There are several options on a 460 Ford. You can start with a simple, entry level log-style system. Log manifolds are not considered performance oriented, but they'll get the job done. They're fully water jacketed, they're very safe to run (very reliable against water leaks), and they're reasonably priced.
If performance is your goal, I would steer away from logs and start looking into a center rise system. The term "center rise" can apply to tube style headers or manifolds. Typically manifolds will be less expensive compared to fully water jacketed tube headers.
The problem you run into when discussing tube headers is the material in which they are constructed. There are a couple of different tube headers on the market that are constructed of all steel, and half stainless/half steel. I would suggest staying away from anything that is constructed with steel. I know it seems to be common sense that you wouldn't want steel tubes being submerged in water, but some people don't think about longevity when purchasing an exhaust system. My theory on the subject is that although performance gains are important, I want to use an exhaust system that will be reliable and that I won't have to replace in 2-3 years.
The unfortunate problem is that when an exhaust system fails, it is not uncommon to cause additional engine troubles possibly including engine failure.
An all stainless steel tube header seems to be a logical choice for the ultimate in performance and longevity. An all stainless steel tube header would certainly be non-corrosive and most tube headers have great exhaust flow ability. Even with the right materials and flow charactoristics in place, someone very qualified still has to bend and weld the double wall headers together properly for them to have a long trouble-free life.
Once you meet the proper criteria on a set of all stainless tube headers, you can get your check book ready, because a good set of SS headers will run you anywhere from 4000-6000 dollars.
Don't be fooled by a low dollar entry level steel header system. Will they flow exhaust well? ABSOLUTLEY, but that's only a small fraction of an exhaust systems job. I only stress this scenario because I have at least 2 people a month who come in to buy an exhaust system because of a cracked and leaking sub-standard tube header.
Getting on to center rise manifolds. Unfortunately, there is a very limited selection on high quality exhaust manifolds for 460 Ford. Exhaust manifold systems are no different than tube headers. Some are good, and some are not. What is nice, is that there are adapter plates available to convert a BB Chevrolet exhaust manifold to a 460 Ford.
This leads to my suggestion, there's only a couple of exhaust manifold systems on the market that I would consider for my own projects. Gil manifolds flow very well and are very high quality. But if I had the choice, I would select the Dana Marine system and here's why.....
The Dana Marine exhaust system was developed at a much later date compared to all other manifold systems being sold in the marine industry. Most manifold systems have been the same for over 18-25 years. Six years ago when we set out to develop an exhaust system, we were not interested in doing what most companies do, just copy someone elses, we wanted to develope an exhaust system that had all the right features to make it durable, long lasting, reliable, cosmitically attractive, and functional.
Because we've used most of the exhaust systems on the market, we were able to recognize the pros and cons of the different systems. Using this baseline information we began assembling the DMP exhaust system.
The DMP exhaust system was engineered by Dana Marine with the help of air flow engineer. When looking at a DMP exhaust system, you'll find features that no other exhaust system has. Our manifolds have been put to the test against both major brands of tube headers, and our manifolds have made more HP and torque. (independent testing performed by Full Throttle Marine). Being a manifold system that developes more horsepower than most tube headers, DMP exhaust offers maximum power while maintaining key features that deliver reliability.
Last but not least - price is always a factor. DMP exhaust systems are significantly cheaper than an all stainless steel tube header. You'll get the power, the looks, the reliability, and the security of a limited LIFETIME warranty for about half of what a tube header system cost.
We offer several riser options to suit a variety of applications. You can give me a call to discuss a specific system that will work for your application.
951-279-5005
Sorry for the long post. I hope the above information has helped in selecting a direction for your project.