RandallBwell

I have a big project I'm working on and I need some advice, I have an '89 f150 and it has a blown 302 and I am making it into a toy. First off original plan was to get a 351w and stroke it to a 408 but I've found a slightly used 4.6 with all of the harnesses computer engine and tranny for $300 it has 38k miles on it. I've also found a 408 short block assembled for $2000. Would the swap to a 4.6 be worth doing or should I finish the short block with a set of $1500 heads and $1000 in a cam, intake, and carb, plus dress up, pulleys, ignition, distributor, valve covers, ect.? So put it simple try to change tranny engine and harness while beefing up the 4.6 with injectors, headers, head job, cams and supercharger. Or build the 408 monster and find a tranny that will handle the power after all is complete I would have sunk around $7000 just in the 408 not including a new tranny or around 2500 in the 4.6 option. What would be better. Note: this is just a toy 4x4

dr_bowtie

go the 4.6 cheaper and rates quicker...plus with minor mods will make awesome power

RandallBwell

Ok but what is the most hp you can squeeze out of a 4.6 without tearing down the bottom end? The 408 will be around 600 hp

gone postal

It's the ancient conundrum......cubic inches or cubic bucks!

You can probably get more torque out of the Windsor for less money than the same power out of the 4.6.

Just call me Sean

iTrader: (1)

There is no replacement for displacement.

Fordtrucktexan

If you're seriously considering a modular motor, go 5.4. It stomps the 4.6 (stock vs stock) any day.

dr_bowtie

simply not true when comparing old to new...

the newer mod motors will whip a big older motor easy...

comparing a stock bottom end 4.6 to a built 406 is like comparing apples to oranges

Just call me Sean

iTrader: (1)

I like apples, but oranges suck.

ss150

It depends on what you want to do with your truck. The 408 will have tons more power. The 4.6 will be a headache to swap, just because it comes with everything doesnt make it easy. The 4.6 will also give you around 300-320 rwhp at most with decent tuning (and yes, thats all the bolt ons, cams, and worked heads, plus dont forget a few hundred for a dyno tune). Not to mention the power curve will not be good for a truck as it will have to be revved to make the power. The 408 will be carbureted and something you can tune yourself, granted you will get less than half the gas mileage than the 4.6.

Also another option maybe you shouldnt rule out the 302 you have. For less than a grand you can buy a 347 stroker. Add your top end to that and it would be a decent motor as well.

Buddhaman

what car did the 4.6 come out of? the 4.6 in the Terminators can handle up to around 800 hp with a stock bottom end.