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Modifying A 460 Ford Engine - A Bigger Better Big-Block



Ford 460 Stud Lube
Each main stud is given a coating of moly lube to ensure accurate and consistent torque readings. The main studs are then torqued to a final value of 95 lb-ft.		 Ford 460 Bore
Each critical specification in the assembly process has been checked beforehand for accuracy, but there are still some things to recheck one last time. We'll confirm the bore size to ensure the overbore is the desired 0.030 inch. The final reading is 4.390-inch bore diameter, which is correct. Stock bore diameter is 4.360 inches.		 Ford 460 Piston Diameter
Before we begin piston-to-connecting-rod assembly, we check piston diameter to ensure we're in specs. Subtracting the piston diameter from the bore size should yield a piston-to-cylinder-wall clearance between 0.00281 and 0.00300 inch. Each of the piston-to-cylinder-wall measurements fell within the desired range.
Ford 460 Wrist Pin
Our pistons use a floating wrist pin, so a press is not required for piston assembly onto the connecting rod. Be careful to orient the connecting rod and the piston correctly during the assembly.		 Ford 460 Piston Rod
Piston-to-rod assembly is completed using spiral locks at each end of the wrist pin.		 Ford 460 Ring
Each piston receives a complement of Total Seal gapless rings. Although gapless rings are far more expensive than conventional piston rings, they're not a lot of money when compared to the cost of the engine. Regular rings might cost $85 per set, while the gapless can cost $225.
Ford 460 Rod Cap
Each connecting rod gets the mandatory coating of assembly lube before going together. Notice the rods don't have any bolts protruding down. The rod caps will be held in place by cap screws coming up through the bottom.		 Ford 460 Ring Compressor
With rings and bearings installed, the piston is fitted with a ring compressor. This tool will prevent the rings from snagging on the edge of the cylinder bore during installation. Even though we don't have rod bolts to worry about, we still need to be careful not to damage the crank when installing the piston-and-rod assembly. Once the piston is started, it is driven down the bore with a mallet, and the rod end carefully seated onto the crank journal.		 Ford 460 Bottom End
Down at the bottom end, the rod caps are attached. The RPM H-beam connecting rods come equipped with ARP 12-point cap screws.
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