Thunder's plans/progress/upgrades

[LEB Ben]

As with my other 2 threads I just posted, I'm going to consolidate thoughts here on how and when to get Thunder back to DD reliable. This truck has more sentimental value than any one thing should have. I poured over the options with my father, went and ordered the truck with my father, talked about it every day until Statesville Ford called and told him to pick it up. I went and watched it roll off the truck, and we picked it up and brought it to his shop to ditch the stock tires and put 33" BFG MT's on it so it would look cooler for mom. And it's been a helluva ride since. In college my bad offered her to me for pennies on the dollar, and I took it.

The truck has been immobile for a while now. The last time I brought it home from college, there was some mad piston slap going on. The engine had about 230k on the odo at that time, the E4OD and top end were rebuilt at about 215k. After parking, I'd start her to keep things lubed up. Then I lost fuel pressure to the rails...never figured it out. Last time I tried to figure it out, the little bro put the battery cables on backwards...and lost it...haven't even been able to get it to turn over since then.

So this rig will be my most daunting task. Most intimidating are the evil scary electronics. The next intimidating thing is, never touched a bottom end before. But I'm thinking that's where I might have to call on my LEB friends. So here are the plans for the truck:

-Get the darn thing to turn over...check fuses, links, etc. Fried brain box maybe???

-Get fuel to the engine again...again fusible links and testing fuel pumps

-Then I think I should be able to start on the 460. Still dunno what rotating assembly I'm gonna go with...but I have time.

-The guys at 460ford said the build should consist of the following:

In order of importance:

Headers and free breathing exhaust

Low restriction air intake

180 degree t stat.

Computer compatable cam change. We use the 207/213 voodoo ground on a 113 lobe sep. This will pass Ca emissions. Factory double roller timing set is not retarded.

Port factory intake which will increase flow significantly

Budget ported cylinder heads with 2.11" intakes and std exhaust as well as better valve springs and topping the guides. The EFI castings have good exhaust ports and somewhat limited intakes especially the E7TE castings.

Deck heads .030" to get static c/r up to 9 to 1 with the stock replacement efi pistons.

Adjustable fuel pressure regulator to allow richer WOT operation.

piggy back chip for the ecm for additional power via more agressive timing tables and greater injector pulse width. (optional)


The above will net 100 RWHP.

The stock fuel pumps and injectors are limited to about 365 HP.

-Beyond that...the rig shouldn't be too bad off. There is some bodywork I'd like to do, and then paint...but those aren't priorities.

I definitely want it mobile and running and usable by the time I buy a house (next 6 months or so) so it can assist in the hauling.

 

[aussie_f350]

One thing I've learnt from my truck is that the electrics aren't reall that scary, just a little time to figure out!! Sounds like you got a lot of work ahead of you! Not a lot of efi 460s around here but the couple I been in are quite impressive, so the few mods be awesome! Can't wait to read progress

 

[DNFXDLI]

Subscribed

 

[LEB Ben]

Willing to take suggestions on specific intakes, headers and cams that are efi applicable.

 

[LEB Paul]

Do you have emissions testing and does it have to pass?

 

[LEB Ben]

With this year truck, 1 ton gas trucks in NC are not subject to emissions

 

[LEB Paul]

Aiight, I'll see if we can put something together.

How fast you want to go?

 

[LEB Ben]

I was originally planning on staying within the stock parameters of the fueling system. But I'm not gonna lie...I always wanted to throw an efi stroker together. The old man always wanted a 521...so if that's possible, I'm open to options. I definitely want to retain efi. This is the tow pig, so keep that in mind.

 

[LEB Paul]

What kind of budget we talking? All that porting is going to add to the cost

 

[LEB Ben]

Not really sure at this point in time, that's the last build in the series. I don't want to say as cheap as possible, but I have no clue what something like that would cost. Original thought was the parts list would cost me 2-2500, plus block work and I'd do the work. I don't know what introducing a stroker and associated parts plus the LEB premium would run me.

 

[aussie_f350]

Put a powerstroke in it!!!! Haha,

But seriously, I always wanted a stroked big block. I rebuilt one in my trucks years ago and always regretted not stroking it

 

[LEB Ben]

^^^No thanks on the power stroke.

But that's kinda my thought Andy...when is the next time I'll be in the engine...might as well do what I want now.

 

[LEB Paul]

I talked it over some with the southern half of LEB and have a few numbers for you if you want to take a look I can text or PM to you. Also, heading down there again sept 6,7,8, possibly 9th (fri, sat, sun, possibly monday) if you want to take a ride to teh great LEB Souf Shop of StG!

 

[LEB Paul]

Where can I email you Ben?

 

[LEB Ben]

Just shot you a text.

 

[1970Custom]

Ditch the auto for a standard, go full aftermarket top end incld efi, stock Ford EFI blows on the 460. The bottom end/block is all 460 goodness thus a stroker kit will fit.

OOOOORRRRR, DT466 turned up to 1500hp and dead nuts reliable... Just sayin'...

 

[LEB Ben]

^^^Do you have a link/info on aftermarket efi? The vibe I'm getting is that can get expensive quick.

 

[SuperCab]

Standard trans blows donkey balls though. Auto ftw

 

[1970Custom]

^^^Do you have a link/info on aftermarket efi? The vibe I'm getting is that can get expensive quick.

Depends on how crazy you want to go, there's GM style TBI that fits on a standard square bore intake OR if you wanna get crazy you can build your own MPFI with any aftermarket intake, ECM is as simple as a Megasquirt or the like...

Standard trans blows donkey balls though. Auto ftw

Only if you're a wimp.

 

[DNFXDLI]

Standard trans blows donkey balls though. Auto ftw

x100000000.....I'm gonna have a celebration when sticks are no longer made.