have a 72 429, i here that the d2 heads are junk. then some say only bad for real high performance. the engine has been running since 72 with no major problems so far, just is real tired. so what gives, is it good or bad? i've read some old pos, but can't get a good solid answer. i don't want a race motor, just something to rase a little hell in my 4x4. i like rpm's by the way.

 

I hear they are really prone to detonation. The design was only used for that year model.

Here's some more info for you.

429-460 casting numbers

 

thanks dixie, anyone else? what kinda comp is safe to run with these heads? piston? would like to run low octane fuel anyways so is this not a problem for me? like i said i don't want a race motor, just figured a little done to it would be easyer to make power than a lot done to someother motor. plus i already have this one. thanks.

 

I am running a set on my 429 with flattops and it pings bad under load. I have recurved the dist. and rejeted the carb but nothing has helped. I would recomend using something else from my experience. I am replacing mine with a set of D3ve's in the near future.

Dennis
1999 F-350 Powerstroke
1977 Highboy 429 4-speed 35"s
1972 Ranger on a 1978 F-250 4x4
frame 466 Pulling Truck

 

I have heard nothing but bad things about the D2VE heads. They only made that design for 1 year for a reason. On any of the other BB heads you can fix the detonation problem by polishing the combustion chambers. The casting imperfections in the CC's promote hot spots and detonation. Polish them out till they're nice and shiney and you can run 89 octane. I did this to my 68 heads and I drive it at least once a week on pump gas and 10 degrees of distributor advance.

 

PS.......that's pump gas on an engine with 11:1 compression

 

thanks, that the real world xperiance i was looking for. i guess i might try to look for another set or just keep my FE. anyothers feel free to share.

 

They were the only open chamber head made for the 385 and are prone to detonation.