Howdy, i'm fairly new to the forums, about 5 minutes. I've got an old ford box truck around (or it used to have a box on it anyway). It's an 89' F800 with the Lima 429 in it. I also have an s10 laying around just waiting for a huge motor.

Now I know what you're thinking, a 5.3 swap would be easier, and you're probably right. But where is the fun in that?

I wanted to start by asking what kind of power they put out stock? Its hasn't run in about 5 years and there is a rather angry possum under the hood but it should run with a days worth of work. It has an aftermarket camshaft in it, ISKY Super Cams (I think), not sure of the exact one. Then it also has a carb and few other things.

Secondly, what kind of power CAN it put out, the truck doesn't exactly have to be daily driver quality, just a fun truck to drive around. Won't be pulling anything and not too concerned about fuel economy.

Any additional input, opinions, or angry remarks are appreciated.

I'd like to get the motor figured out before I figure wiring harness, driveshaft, suspension, etc.
THANKS!!

 

I am pretty sure the factory output of a 429 was 235 hp and 375 ft-lbs. I am no help beyond that.

 

Yea, a truck 429 would need to be gone through top to bottom to make any serious horse pressure. They are made to run WOT against a load all day--that is, low compression, small valves, tiny cam, governed speed. That way they last a looong time.

A car 429 would have been in the mid to high 300s for HP depending on model, most with 11ish compression. There were some 2bbl car motors as well as a couple variations on the 4bbl model.

Boss 429 is something completely different head wise, so don't fret none about that. (you can buy those heads but that is beyond most folks. You get cubic inches AND cubic dollars)

Why or how someone put a performance cam in a motor like that is another question.

 

I dont know a whole lot about the motor, it was my grandfathers f800 and he is the one that did the cam, adjusted the timing, and a few other things. It is a 4 barrel carb and from what I remember it ran pretty well and had a pretty serious lope. I'm sure the cam isnt a performance cam but rather a towing cam.

What did these motors rev to factory? I want a ballpark idea of the powerband that is capable, again it doesn't have to be anything too impressive but im sure it will be an improvement over the GM 2.8 that is in it currently.
Thank you for the responses.

 

I thought that HP post was familiar:

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...orsepower.html

If that is correct, with max HP at 4000 rpm for the truck motor, then I would guess Ford governed it to no more than 4500. The concerns would be maybe valve float due to heavy valves and/or wimpy springs, and piston weight due to the truck piston maybe being a 4 ringer.

Otherwise, a 429 or even a 460 will be reliable to 5500, more with better bolts, way more with better rods, way more with a lot more fancy stuff like 4 bolt center mains....

With that cam, I am pretty sure the valve springs had to change.

What would you do for a transmission?

 

from what I understand it is 4 ring. it also has spring done but im not sure how heavy. for my purposes 5500 should be plenty but if I pull the motor apart for any reason id be doing some upgrading.

it currently has a 5 speed manual behind it however i dont know anything about the transmission. I want to keep it manual, any recommendations?

 

That truck 5 speed will be low and wide ratio'd, with a slow shifter.

A C6 or C4 automatic would be the easiest. You can even get an adapter for a 700R if you have one of those kicking around. Some trans mods might be needed.....

You will have to hunt down a proper flexplate and figure out the starter situation. I know no details there, but the truck flywheel is usually bigger with a bigger clutch etc.