429 lacks low end snap
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 122
Likes: 0
From: Davis, CA
Food for thought. Before getting some old heads to put in you will need to consider the valve seats will have to be replaced to be run with unleaded gas. Compare the cost of the heads, new springs and seat replacement verse the cost of a set of aluminum from elderbrock.
Thread Starter
|
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,729
Likes: 2
That's what I've been thinking
New User
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Big Sky Country
I am running a 71 429 in a 76 highboy. Have played with this engine set up for 10+ yrs now. I agree with the low compression heads making a difference. pulling the casting numbers off the heads and running them will tell you a lot on what you have got to work with. I understand the " poor mans rebuild" as i have done the same, usually because parts that are proven, and inside of specs are tuff to replace when you are building a whole project that is sucking up money rather than just an engine!
The couple hints that I have found over time is to run a heavier set of flywieghts in your distributer, (They Like a strong advance curve) Also to keep the bottom end crisp a bigger carb isn't always the answer. I also finaly droped a little coin on a cam and was very pleased with the results. Hope this helps.
The couple hints that I have found over time is to run a heavier set of flywieghts in your distributer, (They Like a strong advance curve) Also to keep the bottom end crisp a bigger carb isn't always the answer. I also finaly droped a little coin on a cam and was very pleased with the results. Hope this helps.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 318
Likes: 1
The dove heads I was talking about early in the thread are completly built, ported, hardened seats, ready to run for $1025. If cost is close then ID go aluminum every time, but IMO the doves for a grand are a great deal for a stock 429.
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 122
Likes: 0
From: Davis, CA
Doing a quick search I found $953 each at Jegs Edelbrock 60669 Edelbrock Ford 460 Performer RPM Heads
D0VE are good heads. Aluminum does reduce weight and give you more HP due to less heat but the weight issue is not really important in a truck.
I agree with the larger is not better CFM on carbs - my car runs a 735cfm which would be considered small by many accounts but it flys - 90mpg in 2nd gear on back roads - too fast to look when in 3rd....
D0VE are good heads. Aluminum does reduce weight and give you more HP due to less heat but the weight issue is not really important in a truck.
I agree with the larger is not better CFM on carbs - my car runs a 735cfm which would be considered small by many accounts but it flys - 90mpg in 2nd gear on back roads - too fast to look when in 3rd....
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,056
Likes: 8
From: Union, Washington
Doing a quick search I found $953 each at Jegs Edelbrock 60669 Edelbrock Ford 460 Performer RPM Heads
D0VE are good heads. Aluminum does reduce weight and give you more HP due to less heat but the weight issue is not really important in a truck.
I agree with the larger is not better CFM on carbs - my car runs a 735cfm which would be considered small by many accounts but it flys - 90mpg in 2nd gear on back roads - too fast to look when in 3rd....
D0VE are good heads. Aluminum does reduce weight and give you more HP due to less heat but the weight issue is not really important in a truck.
I agree with the larger is not better CFM on carbs - my car runs a 735cfm which would be considered small by many accounts but it flys - 90mpg in 2nd gear on back roads - too fast to look when in 3rd....
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 506
Likes: 0
The biggest mistake most hot rodder makes is OVER CARBURATION. It hurts low end and mid-range throttle response and at best adds 1 or two mph on the top end. And just how much time do you actually spend at max RPM unless you are running NASCAR? FYI, guess what size carb the 428CJ and SCJ ran? That's right a 735 CFM Holley carb. A great street setup for a 429.
Also, about the oil pressure...did you check bearing clearances with a plastigauge? Its possible the motor's been rebuilt and the crank was turned down, if you put in stock bearings the clearances would be loose causing low oil pressure...
About carbs...bigger is defidently not always better. Big carbs are for high rpm / hi flow heads. A 650cfm carb on a 429 would work fine, spinning to 5k with those sotck heads and stock exhaust manifolds.
On yeah and ditching the intake for an edelbrock performer dual plane would help low end as well...
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now
Brett Foote
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals
Joe Kucinski
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Thread Starter
|
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,729
Likes: 2
The timing is straight up, double roller set for a pre 70 IIRC. I checked the bearings at installiation and everything was good. Didn't have oil probs till after it came back from the garage.
I'm running a performer 460 intake and L&L headers
I'm running a performer 460 intake and L&L headers
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 506
Likes: 0
Sorry if I missed that earlier. Thanks for clearing that up...What about ignition timing though,
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 506
Likes: 0
Yeah that could have alot to do with your issues, if its retarded it will be sluggish.
