hello and thanks in advance for any help.
i am looking to build an engine for my 69 galaxie and need some general advice as to what direction to go with what i have. my knowledge in regards to all things engine is minimal, i'm definately no mechanic.

what i want:
1. currently the galaxie has a 429tj which i like but it burns jet fuel or it won't shut off so i need to drop the compression. i want to make up for this i assume with cubic inches so i'm looking toward a stroker of some sort.
2. all street no strip and plenty of both interstate and city driving. pbly stay around 3:00 to 1 rear gears with my my factory c6 with overdrive.
3. needs to be dependable, nothing exotic.
4. must burn bump gas.
5. plenty of power. if i'm going to spend money on a rebuild i want to notice the difference.
6. no computer sh"t on the engine.
7. would like to end up with around 450/500hp give or take.

what i have:
1. two complete 69 429 thunderjet engines, one in my galaxie the other came out of a 69 merc land barge of some sort i can't recall (montego?).
2. one bare 460 block (DIVE-A2B).
3. one set 72 460PI heads (D2OE-AB).
4. c6 auto with around 2000/2200 stall if i remember correctly.
5. one cast iron PI intake (came with the police heads).
6. two sets cast police(?) exhaust manifolds. look kinda like shory headers.
7. one 460 crank not sure of specifics in regards to spec's year etc on that.
8. i think i have a set of cobra jet rods somewhere.

not sure what to do or what i'll end up with. i'll have my mechanic do the work of coarse and he's a big block ford guy and he has already told me to get casting numbers together and he'll figure out best way to go but thought i should do a little research also.

or would it be smarter to save my money and just buy a new intake and carb and carry some octain booster around with me no more than i'll be driving it? but i have accumulated this stuff over the last 30yrs and kinda want to use it if it's a good idea.

like i say i'm a novice and just looking for some general direction. my budget is around $3000 to $4000.00 and i'm willing to buy different crank, rods, carb & intake obviuosly.

so what would you guys(and gals if you're out there) do?

thanks again.
scott

 

IMO I'd build a 460 with the iron manifold and exhaust. Put some 9-9.50:1 pistons and a stock or mild RV cam. What do you mean by a C6 with stock overdrive? The C6 has a 1:1 high gear. Put an Edlebrock carburetor. Give the heads a good valve job and drive it. A 3.00 rear gear will give decent mileage at the expense of some power. Any kind of stroker will cost you more than you've allocated.

 

interesting you would advise useing the iron manifold. i assumed it would be far inferior to the newer technology. by c6 i meant vintage 1969 factory run of the mill automatic transmission with overdrive.
i'm a bit depressed in that was hoping i could get closer to 500cubes for under $4000.00. but if not i'll either spend more or do as you suggest and put my PI heads on and run the 460.
question: how much horsepower would the 460 have if built as you suggest? how will the engine run as compared to my factory 429tj?

thanks for the input.
scott

 

C6 transmissions are 1:1 high gear. There are no OD automatic transmissions from Ford or any domestic automaker from 1969. I doubt there were any OD automatics from any automaker anywhere in the world in 1969.

OD manuals yes, but not automatics.

This particular "cook book" for the 460 has been criticized here by one or more who have 385 motors, but it is at least a starting reference and offers several "serving suggestions".

460 Horsepower Chart (revised 1/24/09) - 460 Ford Forum

While you will find good advice on the motor here, note that site is all 460 all the time.....

Compare and contrast the advice you get here vs. what you see there.

Regarding the iron manifold suggestion, well, I like pot metal intakes and long tube headers, but iron is cheap, effective and reliable.

Good luck with it.

 

i'll look the chart over and try and research the combination i'm talking about. i did check out 460ford forum but haven't been able to post (been 2 weeks since i registered?).

i do like the looks of the old iron intake and exhausts.

thanks.

 

Work your PI heads bowl blend and have a good three angle valve job done. Take the 460 block, CJ rods and buy a set of .060 over pistons with a small dish factory style cast is fine for your build.

This will put you at 472 cubic inch and about 9 to 9.5 :1 compression. to get your goal of 450 -500 hp a healthy hydraulic flat tappet will be needed. One with around 220 to 230 @.050 on the intake lobe with 6-8 degrees of split on a 109 or 110 separation and .550 lift this will work with your stock rockers just cut the guides down for the positive type seals.

A performer rpm intake will work good and is the best pick for your goals, but the stock cast iron will work along with a good set of 1 7/8 or 2 inch headers.

There again the log PI manifolds will work but will kill 30-40 hp.

I think you can do this and be with in your budget, especially if you do the stock intake and exhaust manifolds. You can upgrade at a later date.

Also on a last note, make sure you buy a pre 72 timing set, the newer units retard the cam around 8 degrees. The dot will be directly over the key way.

Hope this helps.

 

sounds like what i'm looking for and at the right price. i like the option of upgradeing to headers and new manifold later. i should have thought of that.
printed your post off and will show it to my mechanic and looks like alex is saying basically the same thing also. building with what i have should work if done right.

thanks blake
scott

ps i checked out the link 85e posted on engine builds. good information there also.

 

Your welcome, keep us posted. I would like to hear how it comes out.