460 Ford Torque Specifications
by Kenneth V. Oster
The Ford Motor Company installed the 460-cubic-inch engine in vehicles from 1968 through 1996. When you endeavor to rebuild a 460 V8 engine, you will need to ensure all of the bolts are torqued properly so your hard work lasts for years. Each component installed on the interior and exterior of the engine has specific torque specifications that will keep mounting bolts tight for the life of the engine.
Engine Block
After the crankshaft is placed on the main bearings, the main cap bolts are tightened at 95 to 105 ft-lbs. The connecting rod bolts are tightened at 40 to 45 ft-lbs., and the oil pump bolt will be tightened to 25 ft-lbs. The bolts securing the cam shaft should be tightened to 40 to 45 ft-lbs. As you put each bolt in the block, remember to dip the threads in oil to reduce torque friction. Friction can cause your torque wrench to sense the bolt is tight before the required torque is reached. Before placing the harmonic damper on the engine, you will need to install the front engine cover and tighten the bolts to 12 to 18 ft-lbs.
Engine Heads
Due to the tremendous combustion pressures the heads are exposed to, you will need to ensure the head bolts are torqued to the proper specification, and in the correct order. The final torque specification for the head bolts is 140 ft-lbs. Head bolts are tightened in a specific pattern that usually begins in the center of the head, and sequentially tightened in both directions. The bolts are turned down gradually until all the bolts reach the required torque. Threads on head bolts should be coated with engine oil to reduce friction that would create a false torque. Then non-adjustable rocker-arm bolts are torqued to 18 to 22 ft-lbs. Intake manifold bolts are then torqued at 25 to 30 ft-lbs., and exhaust manifold bolts to 33 ft-lbs.
Complete Engine
After the heads have been installed, it is a good time to place the harmonic damper and pulley for the serpentine belt on the front of the engine. Torque the attaching bolt at 70 to 90 ft-lbs. At the rear of the engine, install the fly wheel or flex-plate and torque the bolts at 75 to 85 ft-lbs. If the engine will be mated up to a manual transmission, install the clutch pressure plate to the flywheel and torque all the mounting bolts at 35 ft-lbs. Over-torquing bolts does not ensure they will stay tight, and may in fact weaken the bolt, leading to premature failure. Finally, it is important to use a torque wrench you know is providing an accurate reading. When you finish with the torque wrench, return the handle setting to zero and store properly.
References
Writer Bio
Kenneth Oster's leadership experience includes an Air Force career, pastoral leadership, and business ownership in the automotive repair industry. He has a MBA from Western Governors University, and is working toward a DBA degree from Northcentral University. Oster authored the book, "The Complete Guide to Preserving Meat, Fish and Game: Step-by-Step Instructions to Freezing, Canning, Curing and Smoking."
