Hello!

I never get the time to get on here, so I'll use some of my time when I am supposed to be working. haha I'll include images, because I know you guys like images.
I have a 1973 250 highboy. I have done a ton of work on her, from engine swap, to body, paint and lots of little things(radiator, suspension, etc). You guys have helped along the way. But I am at a standstill. I had started a thread about the 429 engine, but that was because I bought a 390 from ATK through NAPA. Which is where my issue is now. I have a mechanic, and he has helped me with the entire project, I know some about engines, but I don't own a shop and am still learning about these Ford engines.
The ATK engine started giving me problems at around 20,000 miles we noticed she was consuming oil. It wasn't leaking anything at that point, I'm **** about leaks
We assumed it was coming out of the tailpipe. ANYways, it was at the tail end of NAPA's "ironclad" warrantee and they balked at me initially. But we had already opened a claim earlier in the spring and they had done nothing other than talk to my mechanic over the phone and no follow up whatsoever. So in the meantime I have procured an older 429 engine and bellhousing, which I will show below.
Then finally they agreed to re-open the claim and instructed us to yank the engine and send it to Texas for inspection. I live in Montana. We have done that and it has been over a month and nothing. This is my daily driver. Nobody seems to have an answer and the boys working on the floor in the engine house have not replied to anything.
I guess my question is have any of you had any dealings with ATK? Or NAPA's "ironclad" warrantee department? At this point I have pretty much made the decision that I will most likely never buy anything from these people again, they have proven so far that they are not willing to take care of me as a customer who has spent thousands with them. Even if they put a new engine on a crate and send it back to me, it is doubtful they will retain me as a client. The whole thing is disheartening.
So now to the positives! I have a 429! And at the very least a hunk of a 390 that I can put on a stand and learn to rebuild! Another question:
If they do not honor their warrantee and send back said decrepit 390, should I try to drop the 429 instead? Little more power? But more money I think and I would have to get new headers.
Here is my progress in a few years:
She is a 73, but original owner wanted the 78 grille assembly when it came out.??


I found original swapped back.


Old 390 out:




New 390 in, at least it looked good:




To paint:




429:




What do you guys think?

 

Inspect the 429 see what it needs to not leak and run great. Since its your DD get all the parts required to put the engine in. Coolant, oil, filter, new plugs wires etc, hose clamps new hoses, heater hoses etc etc. Start building a list. If you have weekends off get it all by the Friday of your choosing and swap that 429 in over the weekend. Drive it to work on Monday with a big smile. Keep that 390 for what ever ATK decides to do with it. Keep on trucking. Good luck and sorry you're getting hosed by their 'ironclad'

 

Thank you! Yeah, it's a bummer these days when people don't care about customer service.
Do you know a good carb? I'm seeing people saying the Autolite 4100, the Holley4150, and Uremco rebuilds a weird 4bbl. I don't think I can afford to get into the manifold/carb combo right now. I might need to source an old carb and rebuild it.