• The 460 can be bored out to several other sizes.motor image by Petr Efremov from Fotolia.com
  
  The name "Big Block" was given to a succession of Ford engines that ranged in displacement from 429 cubic inches to 460 cubic inches. The 460 Big Block was produced from 1968 to 1996 and was available in Ford, Mercury and Lincoln vehicles. During 1986, the 460 Big Block gained a strong reputation, even finding use as a boat engine.
  
  

Engine Specifications

• The 460 Big Block has a stroke of 3.85 inches and the bore measures 4.360 inches. The rod length is 6.605 inches, which is a 1.71:1 rod length to stroke ratio. The deck height of the early block is either 10.300 or 10.310 inches. The deck height of the late block is 10.322 inches. The intake valves measure 2.08 inches and the exhaust valves are 1.66 inches. The two chambers measure 77 cubic centimeters (for casting numbers C8VE/C9VE/D0VE) and 93 cubic centimeters (for casting numbers D3VE/E6TE) with the horsepower generally between 208 and 275.
  
  

Torque Specifications

• Without the proper torque an engine can literally fall to pieces.torque wrench and accessories image by Christopher Dodge from Fotolia.com
  
  Here are the torque specifications for the engine's components:
  
  Main cap bolts = 95-105 foot pounds
  
  Connecting rod bolts = 40-45 foot pounds
  
  Cylinder head bolts = 140 foot pounds
  
  Rocker arms (non-adjustable) = 18-22 foot pounds
  
  Intake manifold bolts = 25-30 foot pounds
  
  Oil pump bolt = 25 foot pounds
  
  Cam bolts = 40-45 foot pounds
  
  Harmonic damper bolt = 70-90 foot pounds
  
  Flywheel/ flexplate bolts = 75-85 foot pounds
  
  Pressure plate bolts = 35 foot pounds
  
  Front cover bolts = 12-18 foot pounds
  
  

Power Specifications

• The 460 Big Block was designed to be a whisper-quiet big block engine that produced an abundant low-end torque for larger sedans. It also powered trucks, vans and a variety of other Ford vehicles before production stopped in the late 1990s. A handy thing about this block is flexibility. Depending on which crankshaft is used, it can be a 429 or a 460, and it can be stroked to more than 550 cubic inches. There is also an immense selection of induction systems that are available for the 460. A dual-plane manifold with long intake runners will yield good low- to mid-range torque, while the wide runners will enable the engine to breathe aggressively at wide open throttle and generate power on the high end.
  
  

Casting and Forging Numbers

• All 460 cubic inch engines were fitted with cast-iron crankshafts and the standard 460 block had two-bolt main bearing caps that have either a "C8VE" or a "D0VE" casting number. The four-bolt main 429 Cobra Jet block has the same casting numbers, and the oil pan must be removed to determine exactly which block it is. The 460 connecting rods have a "C8VE-A" forging number, and after 1978, the 460 cranks were marked with a "3Y."