I just got a complete 1969 429.The block casting c9ve-b. I plan to rebuild this for my truck, I have already created a lengthy list of parts from this site from previous posts, but had one question, can I re-use the stock rods, they are c8ve castings. There in good shape, i can still see the crosshatch pattern on them , and the clevite tattoo from the old rod berrings. Im shooting for a 450 -500hp motor. Pistons are c8se flat tops, and I will be changing them out to something lower comp.

 

I would have new rod bolts in them & have them resized. I would also try to find a 460 crank for it, if you want that much power.

 

Ditto what mark said about the crank. With little scrounging 460 cranks can be had pretty cheap, and the extra 30 cubes should net you at least that number in additional HP and torque. You'll also need to get 460 pistons as the compression height is different than 429 pistons. If you're boring the motor then it's a moot point since you'll have to get new slugs anyway.

Keep us posted!

Brad

 

When I rebuilt my 429CJ years ago I used the stock rods. Just have them shot peened and polished along with the new bolts and resizing. Have them magnafluxed also to make sure there are no cracks in them. I spun my to 7k at the track and never had a problem out of them. As long is your staying at 6k or below you should not have any issues with those rods.

 

I think your cj rods were probably the D0OE-A castings, those are sweet rods but are getting hard to find. The ones I have are the stockers, not as tough.

 

They were stock 460 rods. I pulled the original short block out that had the CJ rods in it. I bought another CJ 4 bolt block but used the internals from a 460. I just had the rods worked over real well like I stated before. I had enough power and torque to twist the frame on the car. That was after ripping out u-joints and motor mounts. I chained the motor down and after that the frame twisted. The rods held up just fine. If you are going to use NOS or a blower than things would be different. But as long as you go NA and only spin it up to 6K or less you should be fine. I have being building and running 460's since the early 80's I have never had a stock rod fail that was worked the way I stated. I currently have 230K miles on a 466 I built in 1988 and it is still running strong and this thing is not babied at all. The rods though reworked have 370K total on them. I am not trying to talk you into using them, as that is up to you. If you just want the extra piece of mind then go to a H rod from eagle or one of the other suppliers. Parts are a lot easier to get now that everybody is findout how much power these engines make. But bake then parts were very rare and very expensive.

Glenn

 

Thanks for your help Glen, I will be re-using the stockers.