[NikoG]

So I bought the 1970 Ford Ranchero, now I'm trying to decide what engine to put in it. The original engine is in pretty rough shape, so chances are I will start with a brand new block. I've got it down to either the BOSS 351, or the 460.

I'm planning on running aluminum cylinder heads, and want the engine to run on 91 octane gas. I will likely be running EFI as opposed to a carburetor, and am not too worried about fuel efficiency (as long as I can keep it above 10 MPG on the highway I'll be happy, it definitely won't be a daily driver). As for horse power I'm hoping to get somewhere in the 600-700 range, and would like to be able to get the engine to scream a little (~6, 500 RPM). The added weight of a BB engine shouldn't be too much of a problem as I'll be adding aftermarket suspension, and brakes. So what do you guys think? 460?

[vinniekq2]

500 inch stroker. make a torque monster that breathes.

[NikoG]

Also, another idea that crossed my mind was drooping a diesel V8 in it. Any idea if that would be viable?

[RWENUTS]

Build up the 351 Cleveland you got in it now. Put some 4 barrel heads on it, a bigger cam carb intake and headers.

[Valkyrie5.7]

Its nice to dream, but unless you're using $100 bills for toilet paper, building from a brand new block is going to be cost prohibitive. Unless its got a total dog of an engine under the hood, you should pull it out, tear it down and see where you're at. Might have a diamond in the rough.

[vinniekq2]

if you put a diesel in it,put it in the bed.

[NikoG]

@ Valkyrie5.7 - My budget is $12K for the engine, transmission, suspension, brakes, and other mechanicals. If I do most of the work myself (except of course machining the block), I should be able to build a 460 for under budget, don't you think?

@ vinniekq2 - I'm not sure I understand what you're getting at? Are you saying that wouldn't be viable?

[vinniekq2]

no, we made a mid engine corvair pick up in the 70s.We put a 455 in the bed.as for 600 to 700 hp,that would take all of your 12k.

[boothboy]

Let me as you a question. Realistically what are you going to do with this car? Are you going to drive it on the roads? Or are you going to race it? How did you pick 700 hp for your goal? 700 hp is expencive in any engine. 450 hp ain't to bad price wise. If your looking for the wow factor, which makes your testicles bigger? Hey wotchua running? Oh I got a 351 or yeah I got a built 460. Both will get the job done. A standard transmission will make either engine more of a rocket ship than a automatic. I'd spend my money first to make the car handle and stop. Then I'd build a engine with as many HP that my budget could afford. If it were me I'd go with a big block any day. That way I'd have to wear my big jock strap. Just my opinion.
BB

[NikoG]

@ BB - Well, I wouldn't be planning on putting that much into the engine if I wasn't planning on racing it at least a little, hehe. I'm actually planning on making the swap from the automatic to a manual transmission, the manual I'm looking at (T-56 Magnum) is rated for 700 ft-lbs of torque, so I'd like to keep torque below 675 ft-lbs, I'd definitely be happy with anything over 600 HP as far as power goes. You're definitely right though, I should put the money into the suspension, brakes, transmission, clutch, and all that stuff first and see what I have left over. Thanks for helping me get my priorities straight.

[Mr. P-Body]

For a 'pump gas" engine, torque is "king". To make anywhere NEAR the power you're talking about, 500 CID, minimum without an "adder" (blower, nitrous, etc.). Cleveland is capable, but not at a level of tune remotely "user friendly".

Get a worn out 460 (standard bore) and "storke" it by offset-grindng the rod journals to a 4.14" stroke using BBC rod journals. Icon has a piston just for this application, using the 6.8" rod. No problem to get 650-700 from that with good heads.

If power is your main goal, and not economy, disregard the EFI idea. Carbs make more power, especially on larger CID engines. EFI is more efficient.

FWIW

Jim

[prostreet6t9]

Build the 460 with a good solid short block assy and put a 250 shot on it..

[NikoG]

Another alternative I was thinking of was a 460 running on propane, I live in Canada so propane is readily available and it costs nearly half what premium gas costs (91 octane). I could easily increase the volume of the engine to offset the loss of power since propane engines generally produce about 20% less power than the same engine on gasoline. I could potentially build an engine that both has lots of power and doesn't cost too too much to fuel up. Any thoughts?

[vinniekq2]

what part of Canada?
If you want to run propane,consider a turbo.

[NikoG]

I live in the north west, I move between Fort St John (BC) and Edmonton (AB). Both places have auto propane, as do Grande Prairie and Whitecourt (the two main stops on the drive. Why do you suggest a turbo?