Which years where the 460/429 blocks better... Any specail years I should be looking for to build a good stroker out of .
Looking to build a 509 with about 890 H.p.

 

I believe it's the 68-78 blocks that are best suited for that. At least thats what I was told. I read an article about a truck that had a 680 hp 528 out of a 72 429 block. I bought a 71 429 not long ago to use as the basis for my stroker motor. Hope this helps

 

Ditto on 68 - 78 blocks.

I have a couple D2VE blocks and a D1VE block.

429 & 460 are exactly same block, numbers and bore is same in both in early series of 385 engines.

I prefer earlier heads too, I run D1VE Heads in street engine & DOVE on comp engines. Although I have been curious about TFS and Alan Root Alloy Heads, but not curious enough to spend that kind of "Dust" to satisfy my curiosity.

I have never stroked a 385 engine, although I did listen to a big discussion on whether fly cuts would be required after a spedific stroke was achieved. TO my knowledge it was never resolved at the discussion I was privvey to.

I also was involved in another discussion where someone was advocating stroker 351W engines being better [I don't buy it] than 385s, and only 2/3 the wieght. IMHO the only thing a 351W out to 455CID has when it's hammered hard is the same fault that causes orange replacement engines to explode.BAD BLOCK FLEX UNDER FULL POWER & GOOD LOAD, and who needs that?

385 series can go over 600CID, 750 -800 HP, & 650 ft/lb torque & still not flex because they have over 500 lb/ft torque box stock.
When Ricky Smith was running AHRA his "Mountain Motors" were over 600 inches & made 1,000 + hp on squeeze bottles.

They were stubborn about using seasoned blocks to build their Bad Boy power plants from, mostly 68 - 75 vintge engines. Not sure if it's rumor, lies, truth, or wishfull thinking? Never the less It does make sense. I prefer seasoned blocks for "H-O engines" myself. FBp

 

Bump

 

I think 68' to 71' have the highest nickle content in the blocks,but the best ones are probably the splayed 4 bolt svo blocks.followed by the 429 super cobra jet blocks.they are 4 bolt but not splayed.

 

Look for a D0VE or D1VE block with the thick main webs. Here's a pic of my D1VE 6015 AA block ('70 429) I have on the stand. I believe it is a thin web block.

 

The D0VE-A or the D1VE-AA are the better ones to get. The D0VE-A and the D1VE-AA blocks were used as standard blocks in 429's and 460's in Lincolns and T-Bird's from 70-71 and also were used as the 2 bolt Cobra Jet Block.

The pic below is a D0VE-A 2 bolt block , notice the thick main webs that extend all the way out to the pan rail.



Below is a D0VE-A 4 bolt Super Cobra Jet block, this would be the Best choice.

 

I love my 429 boss motor. It's funny when you open the hood and they look 2 times, the ford hemi just messes them up. and it is not stock 932 hp. 100 hp just bolting on a domanator carb.

 

I wouldn't consider using any 2-bolt block for that HP. Actually, you're right at the outside limit for production 4-bolt blocks (CJ/SCJ). Many builders have experienced main bearing walk on CJ/SCJ and thick web blocks using aftermarket 4-bolt conversions above the 800hp level.

Get an A460 block from Ford Performance, under $2k, and forget about production blocks.

 

Shazam talkin' Big Block?? Has the world come to an end??
Is it time to toss my 400 and throw in my 429, too??

 

What Can't one do research on other motors in the Ford Family..