Hey guys Im new to the site and pretty new to the whole "built motor" world. I just picked up a 429 Thunderjet with D3VE heads that I was told came out of a 1973 Ford Thunderbird with 66k miles. I figured for $250 it couldn't be too bad of a deal.

Anyways, the reason Im posting is because I need some advice. I plan on putting this motor in a '79 Bronco that willl have Dana 60's front and rear with a C6 and NP205. I want to build a motor that is reliable, can run on pump gas, won't cost a fortune to build (say around $3k- $4k), and that can make moderate horsepower like around 400 or so. The most important thing to me is reliability, I want to turn the key and I want it to start and run like a top. This bronco will be driven on the street, trails, camping trips, occassional towing (a couple fourwheelers), some mud and rocks, just basically an all around driver/toy.

With all this being said, where do I start? I know I would probably want an offroad cam, trying to find power midrange, not sure on carb or intake, or even what to do with the heads. To be honest I am pretty new to this so take it easy on me! haha. I am not looking to get wild with this motor, Id like to keep the same bore and 3.85" stroke.

What do you guys reccomend? What would you do with the heads, carb, intake, headers (im leaning towards L&L if I can find some used), and so on? Thanks in advance for all your help.

Here are couple pics

 

A '73 is going to be a low compression, low power motor.

Those heads are not the best, but are not the worst either.

You want to keep the stock bore? You may be able to do that, but you'll have to inspect the cylinders first. Pistons are going to cost the same in standard or .030 over.

You want to keep the 3.85 stroke? Bad news. Your 429 has a 3.59 stroke. The 460 has 3.85. You can convert if you wish.

Does this engine run now? Is that a 4v or 2v carb?

 

I am looking for a lower compression than 10.5 or 11 to 1 because I dont want to have to run octane boosters or any rediculous fuel. I want to run pump gas. Also, I am aware that the D3VE arent bad but there are better heads out there for greater amounts of money! I am trying to build this on a budget. They are better than the D2VE atleast. As for the bore, I guess that all depends on how the cylinders look once we get it all apart. My main goal is to shoot for reliability though, not necessarily the most power I can squeeze out of it. And for the stroke, I must have been confused....Like I said, I am no expert at this. I am new to the world of engine building and I am just trying to learn as much as possible so I appreciate you input!

 

Any advice on cam, heads, intake, ect?

 

If you do some searches on this forum, you'll find several builds that should get you near where you want to be. As far as cam,intake and carb go..... A Comp Cams Xtreme 4x4 cam, Your favourite brand of aluminum intake, and your favourite brand of 600-750 cfm carb along with those headers will put you in the ball park.