...and they were bolt in jobs. Same as a 390. Easy,and done in one day.

[lalessi1]

In my opinion an FE series engine is the "only" way to go. The parts can be all factory since the FE was first factory installed in '58s which are practically identical. I put a 390 (from a '62 Mercury) in a 57 Fairlane in 1967 as a 17 year old with self taught driveway mechanic skills. I have had several 57s with 390s a couple of 428s and my current Custom has a 462 stroker 428 with a tick over 500HP/550 Torque. It is too much power to drive in a way on the street. Just saying!

[Lgcustom]

I have a 460/C6 in my '57 Custom. It was installed using Crites mounts and headers. No modifications were needed to the trans tunnel. The radiator support was modified to move the radiator forward for fan clearance. I later added power steering and air conditioning. It has been a generally successful installation. Would I attempt it again? Nope. Crites is out of business so mounts will be a problem as well as headers. The 390/428 route as stated by others is the easiest route to more power.

[rmk57]

  Everything mentioned is pretty much spot on. Biggest obstacle is the cooling system and you'll have to trim the radiator support for at least clearance for a bigger radiator and maybe a fan clutch. I also used Crites headers that fit great but made my own solid motor mounts. I really like the 460 platform for obvious performance potential. Would I do this swap again? Absolutely!

[Jeff Norwell]

One of my 57's had a 460. a fine engine..... it was tight but no work on the cooling system.. no fabrication what so ever...
it ran super fine.. the only reason I changed it to a 428 was of heritage... but when it had the 460... it ran cool as a cucumber
I believe it was a early 70's vintage.

[KULTULZ]

Jeff ...

What are we going to do with that AC-DELCO electric on that engine? ...

[Jeff Norwell]

Jeff ...

What are we going to do with that AC-DELCO electric on that engine? ...

Ha!.... it was one of those aftermarket big ugly units(the name escapes me ).... 
I bought the car with it on there....  

The whole set up ran great.. but the 460 and the 385 series just didn't grab me.... But if ya want to go fast.... there is NO substitute for cubic inches....  That 460 sure pulled like a freight train.....
gosh..I wish I could remember the company that made that dizzy.....

[Ford Blue blood]

Old saying....two ways to go fast, cubic inches or cubic dollars.....

[rmk57]

Ha!.... it was one of those aftermarket big ugly units(the name escapes me )....
I bought the car with it on there.... 

The whole set up ran great.. but the 460 and the 385 series just didn't grab me.... But if ya want to go fast.... there is NO substitute for cubic inches....  That 460 sure pulled like a freight train.....
gosh..I wish I could remember the company that made that dizzy.....

    D.U.I. Davis Unified Ignition.

[KULTULZ]

Ha!.... it was one of those aftermarket big ugly units(the name escapes me )....
 
I bought the car with it on there.... 

I was just needling you. I have seen the work you have done and it is very detailed.

Just jumped out at me.

[Jeff Norwell]

D.U.I. Davis Unified Ignition.

Thats it!!!!!!!

It performed well. but you could not drink it pretty!

[Jeff Norwell]

I was just needling you. I have seen the work you have done and it is very detailed.

Just jumped out at me.

I know.. but you stirred my memory and I totally forgot about that thing..