I think you'd be happier with the 429, nothing against the 302, it's a great engine, but nothing is quite like a big block. I think that 302 would be better in a different build, my Mustang has one, but I'd prefer a 351w... cause it's a Mustang and it should have more power, lol. I have a 5.0 in an '89 Bronco and a 302 in a '69 bronco, they're good engines but there has been more than one occasion I wish I had more power.

That 429 will turn heads, that 302 won't. Don't worry about the gas mileage, you save enough on insurance and titling and all of that by driving something so old that you could get 2 miles to the gallon and still spend less than someone who just bought a new echo-friendly car a year, lol

 

Be brave and go for the 429 thunderjet. That is an awesome motor and will push your truck really fine.

The 429 cobra jet motor is the motor I am using in my Cobra. I started that project using a 351w from a 69 Comet but couldn't resist replacing it with the 429 and c6.

The windsor motor is now going into my '49 f1. The choice is yours to make, either way you will still have a good motor and a great project. That little 302 can be warmed up pretty good.
Good luck with your build and give us pics.......

mervy

 

The 5.0 has the potential to really get under peoples skin.. meaning it can be a real giant slayer in a light vehicle. There's a guy on the '87-96 forum with a built-up HO in a lightened 2wd F150 that regularly blows the doors off Gen1 Lightnings and late model Chevy pickups. That takes gears(4.56) and a HCI combo that is significantly better than stock, but that's a small price to pay for those bragging rights.

 

did ya get my PM?

 

I just bought the 429 with the c6. I'm getting ready to do the install in about a week. I can always do the lightning motor in my other 56 f100 project that will get done one day.
I hope the 429 will have ***** in the 56, the guy told me he put 460 heads on it, also has a bigger cam. So we will see how it works out

 

pm'd back, sorry for the delay

 

If that beast cant push a 3300lb truck.. I dunno what can!

No worries, I'm in no rush, I just wasn't sure if it got through or if you turned PMs off.

 

If you are going to 460 heads, u want the C8/C9/D0VE heads (68-70),

these will help raise the compression up into the 10's.

also you want a Camshaft with more duration on the exhaust (Ford engines suck on exhaust flow)..

I did NOT port/polish the C9VE heads on my 460, and I used a cam with even balance on intake and exhaust (didn't know enough soon enough).. but I get 436hp, 489tq at the flywheel.

the dyno folks said if I had changed the cam to more exhaust duration, I could have added another 35-40hp easy.

Sam

 

I have a 1955 F100 with a 390/C6. My motor gets a lot of attention at shows and rumbling down the road. I enjoy it because of the sound and TORQUE!! However, I built my motor because it fulfilled my interpretations of a Hot Rod Truck.<O</O
<O</O
In my opinion, you should make your selection based upon your future plans that have for your truck. If you plan on driving long distances to shows (GSM F100 or F100 Supernats, etc…) you will be miles ahead having a fully roller (zddp issue) 302 motor that will get you good gas mileage. However, if you plan on staying pretty local and want to rumble around, put the 429 in.
<O</O
Just my 2 cents…<O</O
<O</O
Lance<O</O

 

There is an A.O.D. option for the 460, and virtually every other engine Ford has made. It's a little pricey, but scroll about half way down the page and there is an adapter...

Ford-AOD.com the ultimate AOD Transmission Perfromance Website

***For the record, I am going with a 5.0 H.O. and an A.O.D. in my 54'. I've heard too many nightmare stories about the big block vs. the Volare clip that I already have in my truck. Besides, I am more worried about cruising in this truck. I'll build a Mustang next for my go fast fix.

Edit... Techinically I guess I am putting in a 347 stroker. lol

 

well, I didn't realze how much more weight will be added to the volare ifs with the 429. anyone do a 460/429 with volare? I hope I dont start issues with the volare susp. I spent so much so far. I think the lightning motor weighs lots mor than the 429 and another guy said he was running it, i just never saw it or heard any other info on it

 

I don't think the additional weight will be a huge concern. It's got to be within a couple hundred pounds of a stock Volare weight equipped with the 318. Worse case, you get some heavier torsion bars. I'm sure there are options available for exactly this issue. I would think you'll have a tougher time finding room for the oil pan and exhaust.

 

I had a 55 with a 289 and a 3spd overdrive! It drove nice and got great mileage. I installed a second (56) gas tank behind the seat and could drive from San Diego to San Francisco - and back - without stopping for gas. The truck was comfortable to drive and had enough power.

In my 51 I have a 390 PI and a C6 @ 395NHP. I get almost 14 mpg now, but I can tow a loaded trailer up hill and pass the trucks struggling in the right lane.

At the time the mileage was nice and I was a "quiet, reliable" driver. Now I really enjoy the power and performance of the bigger engine. It's great to just press that gas pedal down a little bity and get pushed back in the seat.

 

I hope the oil pan problem will be solved with a rear sump oil pan/oil pump and pick up. as far as exhaust, I havn't thought about it yet

 

The weight shouldn't be an issue. i know several guys that run that setup and have no problems with it. I was simply talking about the exhaust. Everyone I know has had to custom make their exhaust to fit the big block around the Volare clip. If I am wrong please let me know. I may reconsider my setup if I didn't have to get custom made headers to fit around the giant Volare steering setup. (I don't have the means to make them, and from what I hear they can run $1,000 to have them done somewhere else.)

Edit: And yes, you need to run a rear sump oil pan to clear the Volare cross member.