I just picked up a 429 out of a 72 Ford LTD. I got the whole engine complete with a/c compessor all brackets etc and it runs.Compression on all cylinders but 3 are about 110, 105 on 3 of em' I payed 50.00 bucks for it and I want to throw out the tired FE in my 4x4 and put this engine in.Ib would like to put roller rockers and all the performance goodies in and on it. Does installing the roller rockers require machine work to the heads? And does anyone know if motorsports makes a set for this application? Ant input will be greatly appreciated. Thanks JP

Real trucks are built ...not bought!!!

 

I'll answer both your questions here. You will have to machine the heads for conventional rockers but there are aftermarket bolt on parts as well. They aren't as strong as the old stud mount, but it'll work just fine for you. As for the 429/460? Everything is the same except pistons & the crank. 3.85 to 3.59 stroke difference. You will notice a difference, especially off-road.

 

That engine won't bolt up to your FE transmission. As a thought, you might give some consideration to to getting a set of early ('68-71) heads. They'll bolt right on and increase your compression ratio.

 

 

Thanks.A few people (machine shops)have suggested keeping the stock stuff on the heads.One suggested Edelbrock aluminum heads.I am so confused too many options.Then a friend told me the casting on the block is a high performance block since it ends with P I after the numbers.Do you know anything about this? Any ways I am seriously considering changing it to a 460. He said I would have no problem selling the crank rods and pistons due to the PI letters...His neighbor offered 475 for the set.I might take it and go buy a 460 crank...Is this a wise choice or would the 429 PI do better?Thanks for all the help.JP

 

I'm a little confused as I've never heard of the letter P in a block casting number as designating high performance. What is the actual casting number? And in '72, no 4-bolt blocks were produced. If it is a '72 PI engine, the heads will have casting numbers D20E-AB. Block/crank should be standard production.

 

Yeah, I've never heard that & I've done this 25 years... take the $475 for the rotating assy if it's all stock stuff, you can get 460 SB's for $100. As for the Edelbrock heads(FMS CJ's as well), if I had enough room bor a freight train up my butt I wouldn't let you get close to it with those crappy things. If you REALLY think you need a set, I might sell my Blue Thunders. You really only need a set of D0VE's, I have several.