We have a line on a small motor home with Ford engine and running gear. It has a blown up 460 in it now and I have a complete 76 455 with all the stuff on it, power steering pump air conditioning compresor, everything. I also have the TH400 trans from same car. I know some building would be involved but what do you guys think of such a swap? I was thinking of bolting on some 70-71 heads for a little more power, I also have a 71 intake here if that would help. I have never been crazy about 460 fords, sound like gas hogs from what I hear. I would not even think about such a project but we can get it cheap and it had all new tires put on it just before engine blew.It also has full frame with trailer hitch and is short enough to fit in my parking stall at the races. I would think it would have decent power to pull my trailer and not be to horrible on gas. I have not seen it yet but I assume it has a van type front end on it, so it could be a real pain to work on. Tom W
I think it sounds like a very cool swap, nothing like looking over at the other RV's struggling to climb the mountains as all that Buick Torque moves you right by them.
Tom, should work out rel good. Upgrade to the earlier heads. Still keep the compression down somewhat, It's worthit to give up a littel power for the ability to be able to run regular gas on a tow vehicle. The earlier heads will get you in the 8.5 to 1 range. Everything you do here you want to concentrate on low rpm torque, not high horsepower. Small valve heads for sure. I had a 350 Buick in a 1980 ford van years ago, made several cross country trips pulling a car trailer with it. The thing ran pretty good for a big heavy van. Jim Burek
What Jim said. Also, run the Quadrajet. The smaller primaries will be a boon for fuel mileage when cruising. On the way out to Salem this summer I'm putting a really stiff spring in my Holley secondaries so they aren't temped to tip in during the cruise - unless I want them to.
If I do this I plan on using a stock motor. I have no idea what shape the motor is in other than it ran when I got it. I always wanted to build a stand to run a motor on so now I have a reason to. I am hoping at worst I can get by with new rings and bearings if cylinders are ok. I was thinking of putting on some stock early heads to help power some. Tom
